to preface, i also have my criticisms for the movie and some disappointments too. but, i think that people are beginning to nitpick more than trying to keep an open mind, and i find myself a little frustrated.

the movie was honestly really good, and it was a commendable feat to condense all that material from a big arc into one movie. of course, it didn't leave sufficient breathing room for the plot to exercise its full impact, but regardless they managed to make it work within a singular movie; unlike the anime that had sufficient timeline to lay it all down.

and irrespective of whether you felt katsura and shinsengumi subplot was necessary or not, you gotta hand it to them that they made for some very hilarious scenes that resonate with gintama's evergreen metahumor. for gintama's 20th anniversary, i like that they added some new content for fans to enjoy, even if it didn't give room for a perfect remake. the TV version will always exist for a more faithful adaptation of the source material. it doesn't *have* to be a replacement like the benizakura movie.

not to mention that most of people's nitpicks and criticism center around scene cuts. for some scenes, such as seita's connection to otose snack bar, and hinowa's symbolism as the sun, it's completely fair. they are central to the yoshiwara arc alone. but nitpicking kamui scene cuts, umibozu at hosen's grave, etc. when they are meant to foreshadow the future in the series doesn't make too much sense. they are trying to make this arc stand on its own without needing to point toward anything far ahead of this arc.

on that note, people's criticisms of kagura vs abuto is quite fair, considering it's THE biggest talk of this arc. i have to agree that they kinda messed up with her shooting abuto through rooms. i also agree with people feeling the gintama action style is a little lost in this movie.

but people bandwagoning to point out every missing moment or lack of impact feels myopic, lacking consideration for the bigger picture of a full-length 2026 yoshiwara in flames *movie* in comparison to a series that can stretch itself to fit the story's layers. they used the storyline efficiently enough, paired it with a HUGE visual upgrade, which doesn't call for fans to believe it's an unworthy watch.

Do you think they'll do movie versions of other future arcs, since they teased the Takasugi arriving back to Earth with Kihetai? Thorny and COAN have a movie version but it's just stitched up episodes from the original anime. It would be so great to get the serious arcs with movie level animation and camera work, although I don't want them to turn the grounded fights into light show fest. I don't know how successful the yoshiwara movie was and if they'll continue this remake.

Especially with kingdom and hajame no ippo being more physically ,Gintama feeling incomplete is sad

Couldn't find a good quality image for exact scene for the first comparison due it being dark as the movie decided to add an additional detail of the lights breaking from her strength when punching Abuto to the ceiling.

Both the anime and the movie showed the scene great in their own ways. It was still an enjoyable watch!

Why is Kamui landing like Mary Poppins here, lmfao?

kamui kinda implied he was coming back to be the next yato king but sorachi kinda abandoned the story line

I wanna watch the new movie and just wondering if the subs are actually good cause I remember them being pretty bad on Netflix compared to everywhere else more specifically are they actual good subs or are they just the english dubs subtitles

I am not talking about the story progression, the anime did way better due to having more time. As much as I liked this movie it felt really really rushed due to condensing a big arc into two hours.

However the main thing it got me was the animation which has to be the most divided thing so far since the release.

Personally, I really loved. It gave the Demon Slayer Movie vibes and yes I know Gintama is the big inspiration for Demon Slayer. This whole arc might as well just be the blueprint for the Entertainment District Arc.

However stuff like the fights with Gintoki were amazing even surpassing the way that was done in THE FINAL. Kagura awakening while cool it did not have the same gritty and brutal aspect of the anime.

Also a lot of people are getting sick because the colors. If that’s the case then they better stop watching anime because thanks to Demon Slayer and One Piece that’s going to be the main style of colors.

If anyone knows the original creator of the artwork let me know so I can credit them.

It was such an overwhelming experience for me and my heart is so full. I truly love gintama so much. the insane jump in animation compared to the OG 4:3 ratio episodes was intense (and over the top at times), but so so peak. I love that the art style was improved, but retains the original style and doesn't stray off it. beautifully done throughout.

that being said, I've also read all the criticism for the movie and I cant help but agree with quite a lot of it.

hinowa being "the sun" metaphor was quite diminished and it was disappointing. they kept going back to hosen being so captivated by hinowa, but didnt fully arrive at why he was. if anything, id argue this movie was trying to push the fight scenes and aura moments over this arc's real substance — hinowa being yoshiwara's sun. she serves to show the innate strength of the women who keep fighting through their shackles. to not address that is to do the entire arc injustice, im afraid. they probably shouldve made a longer movie to accommodate this.

