Season 3 of Golden Kamuy is premiering this Fall. For those seeking a new series to watch, now is the perfect time to give Golden Kamuy a try and catch up in time for next season.
Set in Northern Japan in the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War at the turn of the 20th Century, the story focus on Saichi Sugimoto, a veteran of the war, and Asirpa, a young girl of the Ainu tribe. The two seek to find a trove of gold stolen from Asirpa’s people. In order to do so, they join a race against cutthroats and corrupt officials to find pieces of the treasure map tattooed on the bodies of escaped death row inmates. They encounter a colorful cast of characters as they face off with man and nature alike.
The action in this series is top-notch. Dubbed “Immortal Sugimoto” for his ferocity and resilience during the war, the main character is a true survivor. It’s not uncommon to see Sugimoto bludgeoned, stabbed or shot during a scuffle while dishing out as much punishment as he takes. The show makes sure you feel the impact of every hit, with stellar framing that more than makes up for its smaller budget. These life or death fights add an underlying tension to the series that not only helps create a sense of urgency but adds to the overall aesthetic.
In many ways, the environments and setting of Golden Kamuy reflect that of an old Western. With the backdrop of a gold rush and technology advances from the industrial revolution, every stop at a town adds to this. The people that populate the world contribute just as much, with personality and designs that feel unique to this series. From a seductive and sadistic innkeeper to a brain-damaged lieutenant with a metal plate as a forehead, the characters found in this series are much bolder and more memorable than your typical Western.
This adventure isn’t just non-stop action and suspense. As much as it throws its characters into peril, Golden Kamuy consistently knows when to slow things down for the quieter, more introspective moments. Whether it’s talking around a fire or sharing a hearty meal with each other, the series isn’t afraid to throw its characters into very human and genuine scenarios that serve as a foil to its otherwise high intensity. All these components amount to a pace that feels balanced and well-rounded. There’s never a dull moment in this series, and the tone shifts work well enough that viewers won’t ever grow tired of any one aspect of it. But where Golden Kamuy truly shines is when its main plot comes to the forefront.
While the premise is interesting enough on its own, Golden Kamuy’s plot takes the extra step that propels the story beyond just that. This is largely in part thanks to how the series utilizes its cast of characters. Each is pivotal to progressing the journey, but keep their own motivations close to their chest. When these motivations come to light, they're presented masterfully, supplying just enough information to keep viewers interested without ever giving too much at once. This all accumulates to create a tale of intrigue and revelations that add to the already high tension. Alliance shift at the drop of a hat and the reveal of even a single detail has the potential to impact the entire cast.
It’s that same cast who ultimately serves as the lifeblood of the series. Beyond their interesting designs and personalities, they’re incredibly complex characters who develop over the course of the series. The main duo serves as the best example of this. In many ways, Sugimoto and Asirpa are polar opposites. Sugimoto is the embodiment of brute force and resilience but simultaneously kind at heart; while Asirpa is a gentle girl, hesitant to cause harm beyond what’s absolutely necessary, with a fiery personality. In spite of their differences, these characters bond through shared experiences, which makes for the most interesting character moments the show has to offer.
With the third season just around the corner, returning viewers should be excited for the progression of this charming series, while interested audiences should dive headfirst into the adventure and experience the riveting world and story of Golden Kamuy for themselves.