Live-action 'Rurouni Kenshin' film to premiere at Eigafest 2012

The live-action adaptation of the popular manga turned anime series "Rurouni Kenshin" is set to premiere opening night at LA EigaFest.

LA EigaFest, a Japanese film festival, is set to run from December 14 until December 16 at the Egyptian Theater. It has three mission objectives: showcasing Japanese and Japanese influenced film that cater to broad American audiences, the promotion of Japanese talent to Hollywood, and to strengthen communications between the United States and Japan. LA EigaFest, according to the website, is the biggest event by Japan Film Society or “NPO.” Opening night of LA Eigafest should be the biggest night and potentially the biggest draw. This is because LA EigaFest is hosting the premiere of the live-action adaptation of “Rurouni Kenshin.” As LA EigaFest debuted back in 2011, LA EigaFest should be gaining much momentum due to being given the chance to be the first to give the American premiere of this highly anticipated film. Keishi Otomo was responsible for both directing and the screenplay. Rurouni Kenshin was originally a manga that was created by Nobuhiro Watsuki which ran for a couple of years in the popular manga publication called “Shonen Jump.” A Japanese anime series was in-turn adapted from the manga. Currently, VIZ Media has the American manga rights while Media Blasters has the American anime rights. This live-action film could be the biggest draw of the 2012 LA EigaFest. Japanese actor Takeru Satoh stars as Kenshin Himura, the main character of the franchise let alone the live-action adaptation. Satoh is no stranger to samurai fiction as he starred in the historical series called “Ryomaden.” According to producers, Satoh looked the proper part for the role of Kenshin. For a popular manga/anime franchise, Satoh has big shoes to fill as he portrays the live-action counterpart of Kenshin. The live-action movie features notable characters from the anime such as Sanosuke and Hajime Saito. However, this is not the only film that could draw in a large crowd. The Japanese anime film called “Okami Kodomo no Amie to Yuki,” the “Wolf Children” in English, is also one of the films to premiere. It is co-written by Mamoru Hosoda who directed two notable anime films known as “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” and “Summer Wars” respectively. Currently, Wolf Children has won the award for Best Animated Feature at the 45th annual Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival. It is currently being screened at other international film festivals. Live action versions of “Helter Skelter” and “Thermae Romae” are also set to premiere at the 2012 LA EigaFest.