I remember when Netflix announced they were doing a live-action adaptation of the anime One Piece. I wanted to cry. They’ve adapted three of my favorite anime to live-action — Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, and Death Note — and each one left me and the vast majority of their fan bases incredibly disappointed. I was not looking forward to watching another big anime IP ruined by awful dialogue, bad casting, awful fight choreography, and a horrendous new version of a story I love.
As I sat at my desk and begrudgingly hit “play” on the first episode of One Piece, “Romance Dawn,” I was mentally prepared to shield my feelings and just accept the show for what it is: another crappy at making anime things look cool in a live-action setting.
I have never been happier to be wrong in my life.
Netflix’s One Piece is, so far, an incredible adaptation. I know, I can’t believe I’m writing that. The casting, the choreography, the special effects, the way the characters we all love from the anime are portrayed in the show…I am very pleasantly surprised. I owe Netflix a huge apology for doubting that they could actually adapt the anime into a binge-worthy live-action series.
Ah, yes, you noticed the “so far” in the paragraph above; I am currently watching the episodes one by one and dissecting them in turn, reviewing them a couple at a time and updating this article as I go. I wish I could binge all eight episodes over a straight eight hours, but it’s just not possible. But I’ll be done soon enough.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about the episodes. Oh, and obviously, beware that there are SPOILERS AHEAD!
One Piece episode 1 review: “Romance Dawn”
One Piece kicks off with the execution of legendary pirate Gold Roger, who drops the ultimate “X marks the spot” teaser with his dying breath. Roger tells the world about his hidden treasure, the “One Piece,” and starts a revolutionary period for the pirate industry. Every pirate is now after his One Piece, including the adorable and stretchy Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, magnificently played by Iñaki Godoy, always dreamt of becoming the King of the Pirates. Godoy brings the exact amount of charisma and charm needed for Luffy, with his big smile, his Gum Gum attacks, and his precious straw hat.
We’re also introduced to Nami (Emily Rudd), a very talented thief and excellent liar; and Zoro (Mackenyu), the ultimate pirate hunter who wields three swords and has the classic “I don’t care” attitude. We also meet Koby (Morgan Davies), who has always wanted to be a marine and was once captured by Captain “Iron Mace” Alvida (Ilia Isorelýs Paulino), who’s not the kind of pirate you want to run into. The best introduction belongs to Lieutenant Commander Helmeppo. Aidan Scott does a phenomenal job bringing him and his ridiculousness to life, and his interactions with Zorro are very entertaining.
In true One Piece fashion, we’re taken to Windmill Village, 10 years prior, and meet Shanks, the pirate who so very heavily influenced Luffy. Shanks tries to teach him that being a pirate isn’t all about the swashbuckling and brawls; it’s also about the freedom to live as one wishes. We also witness young Luffy eating a Gum Gum fruit, which is the reason he is so stretchy.
The episode ends with Luffy, Zoro, and Nami setting sail, victorious but slightly shaken. There’s something addictive about the sense of adventure that One Piece offers, and “Romance Dawn” nails it.
“Romance Dawn” sets up an epic quest in the perfect way. It honors the One Piece IP while offering its own unique spin.