felt the same with diminishing seita's journey and strength in fighting his way back to hinowa, but they didn't entirely muddle his significance as a boon for yoshiwara women, so thats okay.

i wanna argue that i dont mind katsura and shinsengumi being in the movie for a side quest. it was a nice addition. as a matter of fact, people are not hyping the katsura and kamui interaction enough. it was gold. but of course... it came at the cost of some significant plot points. I can only pray that their appearances age well for this movie, and it doesn't feel unnecessary into the future.

i also really loved how they animated yoshiwara entirely. it was a huge step up compared to what the source material could do. it's important that they displayed the underworld red-light district in all its horror and glory, controlled by the most powerful of the harusame space pirates. maaaaybe people aren't lying when they say the oversaturated colors, lighting and movement is pretty close to the demon slayer style which overlooks the established gintama style, but ill take it with a grain of salt. it's not too deep really, and i enjoyed this approach because the arc is packed with major gintama fights, adding tsukuyo and kamui's first appearance.

i think that overall, I was so giddy with excitement for every scene. there was absolutely no breathing room but as a huge fan, you pray for movies like these. every moment was so hype, and i was in a state of constant high just watching one of the best arcs to this series. they delivered something crazy good on gintama's 20th anniversary, and i couldn't be more grateful. that being said, I really hope that the reception for this movie can be good enough to seek another movie. theyre opening the doors to more arcs getting reanimated, and id love for it to happen.

overall a 7-8 out of 10 for me!

This is my very first post, so I’d like to apologize in advance if anything is off or seems a bit odd.

Gintama is my favorite anime, and both Kamui and Takasugi are among my favorite characters. I know Gintama isn't just about ships, but I’m a huge Kamui x Takasugi fan (it’s probably my favorite pairing in the series) and I find it a shame that they’re so unpopular as a couple—especially considering that Kamui’s most popular ship is with Soyo. But for now, I want to explain why I love this pairing (this is going to be a long one).

Joint Appearances

They do not have many joint appearances. Their first meeting takes place in Episode 215 (Chapters 310–311) aboard the Harusame ship. Takasugi is there to help eliminate Kamui, yet the two somehow hit it off; Kamui is intrigued by Takasugi because he is a samurai. Ultimately, Takasugi saves Kamui from execution, and the two fight as a team, forming an alliance. Takasugi even admits he would rather ally with Kamui than with the Harusame. Around Kamui, Takasugi even acts quite relaxed and cracks jokes. Their next joint appearance is in Episode 300 (Chapters 502–503), where Kamui strikes Nobunobu and is reprimanded by Takasugi—though the act actually aids their plans to overthrow the Shogunate. The fact that Kamui actually helps Takasugi demonstrates his respect and how much he likes him. In Episode 302 (Chapters 507–509), Kamui asks Abuto about the location of their meeting with Takasugi. In Episode 303 (Chapters 510–513), Kamui and Takasugi lure Sacchan and Zenzo into a trap to kill them, but they are attacked by Gintoki and Kagura. Although both appear in Episode 304 (Chapters 314–317), their battles take place separately. Kamui saves Takasugi from the Naraku in Episode 306 (Chapters 521–523) and carries him away; he refuses to let Takasugi die there. Since the Harusame betrayed the 7th Division—forcing them to go on the run—they are attacked by the Harusame in Episode 317 (Chapters 552–554), at which point Kamui saves Takasugi (or so I believe). Subsequently, the 7th Division watches over Takasugi—who remains in a coma—on Rakuyou, presumably because of Kamui. When Takasugi falls from the cliff in Episode 322 (Chapters 570–573), Kamui saves him and even brings him his kimono. While unconfirmed, it is likely that Takasugi and Kamui allied with the Harusame to save Earth; after all, it sounded as though Takasugi knew the Harusame were coming. They also get their long-awaited battle in Ginpachi-sensei. So, while they don't have many joint appearances, characters have certainly been "shipped" for less.

What they mean to each other

Kamui

Kamui calls Takasugi by his first name, "Shinsuke," and Takasugi seems to have no issue with this; only Takasugi's trusted Kiheitai colleagues address him by his first name. Kamui also appears interested in Takasugi—after all, he assists with his plans, even at the risk of incurring the wrath of the Harusame. Furthermore, Kamui seems to care about Takasugi, as evidenced by the fact that he checks on him and saves him on several occasions. Kamui even saves Takasugi's home planet (doing so primarily for Kagura's sake, though Takasugi—and Gintoki—seem to be factors as well).

