- As a realm of adaptation, live-action adaptations of anime and manga often find themselves treading on treacherous ground, akin to their video game counterparts. However, remarkably, 2023 appears to be a pivotal year for both genres. In January, HBO premiered "The Last of Us," a critically acclaimed series that took a somber, character-driven approach to a zombie apocalypse, mirroring the 2013 video game's tone. This adaptation defied decades of skepticism by garnering rave reviews, high ratings, and a slew of Emmy nominations.
Just a few months later, "The Super Mario Bros." movie achieved a similar feat at the box office, though not without some mixed critical reception.
Netflix, ever watchful of emerging trends, has taken notice of this success. The streaming giant is gearing up to release "One Piece," a series adapted from Eiichiro Oda's long-running manga. Such adaptations have had a checkered history, and Netflix is well aware of the challenges. Notable failures like "Ghost in the Shell" and "Dragonball Evolution," alongside Netflix's own projects like the critically panned "Death Note" and swiftly canceled "Cowboy Bebop," serve as stark reminders. However, armed with deep pockets and global reach, Netflix aims to reintroduce "One Piece" to a new and expansive audience. Still, it understands the fierce protectiveness of fans, wary stakeholders, and the unique qualities of animation that make this endeavor formidable. "The Last of Us" offers a glimmer of hope as a best-case scenario to emulate.
To navigate these challenges, Netflix has come prepared. Eiichiro Oda has given his endorsement to the series, which showrunners Matt Owens and Steven Maeda have crafted into eight hour-long episodes covering the first 100 chapters of the manga. Subscribers can delve into the euphoria of the show's fervent fan base by streaming 15 seasons of the "One Piece" anime, further capitalizing on the enthusiasm generated at this summer's Tudum fan event. "One Piece" seems destined for commercial success and should appease loyalists who prioritize faithfulness to the source material. Nevertheless, despite being a tribute and a welcoming introduction for newcomers, this live-action adaptation of "One Piece" remains trapped in its attempt to meticulously recreate a world originally designed for two dimensions.
"One Piece" is a fantastical nautical adventure pitting pirate crews against marines in pursuit of a mythical treasure known as the "One Piece." Monkey D. Luffy, a teenager with dreams of becoming the Pirate King, assembles a diverse crew, each with their own aspirations. The world they traverse is undeniably whimsical, with fantastical elements like magical fruits, fishmen, snail phones, and unique characters such as a shape-shifting clown. While these fantastical elements are visually captivating, they also underscore the challenge of adapting this two-dimensional world into live action.
The show's creators have gone to great lengths to capture the essence of "One Piece," employing a symphony of CGI and practical effects to bring its vibrant chaos to life. Hand-to-hand combat scenes are impressively choreographed, and grand set pieces convey the epic scale of the story. At its best, "One Piece" is a colorful delight imbued with the joy of a straightforward coming-of-age narrative.
However, these efforts often serve as a reminder of the inherent challenges of adapting "One Piece" to live action. Some moments feel jarringly unnatural, and even within the regular cast, there's a stylized yet exuberant acting style that occasionally strays into uncanny territory. While lead actor Iñaki Godoy is often charming, certain moments, like his rendition of Luffy's signature pose, linger for too long, resembling a frozen image. This raises a fundamental question: If the best outcome is an approximation of the original, whether close or distant, what unique contribution does this live-action version of "One Piece" bring to the table?
"One Piece" reflects the complex landscape of adapting anime and manga, with its successes and challenges. While it may not attain the novelty found in original creations, it fits within Netflix's portfolio of genre series based on established intellectual properties, known for their popularity and accessibility. Ultimately, "One Piece" champions the value of persistence and the pursuit of dreams—a message echoed by the series' protagonist, Luffy. All eight episodes of "One Piece" are now available for streaming on Netflix.
