Review of Gintama

When Trixie Tang said in the Nick show Fairly Odd Parents that comedy is the lowest form of entertainment next to animation, I could not agree less. Comedy is one of the less thought-provoking genres for the reason that its sole purpose is to entertain. It has little value. But comedy isn't just any genre, it requires talent and timing. Animation on the other hand is very expensive and hard to maintain. We are graced by both Western and Japanese animation that a true masterpiece can only be seen from the likes of Hayao Miyazaki's works. And the animation market grows smaller and smaller asthe audience grows older that only hardcore fans remain up to their 40s.

Gintama belongs to the lowest forms of entertainment. But unlike any ordinary comedy, Gintama is worth watching to the end.

I study 4 hours away from home and I return every other weekend. Five episodes of Gintama are shown every Saturday in Tagalog and I got curious how Yu-Gi-Oh suddenly becomes Hajime no Ippo by the next episode. It took me the following summer to begin watching Gintama from episode 1 to 201.

The first episode was very flashy. The Sci-Fi setting and retro-future theme got my inquisitive nature hooked. The premise is about the society and geopolitics of Edo Period Japan when aliens called Amanto ended their close-door policy. The story then revolves around the misadventures of Gintoki, the Yorozuya, the Shinsengumi and vibrant characters around Kabuki District in the metropolis known as Edo.

While some people say the first 30 episodes were boring, they were wrong. Maybe they just forgot about Vanessa or Hamiko. The art was actually poor to average in the first season but the music was definitely good.

The following seasons are better in all aspects including art. You gotta expect hair-raising action. Other than that, there is drama. Unlike most shonen anime, Gintama starts fresh with every story and does not go stale from repetitive flashbacks and filler arcs for fillers' sake.

I can vividly remember every main character in the series from the stupidest alien prince to the evil prodigy. They are all quirky and interesting in their own ways. Each having their own strengths and limitations as a human or an amanto.

The audience does not have to understand Japanese culture just to enjoy it. The situation spells it. It's the hit that always counts and not the misses. I enjoy it in both languages: Japanese and Tagalog.

I liked how Gintama repeats that there is a noble soul in every one of us whether you are a gorilla, an old hag, a failure of an adult, or just a plain ordinary fanboy. Simple thoughts along the punchlines and action that can provoke thought and emotion like how life can be intimidating or full of pressures but that won't stop us from keeping on going or in the face of adversities, you have a "nakama" or two to be there for you.

I still haven't gotten over Gintama. Its OP and ED still echo in my ears. I recommend watching it up to 201st episode. It really is worth it. I assure you. Gintama is for everyone. I like it. My sister likes it. And my mother likes it. Whether you watch it plot-wise, character-wise or theme-wise, Gintama will not fail you.

A comedy anime with a silver soul. That is Gintama.