This 2026 Movie Is Yet Another Controversial Live-Action Anime Adaptation – At Least, Not a Horrible One

The story of Sakamoto Days began in 2019 when manga artist Yuto Suzuki created a short story about an overweight retired hitman. The simple plot was so popular that it became the basis for a full-fledged serialization. In 2025, the story was further solidified with an anime adaptation.

Now, a full-length live-action movie version has been released – another adaptation of the popular title that has already sparked controversy among fans.

What Is 'Sakamoto Days' About?

Taro Sakamoto is a retired professional hit man. Once a legend in his field, a chance encounter with a woman changed everything. Now, he is married, has a daughter, has gained weight, and runs a small grocery store.

However, the past refuses to let go – a hefty bounty has been placed on Sakamoto's head. His quiet daily life is constantly interrupted by new enemies, while a far greater threat looms in the background.

Sakamoto must juggle his simple routine while hiding his new problems from his wife, who is extremely displeased with his criminal past.

'Sakamoto Days' Is a Wild, Almost Theatrical Production That Knows No Restraint

From the very first minutes, the adaptation displays sheer madness. The opening action scene doesn't attempt realism – it fully exploits the source material. Superhuman shots and the main character's insane strength aren't just present in the frame – they are the foundation of the entire sequence.

The lead actor, Ren Meguro, wears a voluminous suit that makes him look corpulent, and at times, it looks more like clothing than flesh. The same goes for the wigs, which closely resemble the source material, right down to the insane bouffant.

All of this creates a slightly theatrical atmosphere that should be accepted as part of the movie's style – otherwise, it won't be enjoyable. The visual excess is echoed by the script: in two hours, the movie covers the same amount of content as the first season of the 24-episode anime.

This results in the characters being reduced to extras and the transitions between scenes feeling contrived.

'Sakamoto Days' Attempts to Capture the Vastness of the Story and Bring It to the Screen

The main problem with Sakamoto Days is its rushed pace. Without knowing the source material, the movie is difficult to watch because the fast pace makes it hard to understand the events and motivations of the characters.

In an attempt to cram in as much as possible, the creators forgot about the integrity of the story. This is doubly ironic, given that Sakamoto Days ends on a cliffhanger with no obvious resolution.

However, the movie is captivating in its own way because it's different from anything else on the market – grotesque reactions, stylized dialogue, and unrealistic action combine to create a unique experience.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Sakamoto Days'?

• On IMDb, Sakamoto Days has a score of 7.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, the movie scored 3.5/5.0.