Netflix Premiere of Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days faces a challenging start as it debuts on Netflix. Can the animated adaptation capture the detailed and dynamic action of Taro Sakamoto from the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump? Initial impressions suggest it may struggle to meet those expectations. While there are moments of thrilling violence showcasing Sakamoto’s unique style, other action sequences feel lackluster and uninspired. The show also grapples with finding a consistent tone, veering between humor and seriousness.
A Different Approach to Retired Hitman Story
Unlike traditional shonen series that focus on an assassin’s career, Sakamoto Days takes a different route by exploring Sakamoto’s retired life. Living peacefully with his family after leaving his hitman days behind, Sakamoto now runs a convenience store. However, his past catches up with him as he faces threats from former colleagues and assassins like Shin.
Action-Comedy Balance and Visual Style
Sakamoto Days strikes a balance between physical comedy reminiscent of Jackie Chan and the grit of crime dramas. The premiere sets the stage for Sakamoto to engage in creative action sequences, blending comedy with gritty realism. While some scenes, like the warehouse fight and bullet-blocking gumdrop moment, nail this balance, others fall flat with uninspired combat and awkward teleportation.
Character Dynamics and Performances
The show’s tone is further muddled by stiff performances that make it hard to distinguish between serious and comedic moments. Both Matt Mercer (English dub) and Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese dub) struggle to bring depth to Sakamoto’s character, who remains somewhat enigmatic in the premiere. The dynamic between Shin and the Sakamotos adds some levity to the episode, showcasing a mix of humor and drama.
Potential for Growth
With Sakamoto Days set to release in parts, it remains to be seen if the show will evolve and improve in later episodes. Despite its initial shortcomings, there is potential for the series to shine, particularly through the endearing character interactions. Hopefully, the anime will delve deeper into Sakamoto’s character to avoid falling into predictable clichés.