MANILA – The nation’s capital welcomed with open arms the stars and director of one of the year’s most anticipated Japanese films, Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, the first of two announced sequels to 2012’s hit film based on the beloved anime/manga franchise. On hand were director Keishi Otomo (who also helmed the first film) and lead actors Takeru Satoh (who plays the title character, Kenshin), Emi Takei (love interest Kaoru) and Munetaka Aoki (street brawler Sanosuke). The Manila event is the only red carpet premiere for the film to be held outside Japan, where Kyoto Inferno looks set to be among the year’s highest grossing releases.
In an official press statement, Warner Entertainment Japan Inc., President & Representative Director William Ireton was quoted as saying, “We are thrilled to bring director Keishi Otomo and castmembers Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei and Munetaka Aoki to Manila so they can personally thank and engage with the loyal fans of Rurouni Kenshin. The Philippines is a very important market for the franchise as proven by the outstanding box-office success in Manila of the first Rurouni Kenshin film in 2013.”
Hours before the stars and director flew in for the event on August 6, fans and media were converging enmasse at the SM Megamall activity center for a chance to meet and greet them. The screening proper took place upstairs in the SM Cinema, where they introduced the film.
A public press conference was held the following day at Makati’s Glorietta Activity Center, where scores of fans and media outlets participated in a lively Q&A with the director and his stars, who gamely fielded questions via an interpreter.
Over the two days of public appearances, raucous cheers and ovations greeted the Japanese talents – who looked simultaneously happy and surprised with their Philippine reception – wherever they went, as they entertained fans by graciously posing for photographs, quoted catchphrases, and signed autographs.
Warner Bros. Philippines (which is distributes the Rurouni Kenshin films in the country) general manager Francis Soliven said, “Moviegoers in the Philippines have helped create a wave of anticipation and excitement for the Rurouni Kenshin sequels and the… [then-] upcoming talent visit is a much welcome recognition of the fans’ ardent support.”
A mainstay of local anime broadcasts on a number of channels (and languages!) over the years, Rurouni Kenshin centers around Kenshin, a former assassin who tries to leave his murderous past behind in late 19th century Japan. The 2012 live-action film version was praised by fans and critics alike for its exciting, largely faithful approach to the source material.
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno opens in the Philippines on August 20, while Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends opens on September 24.
Words and photos by Mikhail Lecaros
Main photo (L-R): Director Keishi Otomo Takeru Satoh (Kenshin) Emi Takei (Kaoru) and Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke) greet their fans in Manila
