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.
As a One Piece fan, I really appreciate this attention to detail. But it takes more to make a good series. After all, only nerds like me will even notice such details. Shouldn’t the goal of a live-action adaptation be to please existing fans as well as attract new ones? This is only possible if there’s a compelling storyline that can be followed without insider knowledge. And in the case of One Piece, it also requires something unique. The series doesn’t deliver fully on either.
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
Source: Netflix
In my last article about One Piece, I praised the excellent world-building of the original. The real-life series also does well at capturing the tone of the wacky world. The over-the-top characters, such as Buggy the Star Clown or Alvida, as well as the locations and set pieces are just brilliant. The floating restaurant Baratie is my favourite. Kaya’s huge mansion that creates an oppressive, almost Resident Evil-style atmosphere is also amazing.
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.
Source: Netflix
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.
When I saw the first trailer, I was a bit worried about how Luffy’s Devil Fruit would be presented. And yes, even in the final product, the powers of the Gomu Gomu no Mi seem strange. But that’s exactly what makes One Piece special – it’s a world that plays by its own rules. And a rubber human just looks weird. From that point of view, it’s a stylistically perfect fit. Unfortunately, Luffy’s powers aren’t shown enough. Despite a budget of 18 million US dollars per episode, it seems that the rubber human animation is too expensive. That’s a pity, as Luffy’s main goal is to be free – even when fighting. This freedom is limited by the budget of the live-action adaptation.
Great cast
Iñaki Godoy, with his flippant nature, is the perfect Luffy. His posture, way of walking and facial expressions are exactly as I imagined. Mackenyu Arata also brings across Zoro’s dark attitude well, and Taz Skylar is more likeable to me than the Sanji of the original. Having said that, I must admit Sanji is my least favourite Straw Hat Pirate. However, the two have by far the best fight scenes. Emily Rudd’s Nami offers the most emotionally powerful moment of the first season, absolutely stealing the show with her performance.
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.
Source: Netflix
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
In addition to the Straw Hat Pirates, Vice Navy Admiral Garp, Koby and Helmeppo play a larger role in the live-action series than in the original. On the one hand, I support this decision. I like that the fast-paced, action-packed storyline of the Straw Hats is broken up by the quiet moments with the Marine soldiers. Garp and Koby in particular are important characters in the original, but aren’t given enough time in the series. Helmeppo, however, is the real highlight of the three. His development from a bit of a ratbag to a likeable guy is relatable and well played by Aidan Scott.
Source: Netflix
On the other hand, the development of the Straw Hat Pirates suffers as a result of this decision. Especially in the first two episodes, everything happens very quickly. This won’t bother fans of the original, as they already know the characters. One Piece newcomers, however, will wonder how Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji grew together in such short time. This is already a weak point in the manga and anime – and even more so in the first season of the live-action series, which only has eight episodes. In my opinion, it would’ve needed at least two more.
Certain antagonists – Captain Morgan, for example – seem very one-dimensional. In the original, he’s a cruel tyrant who doesn’t even shy away from infanticide. In the live-action series, he’s just a self-absorbed prick. And a Marine captain, which is why he’s pirate Luffy’s enemy. But that’s all. He’s the first to be introduced at the very beginning of the series, so I’d have expected more depth. As it is, the storyline doesn’t seem coherent – and I know One Piece. If you don’t know the original, you’re probably left wondering what to do with Luffy’s first enemy.
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.
The Netflix series often fails to make full use of this potential. One example of how it could be done is the part with Buggy, which plays out differently than in the original. In the live-action series, the Clown Pirate has virtually enslaved the villagers and forces them to watch his spectacles. In true sitcom style, the chained-up spectators are forced to applaud or laugh on command. If they don’t play along, they’re punished. This is extremely grotesque and oppressive. I’d have liked to see more such scenes. In my opinion, this is a missed opportunity and would have made the story more accessible to One Piece newbies. On top, it would have made the series more original and set it apart from the manga version.
Source: Netflix
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.
As a One Piece fan, however, I appreciate the many details and can feel the love that’s gone into the series. Yet, the goal of a live-action adaptation should be to win new fans. I don’t think this series does that. Why? Well, on the one hand, because a pirate story set in a fantasy world with superpowers from devil fruit only appeals to a certain audience anyway – one that also enjoys manga and anime. On the other hand, because the storyline is too weak to be compelling for non-experts.
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.
