Based on the hugely popular Satoru Noda manga, Netflix’s latest live action adaptation is a sequel to the 2024 Golden Kamuy film. The nine-episode series first aired in October 2024 in its native Japan and is streaming now on Netflix.
Opening Shot: The series opens with a brief prologue and recap: in the Meiji Era of Hokkaido (1868-1912) in the dead of winter, the frame centered on a lone soldier in the aftermath of war over Ainu gold.
The Gist: Following the events of the film, Golden Kamuy: The Hunt of Prisoners in Hokkaido picks up with Saichi Sugimoto (Kento Yamazaki) and Asirpa (Anna Yamada) aiming to locate a treasure using maps tattooed on the back of prisoners. But they soon find they are not alone in the hunt for the gold.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Though South Korean, The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure follows a similar story style of pirates at sea searching for a hidden treasure.
Our Take: If there’s one thing Golden Kamuy: The Hunt of Prisoners in Hokkaido has going for it, it’s that the creators are very eager to bring fans old and new into the fandom fold. As someone who falls into the latter grouping, the extended recap that begins the new Netflix series felt like a warm invitation to the popular manga series. It’s expositional but provides necessary background for longtime readers, viewers of the 2024 movie, and those who are just joining the ride now.
The story is simple, but imbued with many interesting characters. While the acting is often over-the-top, it’s not distracting; instead the expressive performances feel part of the world. Even the CGI—which the series leans on heavily with its themes about the connection between humans and wolves—is believable enough to service the story.
If the idea of a manga adaptation is off putting (as many place it in the same camp as comic books), rest assured that the story still feels grounded even with its fantastical elements. For anyone interested in treasure hunt stories and tales heavy with lore, this will be a satisfying binge.
Sex and Skin: There is some nudity, but the filmmakers artfully utilize shadows to make this safe for all audiences.
Parting Shot: A montage of all of the major players with access to the prisoner tattoos with maps to the gold flashes before landing on Sakimoto’s determined face.
Sleeper Star: I’m tempted to say the Shiba Inu dog named Ryu that accompanies Tetsuzou Nihei, but Takahiro Fujimoto who plays Tetsuzou himself is a scene-stealer with his dramatic line readings and incessant focus on his nether regions.
Most Pilot-y Line: “I’m not sure your reasons for wanting the gold, but I’m sure it doesn’t compare to the burden the Lieutenant bears,” Tetsuzou’s right hand man explains about their quest for the hidden Ainu gold.
Our Call: STREAM IT. For both fans of the original manga and those new to the world, this continuation of the Golden Kamuy story is handled with care.
Radhika Menon (@menonrad) is a TV-obsessed writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared on Paste Magazine, Teen Vogue, Vulture and more. At any given moment, she can ruminate at length over Friday Night Lights, the University of Michigan, and the perfect slice of pizza. You may call her Rad.
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