Rurouni Kenshin is a 2012 Japanese film adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin based on Nobuhiro Watsuki's popular manga of the same name. Directed by Keishi Ōtomo, the film stars Takeru Sato and Emi Takei. The film focuses on fictional events that take place during the early Meiji period in Japan, telling the story of a wanderer named Himura Kenshin, formerly known as the assassin "Hitokiri Battōsai". After participating in the Bakumatsu war, Kenshin wanders the countryside of Japan offering protection and aid to those in need as atonement for the murders he once committed as an assassin.Rurouni Kenshin was theatrically released on August 25, 2012 in Japan, grossing over $36 million in that country and over $60 million worldwide as of November 2012. It was released in DVD on December 26, 2012.The film has been licensed for distribution in over 60 countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Hitokiri Battōsai participates in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and walks away from the battlefield as the victorious Imperialist forces celebrate. After a decade, he, now calling himself Himura Kenshin, arrives in Tokyo and meets Kamiya Kaoru, the owner of a Kendo school left to her by her father. Kaouru's only student is a boy named Myōjin Yahiko. Kenshin soon moves in with them after stopping a group of thugs in the employ of Kanryu Takeda from taking over the dojo. Takani Megumi, who had escaped from Takeda after being forced to make opium, also joins the group. She provides medication for the victims of poisoning who come to the dojo for help after one of Takeda's men puts rat poison in the community wells. Angry at Takeda, Megumi attempts to kill him, but is prevented from doing so and held hostage. Kenshin and Sagara Sanosuke attack Takeda's mansion, besting all his men. Saito Hajime then helps them subdue Takeda, who had armed himself with a gatling gun. They rescue Megumi, but discover that one of Takeda's men, Jin-e Udo, has kidnapped Kaoru. Kenshin pursues Jin-e and a duel ensues, ending when Kenshin shatters Jin-e's elbow with his scabbard. Jin-e then commits suicide. Kenshin takes the unconscious Kaoru back to the dojo, where upon waking up, she tells Kenshin that the dojo is now his home.
