r/Gintama • u/fujoshiiiiiiiiiiiii • 2d ago
Discussion I'm too scared to keep watching Gintama, help
(A poorly translated rant from one of the only Brazilian fans)
So, I started watching Gintama in 2018, when I moved from the countryside—where I had no friends—to the city... where I also had no friends (but at least there was wi-fi). At the time, I was going through almost every cliché (extreme shyness, lack of social skills, loneliness), so I started watching anime (Naruto, One Piece, the classics—dropped all of them though), including Gintama, which, being so long, I began watching little by little.
Because it’s so long, I took it slow. Over the years, it became my comfort show—whenever I felt down, I’d watch Gintama because I knew its humor would lift my spirits a bit, and even the more serious arcs were cool and ended well (in the sense that things would return to normal—man, I really value routine, a “normal,” some kind of resolution that doesn't totally disrupt the characters’ everyday lives. Like, if an important character dies or a beloved group disbands, it just destroys my mood).
But now... I’m scared. I’m heading into the final arc. I made it through the Shogun Assassination arc and the Farewell Shinsengumi arc (extremely devastated, but I survived), but now that I know it’s the end, and that the author isn’t exactly gentle with the fans’ feelings the way I’d like, I keep thinking: should I keep watching? Should I go all the way? Is it worth it?
I really want to finish the anime, but am I ready for it? Will it hurt too much? I’m already feeling fragile with my current personal situation, which dragged Gintama and prescription meds back into my life... can I even handle the end of Gintama right now?
Would it be a good idea to stop here for now, while I still can, and look for another anime to watch? Any suggestions, my friends? Normally, I’d just bury myself in BL manga, but my phone screen is fucked up (a green line right down the middle), and reading anything on it is hell.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how devastating is the ending of Gintama? (Please, no spoilers.) I feel like if it’s over a 5, I’ll need psychological help after watching it (which is super expensive where I live, and I’m unemployed—but actively job hunting; I refuse to stay unemployed much longer).
Is this one of those cases where I should just rip off the band-aid quickly to minimize the pain, or is this particular band-aid going to rip out my soul with it and leave a deeper wound? I can’t make up my mind—I’m scared.
And yeah, I know I need therapy more than anime, but listen: the minimum wage in Brazil is R$1,412, and a good therapist charges at least R$250 per session, and I’m not even earning minimum wage right now! I could look for free therapy, but the public service is awful. A friend of mine tried it and ended up seeing someone who believed aromatherapy could cure his suicidal thoughts (spoiler: it didn’t work, but he’s still alive—not thanks to aromatherapy).
Please, no spoilers—if you’re going to reply, don’t say anything about what happens in the story. Just tell me how you felt after finishing. Was it worth it? How long did it take for you to recover? Or am I just being overdramatic? I know I’m dramatic, but did I go too far this time?
No spoiler, please 🙏🙏
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u/Illustrious-Win-8714 2d ago
I completely understand what you mean unfortunately, and 'bad or sad' endings have made me stop watching a lot of animes in the past (I have enough drama/sadness in my own life, when i watch a fantasy i want something that is mostly happy). I Myself have not finished Gintama yet, I had started back in the 2010's, stopped due to life, and only recently restarted it. So i dont know about the ending. But if you are worried about your mental health right now and it is your comfort show, if you dont get a straight answer from this sub, might I suggest going back to specific arcs you like first, at least untill you are in a better place? The show is so long, if you started it 7 years ago, surely you can find some parts that you really liked and are worth revisiting...?
Best of luck, take this internet hug and pat on the back from this random canadian, I wish life will get you to a happier and more stable place soon.
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u/rosehikari 2d ago
Oh I loved it, it wasn't thet sad for me personally. It was sad because it ended, but the message was quite uplifting. One of the themes in the next arc (the final arc) is very important, it shows why Gintoki created Odd Jobs, it helps a lot to cope with the series finishing. Also, there's the manga, the anime adapted most of it, but some chapters and concepts never got included for time reasons.
Best wishes from a southamerican sister.
Yes, free theraphy sucks ass in most places!
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u/Jaded-Work7378 2d ago
I am still watching the series (Enchousen). Just wanted to drop by to pay my respects to someone who gets my attachment to the series.
I am not usually a person who watches single series, I watch different series alternately but I stopped everything for Gintama. I legit get so down when I haven't watched Gintama in long, Gintama is healing for me.
But I kind of feel sad it might be over soon at this rate, 200+ eps done as if its nothing. Its so so beautiful, Gintama is the only anime to make me laugh and cry so hard I had stomachache (for both). I cried the whole 4 devtas arc and don't usually binge watch but I did it for this arc because I didn't want the headache to come again. It already still lasted 2+ days, and I am a person who never has that problem.
