Review of Gintama
An Ultra Super Duper Dunking Of All Anime Times, A MASTERPIECE! It is really all I want to say. But since this is a review, so I'm going to do it right. :) Story: Sure, when watching a couple of episodes, you would wondered, what's the point of this anime. It doesn't seem to have a goal. It doesn't seem to have a plot. All it is, is about some natural perm hair samurai who does odds and ends (jack of all trade) in order to survive in a world filled with Amanto (Aliens). Well, that's because that's really all it is about. But here isthe thing, the idea of such notion may not be much and if anything, it's just a simple case by case episodic type of story. However, the important part is the execution of the anime, and this is where it totally shines making it rather innovative than a typical anime with an already has a plot, such as Luffy wanting to be a pirate king and find the One Piece. What makes Gintama story great and fun to watch is because of the character and this show and the scripted that is voiced by voice actor/actress. The humor they bring into it, it's as if I'm watching a sitcom like The Big Bang Theory, or a cartoon like South Park. It's amazing how Gintama genre gather, basically, ever damn genre in a show and makes it shines. Gintama itself may as well be a genre. Each story has it's own pacing known as arcs, and it continues the daily lives of the Yorozuya. What I think best about Gintama isn't much for the plot or the story as it is more towards aiming for entertaining the audiences who just want to sit or lay down and watch a show with some good laughs and tears. Of course, Gintama also have serious moments where it caught you rooting for characters and wanting more fight scenes for thrills. Ever watch UFC? That's the kind of thrill you can get from watching Gintama too. But mostly, it's parody and comedy, but not random or confusing ones, they just do it right.
Art: Thank God no "Big Breast" unless intentional for parody and comedy purpose. The one thing I like about Gintama is that I love both guys and girls characters. It's not just aimed towards guys who probably would love big breast and slender body and such, but guys in here are freaking awesome and appreciated by both genders/sexes. This anime, shows how great diversity is and that you should be proud of what you are. At least, that's what the art work tells me. The art and animation is fluid and does things in a good pacing. Even the fighting scenes are memorable and the animation direction does it very well and steady. The artwork, while still has the anime vibe to it, it also feels very shounen, but at the same time, feels mature to it.
Sound: That Opening! That Ending! Jesus christ, just how do they do it! I often listen to the opening and ending without skipping them when it comes to Gintama. They just do it right. Even the soundtrack are immersive and set appropriate to the scenario. If the manga is good just for the character and story, then the anime is better in my opinion because of voice act and music/sound.
Character: This is where Gintama shines the most. Characters are not one-dimensional. They have the basic concept of a human being as well as a unique trait for each and every individuals. Without the characters having so much personality in Gintama, the story would have sucked as well as the characters. About every damn major to minor to recurring characters, has some significant about them that draws out the potential of the show. It also doesn't mind showing the embarrassing and ugly part of the characters, because ultimately, that's what humans are, they struggle to live. And because of that, characters does not feel run down and feel more realistic to our realm despite it being an anime. Most anime that I've watched, or should I say, most anime in general, characters are usually superficial and unrealistic as to how us human could act. Well, duh, it's an anime, so they have the right to make it unrealistic as possible. My point is, Gintama doesn't hold back, they don't mind showing the sexuality of both men and women and the "ugliness" which is basically the 7 deadly sins.
Enjoyment: I have watched it over, at least 4 times, and about ever scene I have, I have a good laugh at it. The first time I watch Gintama, there were scene that I laugh so hard, I was on the ground and my stomach couldn't take it. I literally almost stop breathing from laughing so hard and so much.
Overall: It's a show for everyone, even for people with serious story problem; it's not just comedy, but will mainly be funny. There will be arcs that are tear jerking as well as dreadful moments.