Look, I’ve seen my fair share of anime finales over the years. Some stick the landing, others crash and burn harder than my attempts at making soufflé. But “Gintama: The Final” – this beautiful, chaotic mess of a movie – somehow manages to be everything fans wanted and more. It’s like that friend who shows up to your goodbye party, makes everyone laugh until they cry, then suddenly hits you with some profound life wisdom before disappearing into the night.
Released in January 2021 in Japan (and later internationally), this movie promised to wrap up the long-running Gintama saga once and for all. And boy, did it deliver – though in typical Gintama fashion, it wasn’t actually the final installment. Classic Hideaki Sorachi trolling us again.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s dive into why this movie is such a big deal, and why even if you’ve never watched a single episode of Gintama before (though seriously, you should), there’s something special about this bonkers finale that’s worth appreciating.
What the Heck is Gintama Anyway?
For the uninitiated (you poor souls), Gintama is… well, how do I even begin to explain Gintama? It’s like trying to describe a fever dream you had after eating spicy food and watching 17 different genres of TV in one sitting.
At its core, Gintama is set in an alternate Edo-period Japan where aliens called Amanto have invaded Earth and banned swords, effectively ending the samurai era. Our protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, is a former samurai who now runs an odd-jobs business called Yorozuya alongside Shinpachi Shimura (a glasses-wearing straight man) and Kagura (an impossibly strong alien girl with an umbrella and a bottomless stomach).
But that basic premise doesn’t even scratch the surface. Gintama is primarily a comedy that parodies everything from other anime to Japanese culture to international politics. One episode might be a hilarious Dragon Ball reference, the next could be a toilet humor festival, and then suddenly you’re watching a deadly serious samurai drama with cinematic fight scenes that rival any action blockbuster.
It’s this wild tonal whiplash that makes Gintama special. And somehow, it works. It absolutely shouldn’t, but it does.
The Road to “The Final”
Before diving into the movie itself, it’s worth noting that Gintama had a long, strange journey to this conclusion. The manga by Hideaki Sorachi ran from 2003 to 2019, while the anime began in 2006 and went through several iterations, cancellations, time slots, and even studio changes.
By the time “The Final” rolled around, fans had already weathered multiple “final” seasons and fake-out endings. Sorachi himself became infamous for constantly delaying the manga’s conclusion, to the point where it became a running gag within the series itself.
“Gintama: The Final” adapts the manga’s actual final arc, the aptly named “The Final” arc, which follows the “Silver Soul” arc. And in true Gintama fashion, even after “The Final” movie, we got one more anime film called “Gintama: The Very Final” (I’m not making this up) that adapted the bonus chapters from the manga.
If you’re confused, that’s part of the Gintama experience. Embrace it.
The Plot: Serious Business (No, Really)
Despite its reputation for fourth-wall-breaking comedy, Gintama’s final arc is surprisingly straightforward and serious. “The Final” picks up after the events of the Silver Soul arc, where our heroes fought against the seemingly unstoppable Utsuro – the immortal founder of the assassination group Naraku and the original identity of Gintoki’s former teacher, Shoyo Yoshida.
The movie focuses on a new threat: Utsuro’s will has manifested in the form of Tenshouin Naraku, an extremist faction determined to destroy the Earth to fulfill Utsuro’s wish for death. Meanwhile, former Shogun Shige Shige’s uncle, Tokugawa Takechi, returns to claim the shogunate with the help of the remnants of the Tendoshu (the Amanto who originally invaded Earth).
In the midst of this chaos, Gintoki reunites with his former comrades from the Joui War – Katsura, Takasugi, and Sakamoto – to face these threats and protect their home. But the emotional core of the film revolves around Takasugi Shinsuke, Gintoki’s former friend-turned-enemy, who is now dying but determined to fulfill one last mission.
If that sounds complex, it is. The movie assumes you’re familiar with the series’ sprawling cast and history. Newcomers might feel lost, but the emotional beats still land with surprising force.
The Comedy: Still Bonkers After All These Years
Despite the serious plot, this is still Gintama, and the comedy remains as sharp as ever. The film opens with a fake-out scene parodying another popular anime (a Gintama tradition), and throughout the runtime, there are plenty of classic Gintama gags:
- Fourth-wall breaks about animation quality and budget
- Ridiculous fight scenes that suddenly turn into comedy skits
- Characters commenting on typical shonen tropes while actively participating in them
- Toilet humor (because it wouldn’t be Gintama without it)
- Visual gags that make absolutely no sense out of context
What’s impressive is how seamlessly the film transitions between these comedy moments and the genuinely emotional story beats. One minute you’re laughing at a ridiculous joke, the next you’re watching a heartfelt conversation between characters with years of complicated history.
