Netflix has repeated history with its live-action adaptation of the cult-favorite Japanese animated series, One Piece. It is a remake of the remarkable and endurable anime and manga franchise with over half a billion books sold. It has over a thousand television episodes that show little sign of flagging. With its 8-episode premiere on the last day of August, Netflix has returned the cultural homage to a series that has roots in Hollywood buccaneers and popular musicals like The Crimson Pirate and Captain Blood.
The animated original One Piece is different from the Thursday Netflix release. But a common thing running through both is the intense style. The composition, texture, movement, and sound enthrall us and release our emotions. It is a rousing and affirmative coming-of-age tale built around the framework of the animated series.
There has been no distinctive deviation in style from the animated version of One Piece. This puts it in a danger zone. It will be immensely satisfying for original fans of the series, who will be happy with the faithful replication of the events. But the live-action series appears generic, and to a certain extent, even bland.
One Piece Set In A Fantastical World Of Colorful Pirate Crews Flying Across The Oceans
One Piece is set in a mythical and fantastical world of colorful pirate crews patrolling the oceans, many made up of Fishmen. The action-adventure revolves around a young wannabe pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, played by Inaki Godoy, a Mexican actor seen earlier in Who Killed Sara? and The Imperfects. Luffy has, in addition to his high spirits, a total refusal to be turned away from failure and a legendary ability to stretch his limbs.
Luffy is pursuing his childhood dream of becoming the king of pirates and finding One Piece, a mythical treasure. He takes with him a crew of young misfits matching him in style and energy. All the protagonists have an unhappy past. But they remain passionate about being the greatest in their field, like becoming the greatest swordsman or locating a fabled seafood paradise.
Though ambitious in its scope, the personality and the verve of the original anime appear to be missing. It has been replaced by a sense of busyness. The production design is elaborate but a tad uninteresting. There is also an increased devotion to the One Piece theme of believing in yourself. Netflix is up against a huge challenge – matching the expectations of both the original fan base of One Piece and the present generation.
