Follow the Reverse Blade Sword-wielding Samurai one more time.
[dropcap size=small]O[/dropcap]ne of Japan’s most popular worldwide, best-selling mangas of all time is getting its very own theatrical release in the United States. Titled Rurouni Kenshin, the live action trilogy takes place during the Meiji period in feudal Japan and follows former assassin Kenshin Himura who must survive in Japan’s rapidly modernizing society following a catastrophic and bloody war that has left the nation scarred and torn. Kenshin Mimura makes friends during his travels around Japan who help him fight numerous villains as he upholds his vow to protect the innocent. Watch the short trailer below!
“We’re excited to be working with GAGA to bring this international box office hit trilogy to North America,’” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. “This collection of movies stands out as incredibly authentic film adaptation that faithfully honors the original manga series. We’re eager to share Rurouni Kenshin with U.S. audiences in August.”
The Rurouni Kenshin live action trilogy has been hailed by Kotaku as possibly being “the single best Japanese live-action adaptation” and saying that “the sword fighting is amazing, the directing is brilliant, the casting nearly perfect.” The live action trilogy grossed well over $160 million internationally and it was well received by critics and fans of the manga and anime alike.
“Fans have been clamoring to see the ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ film trilogy and we are pleased to finally be bringing it to theaters,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “The action choreography and production design throughout all three films is incredible and has to be experienced on the big screen. Fans will not want to miss seeing them.”
All three films will be played in Japanese with English subtitles in U.S. theaters towards the end of this summer. Rurouni Kenshin: Origins will be released in theaters on August 8th through 10th, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno on September 12th through 14th and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends on October 3rd through 5th.
