RUROUNI KENSHIN: KYOTO INFERNO

Original title: Rurôni Kenshin: Kyoto Taika-hen

Directed by:  Keishi Ohtomo. 
Starring:  Takeru Satoh, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Emi Takei, Yusuke Iseya, Munetaka Aoki, Yu Aoi, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Tao Tsuchiya, Min Tanaka
Running time: 139 minutes

The two part sequel of the long awaited live action adaptation from Rurouni Kenshin meets the expectation, at least from the cartoon and manga fans. Based on a best-selling manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki in the 1990s, the first film is a box office smash hit.

Just like any movie adapted from another medium I believe this one is independent from the animation/manga version. Takeru Sato takes the role as Himura Kenshin, an ex killer who become a pacifist hero. But his challenges are getting harder.

Home minister Toshimichi Okubo (Kazufumi Miyazawa) asks Kenshin to go to Kyoto and stop Shishio Makoto (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the ex-assassin who hated the new government since he is betrayed. Kenshin's jon is very risky, he might resort back to killing. Will he return to his old self?

With running time almost two and a half hours, this sequel can be chaotic and confusing for those who haven't seen the first film or who is not familiar with the animation/manga at all. Some might even lost to the historical and cultural background of swordsman in 19th century Japan.

In terms of story, it is not as good as the first one, although it does not mean that it is bad. For action fans, the action is amazing and breath taking but still holds more action for the last part, The Legend Ends, released just one month after this one.  

I think the story can be better by putting more motive's for Shihio's and his men. I mean, for an epic villain, how come he can gather so much capital and henchmen to his purposes without any hint of unifying ideology, let alone money? Some hyperbolic cartoon character is also here, which makes this one somehow felt like made just for true fans, not for average moviegoers.

But for most viewers it doesn't matter, at least they can relish the fact that their favorite cartoon series is now an epic movie. 

ROARING CURRENTS

Starring: Choi Min-sik, Ryu Seung-ryong, Cho Jin-woong, Kim Myung-gon, Jin-gu, Lee Jung-hyun

Directed by: KimHan-min

Running time: 127 minutes

South Korean cinemas realized that they have no Marvel comics to cash in. So they become more creative than audio visual factory of Hollywood. This time they took their own history to the big screen and put Choi Min-sik in the titular role. It pays off since this one is all time biggest grossing film in South Korean history.

The 16th-century historical epic is stirring nationwide enthusiasm, since it shows the early skirmish between Japan and Korea. Choi Min-sik act as admiral Yi Sun-shin (Choi Min-sik), once disgraced but then returned to the war scene to defend Korea under Joseon dynasty.

The Joseon's naval fleet were destroyed in the previous war. Only having 12 battle ships, Yi must face 300 Japanese battleships ready to take Korea. Facing limitations and mutiny among his own, Yi manages to keep the ranks in good shape and try to outwit and engage Japanese fleet by using the treacherous currents.

In the Japanese side, there's admiral Wakizaka (Cho Jin-woong) and pirate Kurushima (Ryu Seung-ryong), each has their own grudge against Yi. The battle of Myeong-Nyang is considered one of the most epic and memorable battle in the Korean naval history.

The film itself is mainstream at its best. With 60% of the duration allocated for the thrilling war, it does not disappoint action seeker. In the acting category, Min-sik is a badass actor with badass character. He shows that Yi is a leader that can inspire and sometimes, so hardcore. Unfortunately, those who seek drama and strong characterization will not find it here. The first half seems rushed in for the epic battle scene.