Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins

"The journey begins."

2012 2h 14m JA

🙌

7.5

BANGER

★7.5TMDB · 953

AdventureActionFantasyWarHistory

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

In 1868, after the Bakumatsu war ends, the ex-assassin Kenshin Himura traverses Japan with an inverted sword, to defend the needy without killing.

“The journey begins.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Takeru Satoh
Kenshin Himura
Emi Takei
Kaoru Kamiya
Koji Kikkawa
Udo Jine
Yu Aoi
Megumi Takani
Munetaka Aoki
Sanosuke Sagara
Go Ayano
Gein
Genki Sudo
Banjin Inui
Taketo Tanaka
Yahiko Myojin

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Keishi Otomo
Writers: Kiyomi Fujii, Keishi Otomo
Languages: Japanese
Countries: Japan

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

ERA

Did you know

Released 14 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "Rurouni Kenshin Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Keishi Otomo, shot by Takuro Ishizaka. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Tsuyoshi Imai shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

CAST

Did you know

Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei and Koji Kikkawa carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "The journey begins.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt1979319 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Keishi Otomo directs. Takuro Ishizaka behind the camera. Tsuyoshi Imai cuts. Produced in Japan. Dialogue in Japanese.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 14 years ago.
2Part of the "Rurouni Kenshin Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
3Directed by Keishi Otomo, shot by Takuro Ishizaka. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Editor Tsuyoshi Imai shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei and Koji Kikkawa carry the top of the cast.
6Marketing tagline: "The journey begins.".
7IMDB entry: tt1979319 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Classified under 12 themes, including "japan", "assassin", "samurai", "based on manga".

The technical file

Cinematography: Takuro Ishizaka
Editing: Tsuyoshi Imai
Production design: So Hashimoto
Costume design: Kazuhiro Sawataishi
Stunt coordinator: Kenji Tanigaki
Runtime: 134 min · 2h 14m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Box office: $61,700,000
Original language: JA
Certification (US): PG-13
IMDB: Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012)

Part of

Rurouni Kenshin Collection

Collection of the live-action adaptation of the Rurouni Kenshin comic series.

Also by

Keishi Otomo

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

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Wallpaper

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

Alunauwie2025-09-30
★ 9/10
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins brilliantly adapts the iconic manga into a cinematic masterpiece, with a compelling storyline, emotionally driven conflicts, and breathtaking action scenes. Supported by powerful performances—especially from Takeru Satoh—and immersive cinematography, the film offers a satisfying blend of heart and adrenaline. An absolute must-watch for action and manga fans alike. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)

Production companies