This tonal balancing act has always been Gintama’s greatest strength, and “The Final” showcases it perfectly. It’s like watching a master chef who knows exactly when to add spice and when to let the natural flavors speak for themselves.
The Animation: Glow-Up City
Let’s talk visuals, because “The Final” is gorgeous. Produced by Bandai Namco Pictures, the film features significantly higher production values than the TV series, with fluid animation, detailed backgrounds, and dynamic lighting that elevates the action sequences to new heights.
The character designs remain faithful to Sorachi’s distinctive style while adding a layer of polish that befits a theatrical release. And the action scenes? Chef’s kiss Absolutely spectacular. From sword fights to hand-to-hand combat to large-scale battles, every frame feels meticulously crafted.
What’s particularly impressive is how the animation enhances both the comedy and drama. Exaggerated facial expressions have always been a Gintama staple, but here they’re taken to new extremes for comic effect. Meanwhile, the more emotional moments benefit from subtle character acting – a trembling hand, a slight change in expression – that communicates volumes without words.
The film also makes excellent use of color palettes to establish mood, with warmer tones for nostalgic flashbacks and cooler, more desaturated hues for the present-day conflict. It’s these thoughtful visual choices that elevate “The Final” above typical anime film adaptations.
The Action: Swords Go Swoosh (But Like, Really Well)
Gintama has always had surprisingly excellent action for a comedy series, and “The Final” takes it to another level. The film features several extended battle sequences that showcase different fighting styles and character abilities.
What makes these fights special isn’t just the animation quality, but how character-driven they are. Each character’s fighting style reflects their personality and history:
- Gintoki’s straightforward but unpredictable swordsmanship
- Kagura’s raw power combined with martial arts techniques
- Takasugi’s precise, lethal strikes
- Katsura’s technical expertise and tactical thinking
The standout sequence is undoubtedly the final confrontation, which combines spectacular visual effects with emotional weight accumulated over hundreds of episodes. Without spoiling anything, it manages to be both visually stunning and thematically satisfying – a rare combination for any action finale.
The Emotional Core: Who Knew We’d Cry This Much?
Here’s where “Gintama: The Final” really shines. Beneath all the jokes and action lies a deeply emotional story about friendship, redemption, and making peace with the past.
The relationship between Gintoki and Takasugi forms the emotional backbone of the film. Once childhood friends who trained under the same master, they took drastically different paths after a traumatic event forced Gintoki to kill their teacher. Their complicated history – moving from friendship to bitter enmity to something more complex – reaches its conclusion here in ways that feel earned and powerful.
There’s a particular scene near the end (no spoilers!) that had long-time fans sobbing in theaters. It’s a testament to the series’ character development that a single wordless moment can carry so much emotional weight.
But it’s not all heavy drama. The film also celebrates the found family at Gintama’s heart – the Yorozuya trio of Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura, whose unbreakable bond has been the series’ constant through all its wild twists and turns. Their dynamics provide both the biggest laughs and the warmest moments.
The Fan Service: Not THAT Kind, You Pervs
“Gintama: The Final” is absolutely packed with callbacks, references, and character appearances designed to delight long-time fans. Nearly every significant character from the series’ run makes at least a cameo appearance, from the Shinsengumi police force to the cabaret girls at Snack Otose.
These appearances never feel forced – each character gets a moment that feels true to who they are, whether it’s Hijikata’s mayonnaise obsession, Kondo’s stalker tendencies, or Sakamoto’s distinctive laugh. It’s like attending a reunion where you get to see all your old friends one last time.
The film also references numerous past arcs and jokes, rewarding viewers who have stuck with the series through its many iterations. Yet somehow, it never feels like it’s simply rehashing greatest hits. Instead, these callbacks serve to show how far these characters have come and how much their shared history means.
This approach to fan service – honoring the past while still moving the story forward – is emblematic of how thoughtfully “The Final” was crafted.
