In all the 150+ anime I have watched, very few series manage to weave the threads of humour, poignancy, and raw human experience with the deftness and originality of Gintama. This unconventional masterpiece, often hailed as the ultimate troll anime, stands as a remarkable reflection on the trials and tribulations of adult life. This detailed Gintama anime review is for anime watchers who have been dilly-dallying on whether to start Gintama or have mixed feelings regarding the mixed reviews you see on Quora and MyAnimeList.
VERY IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Gintama can only be thoroughly enjoyed by people who have watched 120+ anime (varying genres) in Japanese audio with proper subtitles. These people will often understand the usual Japanese culture, customs, and behaviours, but most importantly, the uncountable references to other famous anime Gintama very openly parodies.
These people will also understand the Japanese homonyms (words sounding similar, but with different meanings. Puns, basically). Or, if you are a Japanese citizen living in Japan.
In simple words – Advanced anime-otakus and weebs only. If you are a beginner, please don’t try Gintama, only to leave a scalding review which does no justice to the masterpiece.
Now that we have only advanced fellow weebs, let’s start with the most relatable anime regarding adulting and life in general.
About Gintama Anime: Genre-bending storytelling
Gintama stands as a refreshing anomaly of an anime that deftly combines samurai action with sci-fi absurdity. This series isn’t just another entry in the shounen genre; it’s a genre-defying rollercoaster that offers both laughter and introspection. Authored by Hideaki Sorachi and produced by Sunrise, Gintama debuted in 2006, and over 15 years, generated a massive 367 episodes and 3 movies.
The narrative of Gintama revolves around Sakata Gintoki, a former samurai who now works as an odd-jobs freelancer (Yorozuya) in a futuristic version of Edo, Japan.
Immersive and Expansive World-Building – The Setting Matters a Lot
The world of Gintama is a brilliant fusion of historical and futuristic elements. Picture a city that’s a curious mix of ancient Japan and advanced technology, where the remnants of a bygone samurai era coexist with quirky alien races known as the Amanto. Initially, this might appear like a strange mash-up, but it’s far from random—it’s the very heart and soul of Gintama.
Why does this blend of historical and sci-fi elements matter so much? It creates an endless variety of scenarios, from the mundane to the utterly bizarre, amplifying the show’s uniqueness and appeal. Imagine a world where anything can happen: a gorilla manga artist, a sadist and a masochist running amok, grown men in cross-dressing costumes, and characters with wildly unique quirks, like an obsession with mayonnaise or a penchant for sugar.
Throw in an idiotic samurai rebel leader, aliens of all shapes and sizes, and even someone dressed in a penguin costume—and somehow, it all fits together seamlessly. You’ll never question why certain characters behave the way they do because, amidst such a diverse cast, you’ll find yourself connecting with the unique quirks or beliefs some characters hold dear.
Gintama Anime Review – Pacing: Just bear with the first 12 episodes, I promise it gets better
Gintama requires patience for its initial 12-15 episodes, but once you’ve crossed that threshold, you’ll find yourself eager to uncover the mysteries of Gintoki’s past. With over 100 characters, Gintama gradually grows on you. Despite its seemingly chaotic structure, the series maintains a cohesive narrative through its well-developed characters and their interactions.
What sets Gintama apart is its originality; it’s an anime that defies being pigeonholed into a single genre, blending action, comedy, and drama with remarkable finesse. In fact, I often wish I could experience Gintama for the first time again. Even after multiple viewings, each time hits differently. I enjoy watching Gintama while relaxing alone because every viewing reveals something I missed before—be it the masterful voice acting or the deeply resonant truth bombs that make you go, “Dayumn.”
Gintama Anime Review – Themes: Unpredictability is the second name of Adulting
Beneath its comedic exterior, Gintama delves into profound themes that resonate on a deeply personal level. One of Gintama’s most profound insights is its commentary on life’s unpredictability. The series famously lacks a conventional goal or overarching point, with Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura simply trying to live their lives in a world that seems determined to thwart their every attempt at normalcy. This embrace of the ordinary and the mundane, coupled with a focus on living in the present, resonates deeply with viewers who find themselves navigating the complexities of adulting.
Social Commentary: Gintama is a master of satire and social commentary, using humour to address serious issues. The series tackles topics like class inequality, government corruption, and the impact of technology on society. Some memorable and impactful dialogues include:
- “Ironic, isn’t it? How the people who don’t have things…usually understand them better than the ones who do. “ – Gintoki
- “Truly said, ‘There’s one law for the rich, and another one for the poor.'” – Hasegawa (Madao)
- “Human beings are creatures that eat, work and sleep. If any one of these is satisfied, the other two will become satisfied as well. And only when these three have been satisfied do people truly realize that they’re alive.” – Katsura Kotaro
- “The more precious the burden, the heavier and more difficult it is to shoulder it.”
