by Kristopher Inting
Last Friday, December 7, a platoon of black clad warriors wearing the colors of Clan IGA, and their allies, trooped to the Mega Market of Sy, on a mission. To relive and experience anew living, and fighting, in early Meiji Period Japan, through the characters of a Manga series, created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Yes folks, the members of IGA-Ken succumbed to their inner child (well, for some of us that isn’t too far of a stretch), and watched Rurouni Kenshin, the live action movie.
Photo source http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/sm-cinema-confirms-nationwide-showing-of-live-action-rurouni-kenshin/
This movie is based on the manga and anime series of the same name, but locally released as “Samurai X”, that came out in the 90’s. Its importance in familiarizing us Filipinos with certain aspects of Japanese culture and history in general cannot be overstated. And in particular it got the kids (and not so kids) of that generation interested in Japanese swordfighting, ergo Kendo. While I myself was already interested in Kendo at that time, watching this anime certainly added to my interest in Japanese sword-arts.
It is no wonder then that when news of this movie first came out, the members of IGA-Ken were excited and left wondering if it would ever come out here in the Philippines. The drama of the internet announcements of a showing date, the retraction, etc, were followed by the members with bated breath. And…finally, the December 5 showing date was announced to the general relief and cheer of the members.
“Despite the mysterious pullout of earlier announcements on Facebook, SM Cinema has confirmed on its Twitter account that it will indeed show the live action film adaptation of “Rurouni Kenshin,” the popular Japanese manga series created by Nobohiru Watsuki and also known as “Samurai X.” http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/sm-cinema-confirms-nationwide-showing-of-live-action-rurouni-kenshin/
Considering the interest of many of the club members in watching this movie, it was quickly decided to make an event of it. The original plan of sponsoring a private screening was shelved due to logistical issues, so instead we decided to make a group date of it. So on the evening of December 7, thirty plus members and friends of IGA-Kendo Club assembled in SM Megamall Building A. We first had dinner in Komorosoba, a very good place for affordable yet authentic Japanese food. Then it was onto the 7:15 pm screening.
This is not a review of the movie (that will come later), but suffice it to say that two hours later everyone exited the theater with excited smiles on their faces. Don’t believe me? Just look below!
All smiles from watching RK! (Well, expect for the few emo guys :P)
The movie was certainly a good one. Not only did it serve to satisfy old fans of Rurouni Kenshin, it made new ones. Some of our members who had no or little experience with it came out instant fans. And of course we are now all waiting excitedly for the rumored sequel!
It certainly was a good movie date. Good food, good movie, and good company. What more can you ask for, right?