I love the complexity of the series, it is real life comedy exagerrated but the moral shades it explores, how it references different shows and concepts and integrates it so well and the way it portrays villains without making them pathetic but understandable idiots (think Yoshiwara's night king and Tsukki's master) is beautiful. It isn't very far off from the world we live in.
I am a person who finds it very difficult to finish beautiful anime and books, I have actually been depressed because I was scared a series was ending (when I was reading Tintin and Narnia) but in my opinion, you should watch it and let the closure embrace you.
I don't know how Gintama ends, but I believe understanding Gin chan and his friends, even if it turns out to be sad or tragic, will bring you a closure that surpasses the dilemma of deciding whether to finish or not / pausing the show.
If it is happy, be happy. And if it ends sadly, accept what Gin chan planned for himself and his friends and if you can't smile for yourself, smile for that man who fought to see the smiles of all his friends no matter the circumstance.
Let their warmth heal you. Don't let the shine of your Gintama be tarnished by the sad ending, let the warmth cleanse and brighten your silver soul.
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u/Lazy_Narwal 2d ago
I mean, I felt very sad after finishing but then after thinking for a bit, I didn’t feel that way anymore for a reason that might be kinda a spoiler so I won’t say. Go ahead and watch it! The characters will always be with you even after you finish
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u/Pristine_Zebra_6424 2d ago
Que legal ver outro br por aqui, Gintama é muito único, não é algo que você consiga substituir facilmente.
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u/fujoshiiiiiiiiiiiii 2d ago
Finalmente um brazuca 🙏
Não tô querendo substituir não meu mano, quero saber se o rombo na minha sanidade mental vai ser muito grande quando eu terminar o anime, tô meio pah da cabeça e tá sendo perigoso ver coisa triste, o arco do assassinato do shogun quase me convenceu a ir conhecer os peixes da minha cidade pessoalmente no rio kk se for muito triste, vou deixar pra ver outra hora, se não eu termino nesse fim de semana mesmo (tenho tempo)
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u/Hairy-Lengthiness-38 2d ago
Of course it's sad. Lives end. Things change. Sooner or later you will come face to face with the fact that nothing in life is permanent. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The fact that nothing is permanent is a good enough reason to enjoy them while it lasts. Sometimes it's absolute shit. Sometimes it's amazing moments that you will remember forever. Cherish and embrace them all. You are not being dramatic. You are being human.
I still rewatch Gintama when I need a remind to take life day by day. It really isn't helpful worrying about impending doom when in reality the only moment we have is now.
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u/SoaringDingus 2d ago
Just rewatch it bro. So many episodes (early ones especially) are funnier the second or even third and fourth time. Seeing the beginning of a major callbacks, fully understanding the characters and their motivations, and seeing the evolution of main and recurring characters are only some of the reasons to rewatch. I started watching during the Yoshiwara in Flames Arc, and I’m probably on my 7th or 8th rewatch. Gintama and Archer are my comfort shows to rewatch a couple episodes here and there. It only finally ends if you want it to end. Also be sure to watch The Very Final movie when you finish the final episode; it is an almost perfect ending to one of the best series ever made.
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u/GMaster2000 2d ago
I have been exactly where you are and with Gintama too. I started watching the show when I was 17, so around 2014 and kept on watching it because exactly as you said, it became a comfort for someone with mental health troubles and a lonely life. I stopped watching it when I knew that there no more seasons being made and I think I stopped watching it around 2017/2018, don't exactly remember which season it was but for spoilers' sake, I won't reveal the premise. It remained my favourite series of all time and still is my favourite. I carry around merch and feel connected whenever someone recognises it. I finally returned back to the show to finish it and it was one of the greatest feelings. All the nostalgia, all the comfort, it felt warm. I was still scared of finishing it but this time, I had a different mindset: these characters will always be with me as long as I kept revisiting them. I finished the series, I believe last year or so? And to this day, I still go back and watch a random episode here and there because it still remains my comfort show.
Tl;dr: you don't have to finish the series now if you feel too scared of losing the comfort that's kept you going. Start watching other animes, shows, finding other hobbies. Once you feel better, you can always return back to it because they will always be waiting for you to come back. :)
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u/B3TT3Rnow_thanNEVER 2d ago
Honestly, I think you got through the worst of it emotions wise towards the end. I took a 2-3 year break after Shogun Assassination arc, and then binged through the rest just in time for the movie. Stuff was going on in my life too, and I didn't want the "serious" version of Gintama, yet.
The emptiness after finishing Gintama can really linger. I still do frequent re-watches of certain episodes (or pick one at random). It's a double edged sword. Watching will bring joy, but all great things come to an end.
I'm super sorry about your phone and being able to read/distract yourself. It's hard enough to afford medical care, especially when you need it most. I hope that soon life gets a bit better, and that Gintama can help bridge that gap in the meantime!
