Rurouni Kenshin (film)

Rurouni Kenshin (Japanese: るろうに剣心, Hepburn: Rurōni Kenshin) (also known as Rurouni Kenshin: Origins in North America) is a 2012 Japanese period action-adventure film based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Directed by Keishi Ōtomo, the film stars Takeru Satoh and Emi Takei. It 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.

Rumors circulated of a live-action adaptation of the manga before it was announced. The Sankei Sports newspaper reported that the staff aimed to release the film internationally and eventually make a series. This was the first live-action adaptation of the manga. During the production, Watsuki offered his ideas for the movie, which were used in the film. The film was distributed internationally by Warner Bros.

Rurouni Kenshin was theatrically released on August 25, 2012, in Japan, grossing over $36 million domestically and over $60 million worldwide as of November 2012. The film was licensed for distribution in over 60 countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia. The movie premiered in North America as an opening selection for the 2012 LA EigaFest on December 14, 2012.

On June 14, 2016, FUNimation Entertainment announced that they acquired the rights to the film, as well as its sequels Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends. The film hit North American theatres in August 2016 with an English dub.