While I did recommend the anime Gintama for my last recommendation, the live-action came as a complete surprise. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe a Live-Action version was on the horizon.
A Character Driven Story
Gintama will always be known as a character driven story. When adapting to Live-Action the VA’s (Voice Actors/Actresses) will always be subject to change. In case you were wondering, here is the trailer for the upcoming movie.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJKrnJVEhQg[/embedyt]
My biggest problem is the fact that the cast is based on looks, standard for Japanese movies. Based on the trailer and cast it looked like Hiroyuki Miyasako, a popular Japanese comedian was in it. However, for the most part, every actor was chosen for looks which is why Japanese films tend to fall short.
Gintama Without Gintoki
Gintama lives and dies by the voices and without 
a single original voice how does the story live on? Simply put, it doesn’t. Choosing to re-tell the Benizakura Arc cuts out a majority of comedy in favor of action. This is what kills it in my opinion. Gintama will never be about a single arc, but rather the story behind it. Fans don’t re-watch the Benizakura arc. Instead, the focus is on the small stories in between. It’s almost the same as if Gintoki was never included in the movie.
Steer Clear of this Live-Action
Okay, I can guarantee that it will not be as bad as the Dragonball Z Live Action. This being said, the movie is only intended for true fans or people who love the VA’s. They won’t find too much joy in it but instead poke holes in the story that is put forth. You won’t find me watching it though, I’d rather watch another arc where I can enjoy Yorozuya to its fullest.