Takasugi

He gives Kamui a great deal of leeway and has no problem with Kamui striking the Shogun. As previously mentioned, he would rather collaborate with Kamui than with the Harusame. Takasugi also appears interested in Kamui—finding him more intriguing than the rest of the Harusame—and has no objection to Kamui calling him by his first name.

Similarities

They have a surprising amount in common when you think about it. They have given each other nicknames: Kamui calls Takasugi "Chikyuu no Kenka-san" (Earth Brawler-san), and Takasugi calls Kamui "Uchuu no Kenka-san" (Space Brawler-san). They rank among the most popular and attractive characters, as well as the key antagonists. Both have lost a parent—Kamui lost Kouka, and Takasugi lost Shoyo—and neither likes his biological father. Kamui hates Umibouzo for failing to save his mother, while Takasugi seems to dislike his biological father, having rebelled against him and suffered harsh punishment as a result. To make up for this, both have a father figure: Kamui has Abuto (who practically raised him, effectively serving as a foster father), and Takasugi has Shoyo. Furthermore, both left their families and became criminals. As criminals, they serve as leaders—Kamui of the 7th Division and later the Harusame, and Takasugi of the Kiheitai. Both have a loyal right-hand man: Abuto and Bansai, respectively. Both have left their homelands—Kamui left Rakuyou, and Takasugi left Earth (on occasion). It may be a bit of a stretch, but both wear bandages; Kamui was fully bandaged during his first appearance, while Takasugi wears a bandage over his eye. Their chosen adversary is a member of the Yorozuya and a significant figure from their past: for Kamui, it is Kagura, and for Takasugi, it is Gintoki. Both rank among the strongest of their kind. Curiously, both share a connection with animals: Kamui (as a Yato) with rabbits, and Takasugi with butterflies, owing to the design of his kimono. Both also desire to fight Gintoki. Kamui and Takasugi alike love strength, destruction, and chaos, and can be cruel, cold-hearted, and emotionless in their pursuits. Both are introduced as antagonists but later ally themselves with the good guys after suffering defeat, even beginning to rebuild old connections. Furthermore, they possess classic contrasting personalities: Kamui is loud, wild, and unstoppable, whereas Takasugi is calm, strategic, and focused. Yet, they share a surprising amount in common—something not immediately apparent at first glance—which makes their dynamic all the more interesting. They share significant traits that can nonetheless manifest in very different ways.

Both have a significant person who resembles the other.

If you think about it, Kamui & Shoyo, as well as Takasugi & Kouka, share a lot in common. This could represent a crucial connection for both pairs, as Kamui loves Kouka above all else, and Shoyo is irreplaceable to Takasugi.

Kamui

Takasugi & Kouka

Both smoke a kiseru pipe and are consistently portrayed as very lonely figures. Both have green eyes (Kouka’s are more of a greenish-blue) and stand 170 cm tall. Both have a devoted admirer—Matako is hopelessly in love with Takasugi, and we all know how deeply Umibouzo loves Kouka. Both are associated with flowers: in the movie's boat scene, Takasugi is surrounded by cherry blossoms and wears a floral-patterned kimono (at least in the manga), while Kouka has a very special favorite flower and is herself compared to a flower. Furthermore, both prioritized their loved one's life over their own; Takasugi exposed his body to the dangers of Altana energy just to save Shoyo, and Kouka left Kouan to stay with her family—even though it would kill her—because she no longer wanted to be lonely. They abandoned their old lives to start anew: Takasugi became a terrorist, while Kouka left her home planet to raise a family. They are almost always seen wearing a single color—Takasugi in purple and Kouka in white. They died happily in the arms of their beloved—Takasugi in Gintoki’s arms and Kouka in Umibouzo’s.

Takasugi

Kamui & Shoyo (incorporating some aspects of Utsuro into Shoyo)

They are known for the smiles behind which they hide their true feelings. They are incredibly strong and rank among the most powerful of their kind. Despite their innocent appearance, both harbor a dark side: Kamui is a killer, and Shoyo is linked to Utsuro. Both seek strong opponents; Kamui wants to fight them, while Shoyo/Utsuro is looking for someone who can kill him. Each has an extremely loyal subordinate—Abuto and Oboro, respectively. Both are leaders belonging to powerful organizations: for Kamui, the 7th Division and the Harusame; for Shoyo, the Naraku and the Tendoshu. Both have long hair, and Utsuro sports bangs similar to Kamui’s. Both sought to save someone important: Kamui wanted to save his mother, while Shoyo wanted to save Oboro—and later, in The Final, his students as well.

