English Dub Review: Golden Kamuy “Grim Reaper”

The military just won’t let up.

Overview:

Sugimoto learns a little bit about Asirpa’s past, and runs into the army yet again.

Our Take:

Golden Kamuy’s focus on Ainu culture is truly a unique and well-done part of the show. I’ve said it before in the last review, but the time they take to educate the audience on Ainu traditions, from food to spirituality is something that is not only interesting but enhances the show. This time we learn more about the Ainu’s relationship with nature, guardian spirits, and even games that children play to keep busy. Not only is this informative, but this also displays the relationship that Asirpa has with her village, as one of the oldest of the ‘kid’ group. Sugimoto himself takes all this information in stride, as he’s not only learning about a culture he’s unfamiliar with but his companion as well.

Sugimoto comes face to face with the Seventh Division again, and this time, he doesn’t manage to wiggle out of it. In the woods is one thing but in the city, they have the advantage, and Sugimoto is captured. In doing so, he comes in contact with Tsurumi, who is far more dangerous when we expected. Last we saw of Tsurumi, he was biting off someone’s fingers and then announcing their execution. This time, he puts on the polite, pleasant act- at first. He may seem unhinged, but he is much more calculating than he lets on. It almost seems like he purposefully acts more insane than he actually is to catch people off guard. He exchanges pleasantries with Sugimoto one moment and stabs him through his cheek with toothpicks the next. This isn’t just a show of brute force, but a ploy to get Sugimoto to reveal who he truly is. It’s still unclear why Tsurumi wants the gold, but clearly, he’s a man to be feared.

Even in the clutches of the enemy, Sugimoto is the type of person who doesn’t give up. As each episode progresses, we see more and more of the raw force and willpower that kept him going all this time. He’s not only able to maneuver himself out of the situation but take a circumstance where he’s clearly at a disadvantage and turn it into his favor. Of course, with Asirpa on the way, things are looking up. Thanks to a mixup, Shiraishi is also roped into the escape plot, and with his abilities to break out of any trap, he will likely be a unique ally as well.