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Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning

Name: Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
Director: Keishi Otomo
Released: 2021
Duration: 138 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2021

TV-MA

Director

Keishi Otomo

Runtime

138 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a period drama that emphasizes psychological complexity and moral ambiguity over demographic diversity. While it lacks modern characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity, it excels in subverting traditional hero narratives through intricate character development. The film's strength lies in its handling of gender and cultural themes. By giving Tomoe a significant role in driving the story and critiquing the Shogunate's structures, the film goes beyond simplistic action formulas into more sophisticated territory. However, the historical setting naturally limits LGBTQ+ and racial diversity. The narrative focuses on the internal struggles of the protagonist rather than a broad range of human identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to an assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no queer subtexts or characters with non-traditional gender identities.

How does Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning portray gender?

Good

Tomoe challenges traditional gender roles by having a significant role in driving the story and a complex inner life. She drives the plot rather than being a passive figure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning?

Fair

Set in late Edo-period Japan, the film portrays a culturally uniform society. Diversity is shown through economic differences, such as rōnin and insurgents, rather than ethnic diversity.

How does Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores moral ambiguity during the Bakumatsu era by questioning institutional power. It presents a nuanced view of justice and political violence.

Does Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning include disability representation?

Limited

Representation of disability is limited, focusing mainly on psychological trauma. Disability serves as a tool for character development rather than a central theme.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by giving Tomoe a significant role in driving the story and emotional depth.
Critiques institutional authority and traditional morality in a sophisticated manner.
Explores complex psychological trauma arising from systemic political change.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender characters.
Limited portrayal of physical or sensory disabilities as meaningful identity markers.
Minimal ethnic diversity due to the historically uniform setting.

Official Synopsis

Before he was a protector, Kenshin was a fearsome assassin known as Battosai. But when he meets gentle Tomoe Yukishiro, a beautiful young woman who carries a huge burden in her heart, his life will change forever.

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