While based on a video game, the plentiful dialogue references to Japanese history and folkloric characters here somewhat distinguishes this anime series from so many others about young "sentai" teams of warriors. In the year 2205 (which, at least in confined settings, does not look particularly different from today), an unseen "Master" has given human form to the most famous swords in Japan’s feudal past (wielded by mythic heroes such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Oda Nobunga). The result is a team of eager young fighters with different temperaments (one constantly rues that he is not based on the original sword, just a copy of it), who embark on missions to various eras to fight against a "History Retrograde Army" that is trying to rewrite the outcomes of famous clan battles and duels (with monsters). Even with a premise promising loads of action, there is just as much—if not more—non-violent comedy-drama and lengthy talk (even musical-style) about divided loyalties, longing for "old times," the living swords’ contrasting personalities, and—of course—who gets to do the chores around the compound. Presenting all 12 episodes from 2016 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-PG, this is a strong optional purchase.(C. Cassady)
Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru
(2016) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $64.98. Funimation (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 5
Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru
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