Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is a Japanese movie based on the popular manga series Rurouni Kenshin. The movie follows Himura Kenshin, a talented assassin during the revolution that led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
Clip #1
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=EhWNE6iug
- Course Classification: Macroeconomics.
- Concepts: Physical capital depreciation.
- Background: Himura uses swords in his work as an assassin. However, while swords are made of durable materials, they are not indestructible.
- Question: Explain how Himura’s regular use of his sword affects its value. Is there any cost associated with the usage of the sword?
Clip #2
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=aWw85ZH1e
- Course Classification: Microeconomics.
- Concepts: Negative externality.
- Background: Tomohe’s fiancé was killed by an assassin while working for the Kyoto watch, which dramatically affects her life.
- Question: When Tomohe’s fiancé (Akira Kiyosato) agreed to work for the Kyoto watch, was Tomohe supposed to be implicated? How come Tomohe is indirectly affected by Akira’s activities at work?
Clip #3
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=GlbDbwFA0
- Concepts: Asymmetric information, Adverse selection.
- Course Classification: Microeconomics, Industrial Organization
- Background: Tomohe was asked to observe Himura. The stated goal is to detect his weaknesses. However, she was not aware of the real objective of her mission.
- Question: Is Tomohe affected by not knowing the real goals of her mission? Did lying to Tomohe help the mission succeed? Explain the consequences of such information asymmetry.