The first of two sequels to 2012’s Rurouni Kenshin (from Nobuhiro Watsuki’s manga) finds the swordsman (played by Takeru Satô) now attempting to live down his “Battousai the Slasher” reputation and live in peace and harmony with the world. Fate, however, has other plans, as the quasi-zombified Makoto Shishio (looking like an escapee from a death metal band) assembles an army to overthrow the post-Shogunate government, and Kenshin must return to battle without resorting to bloodshed. Cue much orchestrated “anti-violence” violence, Kenshin’s back-bladed sword allowing him to knock his enemies out without actually killing them, while others get on with the serious business of slashing, burning and pillaging. It’s entertaining in parts, but wildly overlong and narratively ill-disciplined. The galumphing score (which veers from orchestral to techno) adds melodramatic overstatement, while the Duran Duran hairstyles lend an unintended retro-pop touch.
