What's it about, and what's so great about it?
Rurouni Kenshin is set during the Meiji Restoration of Japan, around approximately 1860. The tale centres around Himura Kenshin, a swordsman who was an assassin during the Bakumatsu period that preceded the Meiji era. During this time, Kenshin killed many people, and was labelled "Hitokiri Battousai" (not entirely sure what it means :D). He was always identifiable by the cross-shaped scar on his right cheek. Unfortunately, he ended up accidentally killing someone dear to him (his wife, Tomoe), which made him eventually quit the war for a more peaceful life. Years later, he wanders the land (Rurouni means "wanderer")trying to atone for his sins during the war by helping those in need with his sword. It is then that he meets Kamiya Kaoru, and the story begins.
What makes Kenshin a must-see? Several things, really. Foremost, this series features some of the most spectacular sword battles seen in any anime (second possibly only to Ninja Scroll) and is a treat to watch as a result. More notably, the character development is superb, with much-needed tension between many of the characters, and what about the characters themselves! They are very well-designed, and all, even the villains, have very well-defined backstories that make one empathise with them. My personal favourite is Hajime Saito and Hiko Seijuuro (they're just so damn cool, not to mention excellent swordsmen) but the other characters are no slouch either. All these are matched by a fantastic orchestral soundtrack that sets the stage perfectly.
My only complaint would be that after the main storyline arc is completed, the next is reasonably interesting, but the series' motivation goes downhill from there. There are numerous petitions to bring the later issues of the Rurouni Kenshin manga into animated form. In the meantime, check out the original series (it runs for 94 episodes!) as well as the 2 excellent OAVs that were produced, detailing Kenshin's past (including how he got his X-shaped scar) as well as events after the manga storyline have run their course.
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