One Piece — Review Season One
Netflix's live-action "One Piece" captivates audiences with its charming and adventurous world. Action, humor, and heartwarming moments combine to create an exceptional journey of friendship, loyalty, and surprising twists.
Among the longest-running and most popular anime of all time is "One Piece," Eiichiro Oda's epic saga with over 1,000 episodes spanning two decades.
Season one follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), an ambitious young pirate on a quest for the legendary treasure, One Piece, and the title of “The King of the Pirates.” With the Marines in hot pursuit, Luffy gathers a quirky crew: the pirate hunter Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu Arata), the thieving cartographer Nami (Emily Rudd), the slingshot-wielding Usopp (Jacob Romero), and ship's cook Sanji (Taz Skylar).
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Erratic but enjoyable storytelling
Matt Owens and Steven Maeda's decision to remain faithful to the source material's tone in their adaptation of "One Piece" is a double-edged sword. While the show tried to give background information, I still needed more context at times. The swashbuckling story may be too much for some viewers, but others will value its accuracy to the source material.
The series takes some time to develop its characters and storyline. Viewers get to know Luffy during this part, various flashbacks disrupt the story's rhythm. Smoother integration of these flashbacks would improve the storytelling and minimize distractions.
The biggest problem with "One Piece" is its weird storytelling. One moment it's violently edgy, the next whimsical light, sometimes even giving the impression of a children's series.
Characters are the heartbeat of the show
The show’s greatest treasure is the dynamic between the Straw Hat crew. Throughout their voyage, the crew's story unveils many revelations about the characters' pasts. Unlike many series that focus on romance, this one highlights the crew's strong friendships. This lets viewers connect with each character on their own, without getting bogged down in romantic subplots or forcing us to choose who to root for in a love triangle. It's a refreshing change to keep the focus entirely on the quest.
The story centers on Monkey D. Luffy, whose optimism and determination drive the crew forward. At first, Luffy's relentless cheerfulness annoyed me, but as the season went on, Iñaki Godoy’s performance charmed me, much like how Luffy's companions came to accept him. Luffy's carefree exterior hides a complex character, whose mysterious past gradually unfolds. Although his optimism might seem naive, his perseverance and loyalty to his friends reveal his strength of character.
Emily Rudd makes Nami both strong and vulnerable in her performance. Rudd's portrayal pays off when Nami's backstory is revealed during a showdown against the formidable villain, Arlong (McKinley Belcher III).
Mackenyu Arata portrays Zoro's calm determination alongside bursts of intense action, especially in the show's thrilling fight sequences. Much like Luffy, he pursues a single dream: to surpass the feared Dracule Mihawk (Steven John Ward) and become the world's strongest warrior. While his goal is clear, the journey ahead won't be easy. Zoro must dedicate himself to relentless training, and he must never give up (a sentiment that makes John Cena proud).
Vincent Regan brings gravitas to the role of Vice Admiral Garp. The World Government has assigned him and his protégé, Koby (Morgan Davies) to track down Luffy and his crew. However, Garp's hidden motives create tension with the Straw Hats.
Visual spectacle
The visual effects team did an amazing job. The series' makeup and costumes are top-notch. The portrayals of Kuro (Alexander Maniatis) and Buggy the Clown (Jeff Ward) are meticulous and lifelike. What is important is that the characters' powers, such as Luffy's elasticity and Buggy's ability to separate his body parts, look natural.
Moreover, the carefully choreographed fight scenes lend realism to the characters' fighting abilities. Whether it’s Luffy's flexibility or Zoro's lightning-fast swordplay, each battle is executed with precision and fluidity.
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Embracing the joy of adventure
"One Piece," Season One, offered a welcome respite from reality. The series masterfully balances comedy, adventure, action, and even moments of chilling horror. Yet at its core, it radiates enthusiasm and boundless imagination. Its blend of fantastical and slapstick humor draws viewers into this whimsical universe.
The show's appeal lies in its celebration of friendship and camaraderie. Driven by their strong friendships, the Straw Hat Pirates relentlessly chase their dreams.
I’m looking forward to more adventures in season two.