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u/Intrepid-Wafer-5938 2d ago
Vai ter um novo anime mês que vem e um filme do arco de yoshiwara reanimado ano que vem, vai continuar independente do final! 😀
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u/LuciferFrost101 2d ago
I can't say anything about Gintama and it's ending since I've only seen first hundred episodes. What I can talk about is mental health issues though. While I also need therepy and looking for a job, what I do is try to consume content that I already watched and loved or watch anything that is new, funny and more happy vibes and avoid things that have sad themes or death or if the show is capable of making me feel sad in general.
I watch stuff that heals my heart and soul. I suggest you can try doing the same. One anime I recommend is Tonikaku Kawaii. It's an anime about married life of a happy couple and it has 2 seasons and a special?? Anyways Happy Job hunting.
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u/yorozuya_3 2d ago
I feel ya; although I do not think I will to the extent die by being affected by these shows but I am in a bad place and certain triggers will make it worse. And so, I have decided to avoid/stop watching few shows ending because they keep putting you down and it is frustrating/annoying/heartbreaking/shattering and a rainbow of feelings to even continue. Stopped akame ga kill, jjk, aot for similar reasons. I took a break from Gintama after SA arc coz it overwhelmed me. I also got some spoilers and I was not ready for it. BUT, the ending imo was well rounded. It was not sad for the reasons someone died or people drifted apart. It was sad for the reasons it ended and in a beautiful and/or poetic way that we would miss it and want it to never end. It is in my favorite anime and it is a masterpiece.
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u/Casual-Tree-9633 shoka sonjuku 2d ago
There are a lot of people here who either haven’t finished the anime or didn’t say how sad yet found the ending so I’ll add my two cents.
I’m someone who feels things pretty strongly and I was really invested in the series. I read the manga as it was released, so for me it’s been 6 years since the ending. I think the ending wasn’t necessarily very sad, some things are left up to your interpretation. I’d say the epilogue is pretty hopeful. But I don’t really go back to the last few chapters/episodes+movie too often: I think they were good overall (though there are things I didn’t like much), but reliving some of the scenes still wrecks me, even though it’s been years. I think there’s a little more humour again in the final arc, so it’s not all serious. But there are scenes that pack a mean punch, IMO.
I do recommend finishing the series, but if you think it might be too much currently, I’d prioritise your own wellbeing. You can always come back to Gintama later, when you’re in a better place. As someone mentioned, there will be a Ginpachi-sensei anime soon, and maybe that will be more uplifting to watch in your situation
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u/noyjitat 1d ago
Friend, Sorachi I think is fair with the fans and has written one of if not the best masterpieces I’ve ever seen.
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u/tdoteditz_exe 1d ago
you never know how many people secretly love gintama lol. i once met a brazilian gintama fan on chess.com we talked very frequently about gintama and life. unfortunately, that website banned my account and i lost that friend.
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u/BeenBees1047 2d ago
Oh, I had a hard time finishing it as well. I put it off for maybe like almost a year after the final "final" movie was released and I just watched it once forgot most of it lol but I still remembering that I enjoyed it. It was and always be bitter sweet and I've been having a hard time looking for new anime series to watch that I just enjoy more non-anime series and movies as of the moment. There's a few exception of course but the motivation to watch a lot of it despite having an access is less than before finishing Gintama.
I would suggest to also look into reading the manga if you haven't yet. There are few things that was not directly adapted into the anime and you'll just basically extended your time with this series. Another thing I do once in a while whenever I don't have any other good things to watch is to rewatch it in mashup reactions on YouTube. That kinda helped personally.
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u/CHANGnosia 2d ago
Very valid. Same lol. I've been watching and rewatching for 10 years and I still havent finished it because I'm scared and I don't want to end it.
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u/Eddaughter 17h ago
A bit overdramatic. It’s okay to get emotional over a show but all this therapy and gut wrenching pain is just making it worse and over the top. Definitely will get you emotional for sure. I’ve only cried once to anything in media and this movie was the 2nd closest thing to make me bawl. And for me I sort of acknowledged that I probably won’t watch another show as great as this and AOT. So I’m not saying anime is done for me but I feel it’s peaked and I’m okay with that. Just watch it whenever you’re ready and be okay with the series ending. Plus, Ginpachi sensei comes out soon so you can recover with some comedy!
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u/Drake5323 2d ago
I don’t get too emotional in anime, so my rating probably isn’t the best. If Grave of the Fireflies is a 10/10, I’d give the ending an 8/10 based on how emotional it was.
To answer your other question, I finished it around two years ago and I haven’t really been able to get into anime after that. I’ve tried but Gintama was too good that I can’t find anything that gets my attention anymore.