pensman

I don't know anything about the source material for this series other than it began as a manga series, then had a run as a "cartoon" TV show, followed by a live-action movie, and now a live action TV serialization. The Golden Kamuy is said to be an epic story of survival, death, betrayal, madness, redemption, family, love, and honor. Maybe it is.

I found the movie and series on Netflix and I was sucked in as each episode of the series became more outrageous. No doubt if I knew the context, I would better recognize the allusions and actions being made fun of. For example, at the beginning of series 1, episode7, Fake, there appears a somewhat blasphemous visual of "The Last Supper." So, if the writer, illustrator, director will take a swipe at Western culture, then the Japanese culture can't be sacrosanct.

There is a plot that can be followed, and interesting characters and some laughable bathroom jokes and gross visuals to keep the viewer entertained, even if the subtleties are missed.

I'm not sure how this project got green-lit, and why it was made. There are fans who get excited when any rumor of an entry into the Star Trek franchise picks up as press leak. People are lined up for a Star Trek Beyond sequel with Chris Pine, Karl Urban. Zoe Saldana, etc. On the whisper of a production. And yet, I hadn't heard of this film until I had read there was a Star Trek movie going straight into streaming. Why, how bad could it be?

Just finished watching it on Paramount+, and what a waste of a decent cast. Michelle Yeoh is back as Phillippa Georgiou. And she might be leading a good cast, but the writing is so bad it's difficult to know if they are any good. All of them chew up the scenery and pretend they are acting.

The plot revolves around a weapon ordered made by Empress Phillippa Georgiou as a deterrent to any attempted overthrow of her rule. But the weapon has been taken, and a team from Star Fleet, Section 31, has been dispatched to recover it.

We are treated to a lot of phaser fire, explosions, and the need to uncover a mole on the team. If you are desperate to watch anything with Star Trek in the title, then you will grit your teeth and watch.

After watching the trailer, I thought I would give this new series a look even though it looked like a Taylor Sheridan ripoff. The production gets kudos for its gritty, dirt-filled, look. The plot is somewhat flexible as it depends on coincidences and a horse opera, but it does provide a satisfactory entertainment. Although, I was tempted on several occasions to hit fast-forward to get past some snooze moments.

The overarching plot follows Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) as she moves across the West of 1857 with her son Devin (Preston Mota) as they search for her husband. There are a number of side plots dealing with Mormon settlers, betrayals, the U. S. Army, Indian wars (Native American), Jim Bridger, and Brigham Young. Pay attention or you could easily get lost.

The cast is excellent and all the actors are believable in their roles. I am not sure about the historical accuracy of the period as the events aren't likely being taught in high school American History classes. I know they weren't taught in my college American History classes. I feel sure more than one viewer used Google Search to flush out some of the facts.

There are only six episodes, and are fine for a binge watch. I suspect Netflix is waiting upon numbers to decide if more money is to be spent on similar projects. Worth a watch.