Review
Hats off to Netflix for Avatar: The Last Airbender
by Luca Fontana
Netflix’s One Piece series is nothing more but average
1.9.2023
Translation: Eva Francis
It’s neither a disaster like Cowboy Beebop, nor an excellent adaptation like The Last of Us. The live-action adaptation of One Piece is extraordinarily ordinary. Why? Because it plays it safe.
Binkusu no sake wo, todoke ni yuku yo. The Luffy flashback makes me think of the lyrics to the song Binks no Sake. How come? I rewind and realise it’s the melody playing in the background of a bar scene. These kinds of details show that the makers of the One Piece live-action adaptation really love the original.
Spoiler alert: Although I won’t go into every detail of the series, I’ll address certain aspects that might be considered spoilers. So if you don’t want me to spoil the series for you, watch it before you read my review.
The live-action adaptation feels like home
Not only the world itself, but also the camera work is inspired by the manga. In some cases, the panels of the original have been implemented one-to-one. The camera crew led by Nicole Hirsch Whitaker used ultra-wide-angle shots to fit everything into the picture at once – just like in the manga panels.
What’s also great is how the profiles of the pirates with a bounty on their head are integrated. Every time one of them is introduced, their profile appears on the screen and the person interacts with it. I like this even better than creator Eiichirō Oda’s panels in the manga.
Great cast
Usopp is the only character that doesn’t quite work, in my opinion. Not because Jacob Gibson’s acting isn’t good, but because the script just doesn’t give his character enough time to develop. The same goes for Sanji, but in his case, I’m glad he doesn’t get more screen time, as he’d probably just get on my nerves.
My acting highlight of the first season, however, is Jeff Ward as Buggy. He portrays the psychotic character perfectly. His role in the live-action series is much larger than in the original. At first, I thought this was a great opportunity for the series. But sadly, it degenerates into comic relief.
Too much speed
More courage
The world of One Piece isn’t only crazy, but also cruel. All the characters have a tragic backstory. If I’d experienced what Nami, Sanji or Zoro did in their childhood, I doubt I’d have coped as well as they did.
Their traumas and other experiences are described more clearly in the manga and anime than in the live-action series. The characters are given more time. Besides, the colourful, illustrated world of the original creates a certain distance to the events, which means the horror of the One Piece world doesn’t come across as clearly as it could in a live-action series.
One Piece is okay – not more
Is One Piece the best manga adaptation ever? No. Is it one of the best? Yes. How’s that possible? Well, the bar isn’t particularly high to be one of the best manga adaptations ever. Most film adaptations fail miserably. So compared to other series, One Piece does well. However, the story isn’t coherent and lacks its own touch that would’ve made it more relatable for fans of live-action adaptations. On top, I don’t find it as moving as the manga.
Therefore, One Piece is just another average Netflix series. If I wasn’t a fan of the original, I’d have forgotten about it in just a few weeks.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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