Overall: 7.5
Using violence effectively as a commentary on violence, director Hatsuki Tsuji crafts a beautifully harmonious film.
Story/Character Development: 7.0
Kenshin and Shigure, though opposed ideologically, share much in terms of their philosophies, turning them both,
essentially, into two facets of good at odds with the conniving, duplicitous Tomono and Kajiki, the leveling evil.
Art/Animation: 9.0
More akin to the television series than the OAV, the stylized design of "Requiem" appeals to "Rurouni Kenshin"
fans but certainly has its grim elements.
Translation/Acting: 7.0
Even good voice actors, in any language, are tested during the final duel in which much of the dialogue consists
of calling out the name of the sword technique being used, i.e. the Flying Dragon of Mitsu Rugi. Nonetheless, Shannon
Weaver as Kenshin and Judsen L. Jones as Shigure pull it off well enough that the scene is still credible and gripping
when the duel leads to remorse, shame, and forgiveness.
Format: 5.0
Easy to navigate, but the extras are limited to trailers, one for the theatrical spot for the movie, a theatrical
spot for the OAV, and several trailers of other ADV titles.
MPAA Equivalent: PG-13
Gore galore, the body tolls stack up to the point of desensitization. But the story weighs the moral burden of
death heavily on its characters.
