This prequel to the Ruroni Kenshin TV series takes place during the Japanese civil war during which Kenshin earned his name, the Battousai, or the Manslayer. Fans of the original series who up until now have only been exposed to the repentant Kenshin who wanders in the hopes of redeeming himself for the death and destruction he wrought in his former days will be given a clear view into the previous life. The Kenshin that was known as the Battousai was not as evil as the name implies, however, as his motivations are made clear: he had a fierce need to fight for what he thought was right. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide