Adapting an anime is never easy. I suppose perfection is in the eye of the beholder and the same will undoubtedly be said of those awaiting to see the release of Fukuda Yuichi’s latest, Gintama as it’s one of the most celebrated anime shows and mangas to date with at least one more season in the works.
Oguri Shun reunites with Fukuda and stars in the title role next to actor Suda Masaki and actress Hashimoto Kanna inspired by Sorachi Hideaki’s manga centered on a trio of odd jobbers struggling to make a living in an alternate version of feudal Japan – one wherein aliens live among humans and technology is ahead of its time. Knowledge of the show and its characters per the film’s casting hint on the film’s story focus via the Benizakura Arc, one in which friends are mysteriously murdered at the hands of a lone blind swordsman corrupted by a biomechanical blade.
That story will also see the emergence of an enemy from our protagonist’s past, played by Domoto Tsuyoshi, laying groundwork for a layer of intrigue that one could only hope would be as equally invoked in sequels if this one is to the liking of viewers. That being said as big an elephant in the room as it is, the CG here is a hard sell, to say the least even though there’s a LOT fleshed out this time around than in previous teasers. It’s worth a look, in my opinion.
The Amanto, aliens from outer space, have invaded Earth and taken over feudal Japan. As a result, a prohibition on swords has been established, and the samurai of Japan are treated with disregard as a consequence.
However one man, Gintoki Sakata, still possesses the heart of the samurai, although from his love of sweets and work as a yorozuya, one might not expect it. Accompanying him in his jack-of-all-trades line of work are Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses and a strong heart, Kagura with her umbrella and seemingly bottomless stomach, as well as Sadaharu, their oversized pet dog. Of course, these odd jobs are not always simple, as they frequently have run-ins with the police, ragtag rebels, and assassins, oftentimes leading to humorous but unfortunate consequences.
Who said life as an errand boy was easy?
Also starring are actor Okada Masaki and actresses Nagasawa Masami, Hayami Akari and Nanao, with actors Yasuda Ken, Yagira Yuga, Yoshizawa Ryo, Nakamura Kankuro, Sato Jiro, Muro Tsuyoshi and Arai Hirofumi…and if you look closely, a big fluffy CG dog named Sadaharu.
Gintama opens in Japan on July 14. Watch the official trailer now.
