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Gintama is a 2017 Japanese live-action film adaptation of the popular manga and anime series of the same name, which was originally created by Hideaki Sorachi. Directed by Yuichi Fukuda, the film brings to life the eclectic mix of historical drama, science fiction, and slapstick comedy that the source material is known for. Starring Masaki Suda, Kanna Hashimoto, and Masami Nagasawa among other notable Japanese actors, the movie caters to both fans of the original series and newcomers who enjoy genre-blending narratives that defy conventional storytelling.

The film is set in an alternate Edo period of Japan, where humanity is under the threat of alien invaders known as Amanto. After a fierce battle, the Shogunate realizes the power of the extraterrestrial beings and agrees to a peace treaty. This results in the ban on samurai and the carrying of swords, which fundamentally alters Japanese society. Under these new rules, the samurai spirit finds itself diminished but certainly not extinguished. In this peculiar world where traditional Japan clashes with advanced alien technology, and samurai mix with spaceships, we find our not-so-typical hero, Gintoki Sakata (played by Shun Oguri).

Gintoki is a silver-haired, sweets-loving, lazy odd-job man who runs an outfit called Yorozuya. He refuses to discard his samurai upbringing entirely, despite the sword ban. Instead, he carries a wooden sword and uses his wits and resilience to maneuver through life as a jack-of-all-trades. Alongside him are his friends and employees: Shinpachi Shimura (played by Masaki Suda), a young man with strong samurai morals trying to uphold his family dojo’s legacy; and Kagura (played by Kanna Hashimoto), a seemingly ordinary girl who is actually a member of a powerful alien clan with super strength. Kagura’s voracious appetite and quirky demeanor conceal her abilities and heritage.

The trio finds themselves entangled in various adventures and misadventures, often involving bizarre requests from oddball clients. This is all set against the backdrop of a society adapted to the presence of aliens, with conventional historical elements infused with unexpected intergalactic twists. Their interactions with a wide cast of supporting characters, including the Shinsengumi police force, struggling samurai, anti-foreigner rebels, and even Elizabeth—a large, enigmatic duck-like creature—creates a vibrant tapestry of narrative arcs and comical side stories.

While the film packs in action, comedy, and drama, what truly sets Gintama apart is its unique brand of humor. It thrives on self-referential jokes, breaking the fourth wall, and satirical takes on anime and pop culture tropes. But apart from the laughs it provides, there is a layer of heart and sincerity underneath—the theme of loss and the struggle to find a purpose in a rapidly changing world.

The central plot of the film follows a significant threat to Edo, as Gintoki and his friends discovers a dangerous conspiracy involving the Shogunate and a rebellion perpetuated by beings discontent with the current state of the world. Balancing broad comedy skits and cartoonish action sequences with moments of genuine emotion and character development, the film showcases the blend of humor and humanity that Gintama fans have come to love.

Masaki Suda's portrayal of Shinpachi provides the straight-man foil to Gintoki's lazy disposition. He stands as the voice of reason amid the chaos, often left to express the audience’s disbelief at the surreal events unfolding around them. Kanna Hashimoto's Kagura strikes the perfect balance between fierce and endearing, bringing life to the character's otherworldly attributes while grounding her with a sense of innocence and loyalty to her friends.

Masami Nagasawa plays a supporting role in the film, contributing to the tangled web connected to the larger narrative focused on identity, change, and honor. Her character adds depth to the story, tying into the overarching themes of past versus present and tradition versus progress that are cornerstones of the film’s narrative.

Gintama’s art direction and production design diligently recreate the world of the original source material. The juxtaposition of historical samurai-era architecture with futuristic alien technology presents a visually stimulating feast that aptly captures the mash-up nature of its setting. The action sequences blend swordplay with over-the-top feats of strength and agility, creating set pieces that are as thrilling as they are humorous.

The filmmaking team behind Gintama takes great strides to ensure the story respects its original material while still making it accessible and entertaining to those unacquainted with the manga or anime. However, what truly shines through is the film's ability to translate the essence of the source material's quirkiness, irreverence, and heart to the big screen, making Gintama a unique cinematic experience that both celebrates and parodies the traditional samurai genre within an outlandish yet familiar rendition of feudal Japan.

Gintama is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.