One Piece – In the world of adapting anime and manga into live-action, success has often been elusive, much like attempts to bring video games to the big screen. However, 2023 has emerged as a promising year for both endeavors. In a surprising turn of events, HBO’s “The Last of Us,” a gripping drama mirroring the somber, character-driven essence of the 2013 video game about a zombie apocalypse, premiered in January.
The show not only garnered glowing reviews and high ratings but also secured numerous Emmy nominations, defying the long-standing trend of disappointment. Following this triumph, “The Super Mario Bros.” movie replicated the success at the box office a few months later, even if it didn’t fare as well with critics.
With a keen eye on this evolving trend, Netflix is making its own move by launching a live-action series based on the enduring manga “One Piece,” penned and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. Such adaptations have had a mixed track record, and Netflix itself is well aware of this, given the not-so-stellar outcomes of projects like “Ghost in the Shell” and “Dragonball Evolution,” along with the poorly received “Death Note” and short-lived “Cowboy Bebop” series.
Armed with considerable resources and a global reach, Netflix is strategically positioned to introduce “One Piece” to a new and diverse audience. However, firsthand experience has taught the platform about the challenges posed by fiercely devoted fans, cautious stakeholders, and the unique qualities of animation. On the bright side, the success of “The Last of Us” offers a hopeful precedent to follow.
TAKE TO THE SEA! ONE PIECE IS NOW STREAMING! pic.twitter.com/mLZM162V9L
— ONE PIECE(ワンピース) Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) August 31, 2023
To navigate these complexities, Netflix has taken careful measures. Eiichiro Oda has given his public approval for the series, which showrunners Matt Owens and Steven Maeda have molded into eight hour-long episodes based on the manga’s initial 100 chapters. Subscribers can either prepare for or complement the experience by streaming the already available 15 seasons of the “One Piece” anime.
The series has generated immense excitement among fans, a sentiment further fueled by its enthusiastic reception at the Tudum fan event this summer. With these factors in play, “One Piece” seems poised for commercial success, appeasing die-hard fans who value loyalty to the source material. While this adaptation serves as a respectful homage and an introduction for newcomers, it’s constrained by the inherent challenge of recreating a two-dimensional world in live-action.
“One Piece” unfolds as a swashbuckling fantasy, pitting pirate crews against marines in pursuit of a mythical treasure, rumored to be in a single piece. The protagonist, teenager Monkey D. Luffy (played by Iñaki Godoy), aspires to become the Pirate King. Over the course of the season, he acquires a ship and forms a crew, each member pursuing their unique dreams.
From swordsman Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu) and globe-mapping thief Nami (Emily Rudd) to legendary ingredient-seeking chef Sanji (Taz Skyler) and the cheerful Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), whose goal is to impress his crush, Luffy’s aim is to inspire those around him to achieve their aspirations. Even Koby (Morgan Davies), a fellow traveler who desires to join the marines, finds himself influenced by Luffy’s spirit.
The world in which their adventures unfold can only be described as fantastical. Luffy, as a child, consumed a mystical Gum Gum Fruit, granting him the ability to stretch his body like rubber. The Straw Hat Pirates, named after Luffy’s signature headgear, encounter fishmen, snail phones, and even a peculiar clown (Jeff Ward) capable of disassembling his body.
Luffy’s iconic move involves springing back an extended, noodle-like limb while exclaiming “Gum Gum Pistol.” The ship he captains bears a colossal goat skull on its bow.
Under the guidance of pilot director Marc Jobst, production designer Richard Bridgland, and costume designer Diana Cilliers, among numerous other crew members, this visual extravagance harmonizes CGI and practical effects into a deliberate and vibrant blend. The choreographed combat scenes are striking, and a prologue featuring former Pirate King Gold Roger (Michael Dorman) igniting a treasure-seeking frenzy among a massive crowd captures the epic scale of the story. At its peak, “One Piece” is a vividly colorful treat, exuding an innocent joy that mirrors its uncomplicated coming-of-age narrative.
However, as much as these efforts transport viewers, they simultaneously underscore the challenge of translating “One Piece” from its original medium to live-action, regardless of the financial investment. It’s a stretch, both literally and figuratively, to watch a human-sawtooth shark hybrid stroll into a restaurant wearing an open Hawaiian shirt. Even within the main cast, an enthusiastic yet somewhat stiff acting style prevails.
While Godoy’s charm shines through, instances where he cheers and strikes Luffy’s iconic pose linger a tad too long, almost mimicking a frozen image. This creates an eerie effect, raising a more profound question: If the best achievable outcome is a near-replica of the original, be it close or distant, what unique value does this live-action “One Piece” bring?
While “One Piece” reflects the hit-or-miss history of adapting anime, it also aligns with Netflix’s triumphant narratives like “Wednesday,” “The Witcher,” “The Sandman,” and “The Umbrella Academy.” These shows, often derived from established intellectual properties, enjoy immense popularity while occasionally trading deep cultural impact for an easy binge-watching experience. They tend to avoid challenging the audience and embracing true innovation. Nonetheless, the goal here isn’t novelty; it’s preservation. As Luffy might remind us, every goal holds merit as long as we remain steadfast in pursuing them.
All eight episodes of “One Piece” are now available for streaming on Netflix.
Q&A One Piece
How many one piece episodes – 8
One piece where to watch – Netflix
when will one piece end – NA
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