As a wave of animation nostalgia sweeps through, “Detective Conan” persists, and now, “One Piece” is making a grand entrance.
This week, the most anticipated spectacle on the silver screen is undoubtedly the latest film from the iconic anime IP:
One Piece Film: Red
Marking the 25th anniversary of “One Piece” and standing as the 15th film in the series, “One Piece Film: Red” has been highly anticipated by fans, and it truly delivers.
Since its release in Japan on August 6th, it dominated the weekly box office for 11 consecutive weeks, surpassing 10 billion yen in 20 days and 15 billion yen in 46 days, a remarkable achievement.
Currently, “One Piece Film: Red” has exceeded 18.5 billion yen at the box office, securing its position as the top-grossing film of the year in Japan and continuing the trend of Japanese animation claiming the annual box office crown for the fourth consecutive year since 2019.
So, what makes “One Piece Film: Red” such a massive hit?
As a film adaptation of the “One Piece” anime, it’s essential to maintain the character settings and storylines from the TV series and original manga. However, it’s equally important to cater to casual fans and general audiences, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Following this principle, the main plot of “One Piece Film: Red” can be understood even without prior knowledge of the anime:
In the world of the great pirates era, competition and conflict seem to be the norm, but there is a unique singer who advocates for love and peace through her beautiful voice.
The story begins with a solo concert by the red-haired singer Uta, where the audience and the Straw Hat pirates are captivated by her performance.
Uta is none other than Luffy’s childhood friend and mentor, and the adopted daughter of Shanks, the captain of the Red Hair Pirates. Having grown up with Luffy, their reunion brings joy to everyone.
However, Uta’s ambition goes beyond making people happy in the moment; she wants them to be “forever” happy, and her concert hides a much grander plan…
The Focus on Uta and Shanks
“One Piece Film: Red” introduces the new character Uta to the film series for the first time.
Her striking appearance and beautiful voice are her defining traits. As the adopted daughter of Shanks, another significant character in the story, her presence suggests that her relationship with Shanks will be a central theme of the film.
The emotional connection is a crucial storyline in this film. As a newly introduced character closely linked to the main characters, the story faces the challenge of justifying Uta’s absence in previous narratives.
As a father, Shanks made a simple decision that caused irreparable harm to his daughter Uta. Can this absent fatherly love be redeemed before Uta makes a grave mistake? How will the father and daughter reconcile?
Furthermore, the story involves not only Uta and Luffy’s crew but also other pirates, the Navy, and even the entire world of “One Piece,” all caught up in a massive crisis.
With a multitude of characters and an escalating scale, fans are eager to see how “One Piece Film: Red” handles it all.
The Allure of Shanks and the Music
Ultimately, the most compelling aspect of this film is the “hidden protagonist,” Shanks.
Shanks is a popular character in “One Piece,” one of the “New World” Four Emperors, and Luffy’s idol and mentor since childhood.
This classic character makes his debut in a film adaptation this year, a must-see moment for fans.
As the story unfolds, Shanks’ Red Hair Pirates and Luffy’s Straw Hat Pirates cooperate to overcome their predicament, creating a dream collaboration of “One Piece” all-stars.
For fans who can witness these stories and spectacular scenes on the big screen, these highlights are absolutely unmissable.
Furthermore, with music as the central theme, the film naturally features captivating songs. Uta’s concert includes not only stunning stage transformations but also songs in various styles.
The lyrics complement the different emotional needs of the battle and lyrical scenes, making the concert a high-quality auditory feast.
Due to the numerous singing segments, Uta’s singing parts are voiced by the popular Japanese singer Ado, in addition to the regular voice actors.
Ado has previously performed insert songs for the anime “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” and the theme song for the classic Japanese drama “Doctor-X,” so her singing ability is undoubtedly top-notch.
With the popularity of “One Piece Film: Red,” Uta’s singing has become a hot topic among viewers. Uta has even been invited to participate in the year-end “Japan’s Spring Festival Gala,” the Kohaku Uta Gassen, making her the first virtual singer in the history of the show.
Uta will appear in the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Action-Packed Climax
Speaking of “divas” and “music,” many might think of “Belle” from a while ago.
However, unlike the realistic and healing story in “Belle,” “One Piece Film: Red” is, after all, a high-energy anime, and the battles in the second half are full of the series’ signature exaggerated and dazzling style.
The characters trapped in two worlds must work together to break free from their constraints. The repeated intersections and the successive “ultimate moves” in the climax bring the film’s emotions to a peak.
On the big screen, this battle promises even more memorable details and sensations.
In August of this year, “One Piece Film: Red” had its domestic premiere at the Beijing International Film Festival. However, due to the limited number of screenings, tickets were highly sought after, with some even paying high prices, demonstrating the fans’ anticipation and enthusiasm.
Unexpectedly, just over three months later, we are thrilled to welcome the theatrical release of “One Piece Film: Red.” In the last month of 2022, let’s kick it off with a work full of emotion, music, passion, and friendship.
Set sail today; “One Piece” is here!