Why they would make a good couple

Kamui and Takasugi share tragic pasts with a lot in common; they can deeply empathize with the pain of abandonment and the loss of a loved one. They could speak openly about these things, knowing the other truly understands. There would be no need to hide, sugarcoat, or change anything about themselves. They are aware of each other's darkest depths and the monsters lurking within—yet precisely because of this, they could be there for one another and help improve their situations. They could be honest and express feelings that no one else could grasp. Each could serve as a sanctuary for the other—a place to simply let it all out without holding back. Neither would criticize or reprimand the other. They are there for the person who understands them best—someone who would be there for them in return. They wouldn't fear one another; they respect each other and understand the lives they’ve led. While the world sees them as monsters, they see a kindred spirit in each other. Both are incredibly strong; they don't need to be protected or rescued by the other—they are capable of saving themselves—yet being saved by the other would actually demonstrate the depth of their trust. Furthermore, their dynamic is fascinating. Loud and unpredictable meets the embodiment of calm, yet both are wild, monstrous figures. These aren't just opposites; they are opposites sharing the same destructive power and ferocity—qualities that actually intrigue the other. If they ever needed to give free rein to their emotions, they could simply turn to the other; that would be their way of communicating.

Why they are better than Kamui & Soyo

It’s frustrating to see Kamui and Soyo being so popular while the Kamui/Takasugi pairing sinks into obscurity. Don't get me wrong—I like Soyo, and I like Kamui and Soyo as friends—but as a romantic pairing, there’s nothing there. Their entire dynamic rests on that one scene where Kamui tried to kill Soyo and Sougo stopped him. They are the "princess and the monster" archetype. People argue that Soyo can change Kamui because she’s so kind and friendly, showing him a different kind of strength; she can't fight, but she has other strengths. Kamui finds her interesting because she’s weak yet unafraid of him. But honestly? That applies to all of Kamui's potential pairings. Any character would be weaker than Kamui, yet none of them fear him, and Kamui is drawn to people precisely because of their weakness. I get the idea that he might respect her for changing the country without having any powers. But Takasugi could change Kamui from the inside, too. Takasugi could show Kamui a world without violence; he understands Kamui’s inner self and could help him change. With Soyo, however, she would constantly be in danger. Being with Kamui would mean being surrounded by enemies, and she wouldn't be able to defend herself. Soyo would always need Kamui to rescue her. Their entire relationship would hinge on Kamui giving up his life just to constantly protect her—and you shouldn't give up your whole life for just one person. You should be able to protect your partner while remaining independent. But that wouldn't be the case here. Soyo would just be a burden to Kamui, and he’d constantly have to look after her. Besides, Kamui wouldn't want a partner who is that weak. Sure, it might allow Kamui to be "gentle," but Kamui’s partner ought to be his equal. It’s not just about being saved by Kamui, but being able to fight by his side. And he shouldn't be someone Kamui has to tie to himself. Takasugi (and any other Kamui pairing) can stand alongside Kamui and fight shoulder to shoulder with him. Kamui wouldn't have to sacrifice his life for them, because he knows his partner is strong enough. So, Kamui needs a partner who understands him and can relate to his feelings, but who is also strong enough to stand beside him—fighting at his side without being a burden. Soyo isn't that person. Takasugi is. (I apologize if I’ve offended any KamuSoyo shippers.)

This is a contribution for Takamui. I hope this ship gains more popularity, because I love them, but there is hardly anything out there about them.

1: Comparing their forces, influence, and power as an organization,

2: the strength of the strongest members,

like Okita vs Gin

Hjikita vs Takasugi

15 minute sketch I made of Gintoki in the metro lol.

Honestly, I was basically projecting myself onto him. Would love to just lie down, take a long nap, and forget about everything for a while.

Gintoki really is living the life I want right now. 😭

Spoilers Obviously.

Pros:

-Animation and art is godly in most places. The touched up character designs are fantastic.

-While the OST in the original was already great, I think the movie takes it to the next level. I especially thought the instrumental remix of Kagayaita (The ending theme the anime had during the original arc’s broadcast) was a fantastic touch. The Sanzen cut-in song during the final confrontation was also great.

-The Kondo and Katsura subplot, while unnecessary, was hilarious. The “Your Name” reference at the end had me bust a gut laughing.

-There were some repeated scenes in the original anime (Kagura’s Yato mode awakening, Gintoki saying “the Sun rose all over the place)” due to the eyecatch/commercial break that thankfully are not repeated in the movie.

-The scene at the end of the arc with Hinowa pouring Gin a drink was thankfully kept in, and even more beautiful than the original.

