Stylized Shinsengumi Drama That Sacrifices Historical Authenticity
As a historical drama fan, I found this series visually decent but disappointing in terms of historical authenticity. The portrayal of the Shinsengumi, especially the relationship dynamics between the two leads, strongly implies homoerotic undertones connected to the historical practice of shudo among some samurai. While there is historical basis for that aspect, the series leans so heavily into it that it sometimes feels closer to “boys’ love” than a grounded historical drama.
The story also skips important early history by starting after the Roshigumi had already formed instead of showing the Shieikan days. Many historical scenes were either omitted, heavily improvised, or only loosely inspired by real events rather than accurately portrayed. Even Serizawa Kamo’s henchmen were just treated as background extras.
Another issue was the aesthetic direction. The traditional chonmage hairstyles were mostly removed in favor of long-haired “anime-style samurai” looks, which made the setting feel less authentic. The swordfight choreography was also sloppy in several scenes, looked fake and lacked the intention and intensity expected from a Shinsengumi drama.
I also think the series could have benefited from a broader cast dynamic (especially more women casts) instead of focusing almost entirely on emotionally intimate interactions between male characters. At times, the leads seemed written more like romantic gay partners than comrades-in-arms.
Overall, it’s more of a stylized reinterpretation of the Shinsengumi rather than a historically faithful adaptation.
The story also skips important early history by starting after the Roshigumi had already formed instead of showing the Shieikan days. Many historical scenes were either omitted, heavily improvised, or only loosely inspired by real events rather than accurately portrayed. Even Serizawa Kamo’s henchmen were just treated as background extras.
Another issue was the aesthetic direction. The traditional chonmage hairstyles were mostly removed in favor of long-haired “anime-style samurai” looks, which made the setting feel less authentic. The swordfight choreography was also sloppy in several scenes, looked fake and lacked the intention and intensity expected from a Shinsengumi drama.
I also think the series could have benefited from a broader cast dynamic (especially more women casts) instead of focusing almost entirely on emotionally intimate interactions between male characters. At times, the leads seemed written more like romantic gay partners than comrades-in-arms.
Overall, it’s more of a stylized reinterpretation of the Shinsengumi rather than a historically faithful adaptation.
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