Samurai X: Betrayal

I watched this movie a couple years ago and it completely blew my mind away. I was not a big fan of anime thinking it was all fun and games but this movie showed me otherwise. From the beginning it pulls you right into the story. Shinta is an orphan boy who gets raised by Hiko the Swordsman after his whole family is killed by thieves. Hiko then renames the boy Kenshin, the lovable samurai we all love. However this movie shows the darker, more sinister segment of his life, and shows he is called Battousai The Man Slayer. The torment that Kenshin has to live with is unbearable. Running away from his master before his training is complete he goes around trying to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled japan during the Ninteenth Century. He kills with no regard but then he meets Tomoe. A woman who shows Kenshin that killing isn't necessary to justify his means. With many turns of events this makes for an excellent time watching this movie!

Having been a long-time fan of the series, The OVA was a bit different for me. The artwork was darker, but gorgeous nonetheless and the overall tone was darker. If you want to see an emotional story animated beautifully (with some blood, of course...it is about a swordsman) check this out. I was used to the series animation, but it is very easy to be drawn into the story and style of the first OVA. I have seen a great deal of anime series and movies, and I can say the quality of the animation is fantastic. I would recommend this highly to anyone who has seen the series, especially because it is easier to understand the message and plot of the story, but also to anyone who wants to see a great anime film.