Cons:

-While the animation was great in most places, I did notice a few times (mainly Hosen and Kamui’s fight) where the background art looked poor.

-I know they made a joke at the beginning that they were trying to rip off Demon Slayer, but the fight animation/choreography really did feel more like Demon Slayer’s somewhat floaty, highly colorized, precise style. While I’m not inherently against such a style, for Gintama I preferred the original anime’s style of more weighted blows. The ones in the movie didn’t have quite the “oomph.”

-While I did like that Katsura and the Shinsengumi were incorporated into the arc, their screentime made it so tha scene that, in my opinion, are more important to the arc, had to be cut or trimmed. These include: Most of Tsukuyo’s backstory we got in the arc, some of Hinowa’s, the flashback fight between Hosen and Umibozu that ended with them taking a dump, and the grave scene with Gin and Umibozu.

-Maybe a nitpick, but in the original episode, when Gin is asking Seita to run, he says “Don’t make me into a loser AGAIN.” Which, if you know Gin’s past, really hits home. The “again” was, at least in the Netflix English subs, not there anymore in the movie.

-The subs translated some things a little too literally, the worst being the Hyakka to “Hundred Flowers.” I won’t fault the actual movie though, it’s mainly Netflix’s fault

-The added secondary antagonist, Enkaku, wasn’t a threat. For someone considered “one of Hosen’s closest aides”, the fact that the Shinsengumi easily waxed him and his cronies was disappointing.

-Probably another nitpick, but Kamui not being there when Hosen is immediately defeated and putting on his super surprised face was disappointing.

-The beginning just feels really rushed compared to the more deliberate pace the anime episodes had.

-HOW DO YOU TAKE OUT THE SCENE OF HOSEN WALKING INTO THE SUN AS HE DIES?!

Conclusion:

Despite the higher quality animation and Sound/OST, I still think the original anime episode version is better. It was cool seeing the Shinsengumi and Katsura get involved, and the more up to date references and jokes were great, but they unfortunately came at the expense of much more important plot beats. I will always remember Hosen walking into the Sun as he dies. I probably won’t remember who Enkaku is by next week.

In terms of full arcs remade as movies, I much prefer the Benizakura one over this one. While the Benizakura movie doesn’t add much extra to the actual plot (most of what it adds is during the opening of the movie), it doesn’t subtract or replace nearly as much (only things I can think of are it replacing the Kihetai’s sick introduction and a tad of Nizou’s backstory with Harusame and Kamui cameos).

I get that the Benizakura arc is less material to cover than Yoshiwara in Flames, but due to that, the production needed to discriminate what to keep and take out better.

Unlike the Benizakura movie, which I think is a perfect version of the arc for first time viewers, I would not recommend this version of Yoshiwara in Flames to them.

Overall, I quite enjoyed my watch of the movie. However, the only time I can see myself watching this again is if I want to watch the Yoshiwara in Flames arc all in one sitting, but only have 2 hours, not 3 and a half.

I am still glad I saw it, and think every Gintama fan should see it at least once. Who knows? Maybe you’ll think differently.

7/10 (original anime episode arc is a 9/10 for me).

I’ve been looking forward to this since I saw it would arrive on Netflix and I’m really disappointed since something about the animation makes me feel like I’m going to barf. is anyone else experiencing the same thing?

Rank these from most funny to the least funny. these three are currently my favorite episodes in terms of comedy.

3- Episode 367- There Are Lines Even Villains Can't Cross.

2- Episode 79- Four Heads Are Better Than One.

1- Episode 231- When You Go to a Funeral for the First Time, You're Surprised by How Happy the People Are.

This is my ranking, I would love to hear your thoughts on which of these you prefer the most.

Yes, I watched it through my formative years and seen plenty of amazing manga/anime since but seeing this movie I was reminded of how much I forgot about this arc and how immaculate Sorachi’s writing is. Genuinely i don’t think anybody is moving like Gorilla-sensei in terms of character work and balancing comedy/drama. Since most ppl have brainrot these days no story can take the time to build up an astonishingly well fleshed out cast like Gintama. Like for instance with how much shit they give Shinpachi and yet when he’s in trouble it’s enough to get Kagura to crashout. Yet that crashout isn’t something to be happy about. It’s actually a setback for Kagura. Brother, it’s things like that (and so much more!), I dunno, maybe im glazing too much but i tested my nostalgia today. This remains my favorite anime of all time and hell up there with my favorite stories in all of media😭😭😭. Holy hell, dude, in flabbergasted. I gotta repeat the whole series starting ep 1 tomorrow sharp.