The Music: Bangers Only
The soundtrack for “Gintama: The Final” deserves special mention. Composed by Audio Highs, who handled music for the TV series as well, the score perfectly complements both the comedic and dramatic moments.
The film also features “Wadachi” by SPYAIR as its theme song – a fitting choice, as SPYAIR has performed multiple openings for the series over the years. The song itself is a emotional rock ballad that captures the bittersweet feeling of reaching the end of a long journey.
During key moments, the score incorporates motifs from earlier in the series, triggering instant emotional responses from fans who recognize these musical callbacks. It’s another layer of craftsmanship that shows how much care went into creating a satisfying conclusion.
Is This Really The End?
In true Gintama fashion, even “The Final” wasn’t actually final. As mentioned earlier, there was one more film, “Gintama: The Very Final,” that adapted the bonus chapters from the manga.
But in a more meaningful sense, “The Final” does provide closure for the main storylines and character arcs that have developed throughout the series. It answers the questions that needed answering while leaving enough open-ended to suggest that life goes on for these characters we’ve grown to love.
This approach to ending a long-running series feels appropriate for Gintama, which has always been as much about the journey as the destination. The characters will continue having bizarre adventures and forming meaningful connections – we just won’t be watching them anymore.
Who Should Watch This Movie?
Here’s the million-yen question: is “Gintama: The Final” worth watching if you’re not already a fan?
Honestly, you’ll miss a lot of context and emotional payoff if you jump straight into this film without prior knowledge of the series. The movie doesn’t spend much time explaining past events or relationships, assuming viewers are already invested in these characters and their world.
That said, the film’s core emotional story – particularly the Gintoki/Takasugi relationship – is compelling enough that even newcomers might find themselves moved. And the comedy and action stand on their own merits, even if you don’t catch all the references.
For existing fans, though, this is absolutely essential viewing. It’s a love letter to everything that made Gintama special – the perfect blend of ridiculous comedy, heartfelt drama, and spectacular action that no other series has quite managed to replicate.
The Legacy: More Than Just Jokes
As “Gintama: The Final” brings this epic story to a close (mostly), it’s worth reflecting on the series’ legacy in anime history.
Gintama carved out a unique space in the medium by refusing to be categorized. It’s a comedy that can make you cry, an action series with deep philosophical undertones, a period drama that constantly references modern pop culture. By breaking all the rules, it created something truly original.
More importantly, beneath all the parody and toilet humor, Gintama has always had a beating heart. It’s a story about finding your place in a world that’s changing too fast, about chosen family and unbreakable bonds, about carrying on even when the odds seem impossible.
“The Final” honors that legacy perfectly. It’s chaotic and beautiful, hilarious and heartbreaking – sometimes all within the same scene. It reminds us why we fell in love with these silver-haired idiots in the first place, and why saying goodbye is so difficult.
Final Verdict: A Perfect Imperfect Ending
“Gintama: The Final” is everything a series finale should be. It provides satisfying conclusions to long-running character arcs, delivers spectacular action and comedy, and honors the spirit of the series while still pushing the story forward.
Is it perfect? Well, newcomers might find it impenetrable, and even for fans, some favorite characters inevitably get limited screen time due to the massive cast. The plot can feel convoluted at times, though that’s par for the course with Gintama’s more serious arcs.
But these minor flaws can’t diminish what the film accomplishes. In a media landscape where long-running series often stumble at the finish line, “Gintama: The Final” sticks the landing with confidence and style.
For fans who have followed this ridiculous journey through hundreds of episodes, the movie offers something precious: a farewell that feels earned, emotional, and true to the spirit of what made Gintama special. It’s a love letter to the series and its fans, a celebration of everything weird and wonderful about this unique corner of anime history.
And really, what more could we ask for? Except maybe another sequel. Which we got. Because Gintama.
Where to Watch “Gintama: The Final”
You can currently stream “Gintama: The Final” on Crunchyroll in the US and several other regions. It’s available with the original Japanese audio and English subtitles. For the full Gintama experience, the entire anime series is also available on Crunchyroll, though be warned – with over 350 episodes plus multiple movies, you’re in for quite the commitment!
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself laughing uncontrollably at 3 AM, trying to explain to confused roommates why a character’s sunglasses are the funniest thing you’ve ever seen. That’s the Gintama effect, and “The Final” delivers it in spades.
What did you think of “Gintama: The Final”? Did it provide the closure you were hoping for? Let us know in the comments below!