Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison (2026) Review: Gold, Grit and a Prison Break-In

This Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison review looks at the second live-action film based on Satoru Noda's manga. Directed by Kenji Katagiri, it returns to a treasure hunt where every faction wants the same gold. It is an action and adventure story built for fans, but it has plenty to offer newcomers who like a rowdy ride.

Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The plot follows Saichi Sugimoto, a former soldier who has learned of a vast stash of gold stolen from the Ainu people. He joins forces with Asirpa, a young Ainu girl whose knowledge and skills are as vital as his fighting. Their search leads to Abashiri Prison, where the man who hid the gold is held.

Several rival groups are chasing the same prize, so alliances are shaky from the start. The film picks up after the 2024 live-action movie, and a little background helps. Still, the setup is clear enough that you can follow the central quest.

What Works in Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison

The film's biggest strength is its sense of momentum. The treasure-hunt structure gives every scene a purpose, and the prison setting adds a menacing, closed-in backdrop to the larger adventure. Katagiri keeps the action readable and the stakes simple to grasp.

The story also keeps its attention on the relationship at the centre. Sugimoto and Asirpa work as a team, not as a hero and a sidekick, which gives the violence an emotional anchor. The tale of stolen Ainu gold also gives the adventure a little more weight than a plain hunt for loot.

A few things stand out:

• A clear goal that drives the plot from start to finish

• A colourful rivalry between competing groups

• A strong sense of place in the cold, harsh setting

Fans of action movie reviews will find plenty to enjoy, and the film also leans into the spirit of adventure movies.

Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison Cast and Performances

Kento Yamazaki returns as Saichi Sugimoto, the battle-scarred soldier nicknamed for his refusal to die. He plays the role with grit and a streak of dark humour. Anna Yamada is Asirpa, and the film leans on their chemistry to hold the story together.

Gordon Maeda plays Hyakunosuke Ogata, a dangerous figure in the treasure race. Yûma Yamoto appears as Yoshitake Shiraishi, Asuka Kudô as Hajime Tsukishima and Shuntarô Yanagi as Kōhei Nikaido. The wide ensemble gives the film a lively, comic-book energy.

Where Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison Stumbles

The biggest hurdle is the crowd. With so many factions and characters, some figures get little room, and viewers new to the series may struggle to track who wants what. Because this is a sequel, it also assumes you know the earlier film's setup.

At 122 minutes, the film also has to squeeze a large manga story into a limited space. I could not find a published critical consensus, so it is hard to say how critics have received it. Audience scores I found are favourable, with IMDb at 7.4/10 and MyDramaList at 7.8/10.

Is Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison Worth Watching?

Yes, if you enjoy lively period action and have seen the first film, it is well worth watching. It delivers a brisk treasure hunt, an engaging central pair and a setting that feels distinct. The audience scores I found suggest fans have responded warmly.

It is less ideal as a first step into the story. Newcomers can follow the basic quest, but they will get more from it after watching the 2024 film. For background on the production, see the Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison entry on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Japanese theatrical release was on 13 March 2026, and Netflix streaming was announced for 13 July 2026. If you like treasure hunts, you might also enjoy our take on Dhamaal 4.

Who Will Enjoy Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison

• Fans of the manga and the 2024 live-action film

• Viewers who like treasure hunts with rival factions

• Action and adventure fans open to subtitled Japanese cinema