One Piece - Season 1

As someone who's always a bit skeptical about live-action anime adaptations, much like video game adaptations, I approached this project with an open mind. Why? Well, mainly because I've noticed the level of involvement from the manga's author, Oda, and his enthusiasm for the series. When the creator stands behind the adaptation with such satisfaction, it's hard to dismiss it outright. And thankfully, much of what makes One Piece so exceptional is still there. The series is well-crafted, though there are moments where the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially Arlong Park. Nevertheless, I could still immerse myself in this world, believing in the emotions, motivations, and dreams of the characters. The casting was on point, particularly the choice for the main protagonist, who embodies the spirit of the character we've come to love. I appreciated the attention to detail in the sets and the use of practical effects over CGI in certain scenes, which lent authenticity to the production. However, where the live-action version falls short for me is in the portrayal of the actual fights. While the choreography was decent, it's difficult to capture the same intensity and fluidity of the iconic battles we've seen in the anime and manga. It's a challenge to translate such dynamic action sequences into the real world. That being said, the live-action One Piece successfully captures the adventurous spirit of the original. You can sense the passion that the actors poured into their roles, and despite some omissions, the series effectively conveys the core themes and ideas of One Piece. I'm eagerly anticipating a possible second season and curious to see how the creators will tackle more challenging aspects, such as Chopper's appearance. But based on what we've seen in these eight episodes, along with Oda's involvement and the dedication of everyone involved, I have faith in their ability to deliver. Overall, I'd give it an 8.4/10. (16.09.2023)