What Happens When the Deadliest Hitman Becomes a Dad Bod Shopkeeper?
What if I told you that one of the deadliest assassins in the world gave up everything, the bloodshed, the glory, the infamy for love... and now runs a convenience store with a dad bod? Sounds absurd, right? That was my exact thought when I stumbled across Sakamoto Days. I didn’t expect much. I thought, “Just another over-the-top, gag-infused action anime.” But from the first episode, I was hooked, chained, even. And now, I need to tell you why.
I had been on a heavy anime binge- deep psychological, sad romance, emotionally draining thrillers. I required a change. Something fun. An escape of existential angst and heartache. One of my friends in the USA recommended Sakamoto Days to me. It is described as John Wick meets One Punch Man but with dad jokes. The strange description itself was sufficient enough to get me curious.
I pressed the vimeo link, and after just a few seconds, I could see an obese man avoiding bullets and cleaning the store floor and giving discounts to the customers with a smile. There it is. I was in.
It is a story that revolves around Taro Sakamoto who is a once feared hitman in the underground world. The mere mention of his name made enemies shiver. However, one day there comes a woman, he falls in love and retires. Not only retires, but utterly changes himself into a chubby humble owner of a convenience store. Sounds peaceful, does it not?
Not quite.
Sakamoto does not give up his past that easily. Old foes knock the door. New killers are after his head. Mysterious groups reemerge. However, there is the twist, Sakamoto promised his wife not to kill anyone again. And now, any conflict he has to engage in is a lesson in non-lethal takedowns, clever strategies, and excessive martial arts choreography... all the time, keeping the store clean and well-supplied.
It’s ridiculous. It’s brilliant. It is all that which you did not realize you wanted.
The most impressive thing about Sakamoto Days is that it can combine action and comedy, without being shallow in any way. Yes, the battles are crazy - seriously, you are going to rewatch certain scenes just to see how Sakamoto combats assassins with rubber chicken or canned beverages, but the plot also develops emotional potential.
We have a glimpse of the Sakamoto psyche. He is not simply a retired killer but a man who is continuously in conflict with his violent nature of the past and the calm life that he desires his family to live. His adoration toward his wife and daughter is not a backstory but a motive of all his actions.
There are supporting characters such as Shin, a telepathic assassin-cum-employee and Lu Xiaotang, the badass daughter of a martial arts master who bring in the comedy and substance. They are not mere sidekicks, they have arcs, secrets and demons to battle with.
When I watched Sakamoto Days, I was reminded of something personal, which is how many times we have versions of ourselves in the past and we attempt to keep them to ourselves. Sakamoto did not forget about himself. He opted to be more to the people he loved.
That was a slap in the face.
There are aspects of ourselves which we have grown out of. Or perhaps, it is the angry, reckless, cold one, the version of you. It could be a broken or hurt person. You can make the choice of peace just like Sakamoto. Still you may be strong and gentle at once.
The action scenes are of the best quality, but what fascinated me the most was not the action scenes. It was the manner in which the anime made me care. Worry over a fat man with a mustache that is trying to manage a store. Bein concerned over his promises. Concern over his silly friends. And when the stakes get higher, as they do, it is because the show compelled you to care about these people on an emotional level.
The animation is smooth and clean, as are the action scenes that are weighty and fast. Each punch, kick, dodge, and the turned-into-weapon objects are choreographed thoroughly. One moment you will laugh and then you will hold your breath.
The music is lively and alternates between light-hearted and tense as a scene changes. The voice acting? Spot-on. Sakamoto also does not speak much, his grunts, sighing, and soft words are so expressive. It is a genius voice direction.
When you are getting weary of yet another action anime with far too mopey characters or plot which takes itself far too seriously, you should give Sakamoto Days a try, because it is your savior.
Want humor? It is funny and not embarrassing.
Want a heart? The family set-up is healthy.
Want action? So ingenious are the fight scenes that they are like puzzles.
Desire characters that you come to like? You will be in love with all of them- even the bad guys
Sakamoto Days is not all bang and a punchy comedy of an ex-hitman with a dad bod. It is a tale of choices, redemption, loyalty and beauty of simple life- all in a package of action and a dose of absurdity.
It informs us that you can be lethal and yet soft. That there are times when the toughest guy in the room is the one that does not pull the trigger. That you do not have to forget your past to make a future, you simply have to live better, choose peace and guard what is important.
Therefore, in case you want a show that will make you laugh or cheer and perhaps even reflect a bit on the possibilities of becoming and changing, then Sakamoto Days should be on your list next.
Thumbnail is designed by me on pixelLab and other images are screenshot from the movie