Gintama

Gintama, a popular Japanese manga series authored by Hideaki Sorachi, has entertained readers for over a decade with its unique combination of science fiction, samurai drama and comedy. This vivid universe crossed over to the big screen in 2017, creating a live-action adaptation that brought the imaginative world of Gintama to life. This action-packed comedy, directed by Yuichi Fukuda, stars Shun Oguri as the protagonist along with Masami Nagasawa, Kanna Hashimoto, and Wataru Ichinose in pivotal roles.

The film is set in an alternative late-Edo period, where aliens from outer space, known as "Amanto," invade Earth. The Shogun, recognizing the power of the invaders, surrenders, leading to a ban on carrying swords in public and the decline of the samurai class. However, not everyone is ready to let go of the samurai spirit. Notably, a silver-haired samurai named Gintoki Sakata (played by Shun Oguri), who runs an odd jobs business, still carries the fire of the samurai in his heart.

Gintoki's "Yorozuya" or "We do anything" shop, suggests the eclectic life that he leads. These 'anythings' can range from finding a lost pet to saving the world, which Gintoki does along with his bizarre crew: Shinpachi Shimura (Masaki Suda), a boy aiming to become a true samurai like his father was; and Kagura (Kanna Hashimoto), a girl from the powerful Yato clan who hides her tremendous strength behind her cute exterior. Together, they get entangled in the most outrageous situations, marked by unexpected battles peppered with a healthy dose of humor.

Playing the role of Tae Shimura, Masami Nagasawa enriches the movie with her performance. Tae aka "Otae", the elder sister of Shinpachi, runs a bar along with being a master hand-to-hand combatant. Her noble spirit and nurturing personality are a perfect counterbalance to the reckless adventures of the Yorozuya gang. She is often seen playing the comic relief to the intense sequences with her feisty persona and persistent misinterpretation of common situations.

Gintama's narrative is rooted in tackling sensitive themes like inequality, power dynamics, and crime, creating an interesting contrast with the lively visual aesthetics and light-hearted dialogue. The movie breaks the standards of the historical Edo period drama by infusing it with a dose of science fiction that alternates smoothly between lampooning cliches and delivering sincere life lessons.

Yuichi Fukuda beautifully manifests the elements of the original manga, combining an array of colorful characters, situational humor, and slicing sword action. Several visual effects are employed to portray the distinctive amalgamation of past, present, and future. The effects are particularly striking when depicting the Amanto, their technologies, and during the action sequences. The live-action film particularly excels in recreating Gintama's characteristic humor, by frequently breaking the fourth wall, thereby engaging the audience in the narrative.

Performance-wise, Shun Oguri does an excellent job, perfectly capturing the Gintoki's essence: devil-may-care demeanor, cheeky escapades and yet, a heart of gold. Likewise, Kanna Hashimoto shines as Kagura, bringing to life her animated counterpart's spunk and strength. Masaki Suda effortlessly portrays Shinpachi Shimura, adding more depth and wit with his performance.

Music is an essential part of the Gintama experience, and in this film, rock-influenced score adds an extra dimension to the narrative arcs and underscores the action sequences, making them even more lively and engaging.

Overall, Gintama 2017 serves as a testament to the popularity of the franchise. It successfully navigates the tricky path of translating an outlandish narrative filled with larger-than-life characters and intense style into live-action while keeping the essence and structuring true to its source material. Even though it caters primarily to the fans, the film's stark sense of humor and action sequences offer an enjoyable experience for all moviegoers, especially for those interested in epic action-packed narratives infused with a good dose of comedy.