By presenting these issues in a light-hearted and entertaining manner, Gintama encourages viewers to think critically about the world around them.
The Absurdity of Everyday Life: One of the most relatable themes in Gintama is the absurdity of everyday life.
The series captures the mundane moments of existence with a comedic flair, highlighting the often chaotic and unpredictable nature of the human experience. This relatable approach allows viewers to find solace in the shared experience of life’s challenges. Some of my favourites are:
- “The stairs to adulthood may not always lead up.”
- “Anime and gambling are very similar. Either it’s a big hit, or you lose your shirt.”
- “You’re wrong. Life is a gamble. We’re all gamblers.”
- “People who are picky about food are picky about people too.”
- “Birthdays in your twenties don’t have any deep meanings.”
The Art of Voice Acting: Bringing Gintama’s Characters to Life
I firmly believe that the voice acting is what makes Gintama exceptional. The cast delivers performances that are not just memorable but deeply impactful, perfectly capturing the essence of each character. While every character and its accompanying voice actor does a fine job, I particularly enjoy Tomokazu Sugita and Kazuya Nakai’s performances.
Tomokazu Sugita, who voices Gintoki, has also voiced characters like Joseph Joestar from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures, Marlo from Attack on Titan, Katakuri from One Piece, and Gyōmei Himejima from Demon Slayer. Sugita’s portrayal of Sakata Gintoki is masterful. His ability to switch seamlessly between comedic timing and poignant moments demonstrates a deep understanding of Gintoki’s complex nature. Sugita’s delivery brings out Gintoki’s lazy charm and hidden depths, making him a character that resonates on multiple levels.
Similarly, Kazuya Nakai’s role as Hijikata is a standout. Known for voicing characters like Zoro and Mugen from Samurai Champloo, Nakai’s ability to transition between Hijikata’s moments of intense seriousness and comedic absurdity is a testament to his exceptional talent. The contrast between Hijikata’s serious demeanour and his unexpected comedic moments showcases Nakai’s versatility as a voice actor.
This level of dedication to voice acting ensures that the humour, drama, and heart of the series come through vividly, adding depth to the already rich narrative.
Is Gintama Worth Watching?
Short answer: HELL YEAH
Long answer: It’s the literal definition of “Keepin’ it real”. You can’t get (real-er) more real than that.
Gintama’s greatest strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend humour, drama, and social commentary. By exploring the complexities of adulting with honesty and wit, Gintama has earned a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique blend of entertainment and emotional depth.
In Gintama, Sakata Gintoki is far from your typical shounen hero. He’s not the wide-eyed teenager with lofty dreams and an unbreakable work ethic. Instead, he’s a disillusioned, broke twenty-something who’d rather take a nap than seize the mythical power of a Bleach-style bankai.
His daily life revolves around simple concerns—keeping his blood sugar in check, feeding the ravenous teenage alien girl and her giant pet dog that shares his small apartment, and paying the rent on time. Gintoki is famously lazy, greedy, and irreverent, often pushing the boundaries of good taste to the point where other characters have to remind him not to get the show cancelled.
But don’t let his carefree demeanour fool you. Beneath the surface, Gintoki is grappling with deep-seated trauma. He’s an orphan who became a war-weary veteran, burdened by self-destructive habits like drinking, gambling, and reckless behaviour. His past is shadowed by nightmares and memories so traumatic that they push his former comrades to revolutionary extremes. Yet, what makes Gintama truly unique is that it’s less about Gintoki’s troubled past and more about his journey of healing in the present. Isn’t that what adulting is all about?
The series (just like real life) doesn’t follow a straightforward plotline. Instead, it blends elements of a battle shounen with slice-of-life comedy, unfolding through a series of vignettes that explore the daily lives and relationships of its extensive cast. It’s like we’re living alongside Gintoki and his friends in the quirky world of Kabukicho, sharing their triumphs, struggles, and everyday moments over the course of the show’s impressive fifteen-year run. Through this intimate portrayal, Gintama offers a refreshing take on character development and storytelling, making it a deeply engaging experience for viewers.
Have you watched Gintama? Who’s your favourite character? Let me know in the comments below! (Mine is Katsura)
