"ONE PIECE FILM RED" review: A moving story and stunning visual beauty

"ONE PIECE FILM RED": A new adventure woven by Uta's singing voice

"ONE PIECE FILM RED" is an animated film based on Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece "ONE PIECE" and was released on August 6, 2022. This work makes the most of the worldview of the original work while introducing new characters and storylines to provide fans with fresh surprises and excitement. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and highlights of this film, as well as its background.

■ Story

The story of "ONE PIECE FILM RED" revolves around Uta, the world's most beloved singer. Uta has been described as "otherworldly" for her singing voice, and has kept her identity hidden. However, she will be making her first public appearance at a live concert, and the venue will be filled with many Uta fans, including pirates, the navy, and the Straw Hat Pirates led by Luffy. The story begins with the shocking revelation that Uta is "Shanks' daughter."

Uta takes to the stage with the pure desire to "make the world happy with her songs." With the mysterious figure of Gordon, who knows her past, and Shanks looming, Luffy and Uta are reunited on the musical island of Elegia. Their meeting dates back to Foosha Village 12 years ago, and the story deepens from there.

■Explanation

"ONE PIECE" began serialization in "Weekly Shonen Jump" in 1997, and in 2021, the total number of copies published worldwide exceeded 490 million, and the number of collected volumes reached the 100th volume. The TV anime series has also surpassed 1,000 episodes, and continues to set milestones in both manga and anime. In July 2022, it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the start of serialization, and "ONE PIECE FILM RED" will be released as a fitting work for the anniversary year.

The film is produced by the original author Eiichiro Oda and directed by Goro Taniguchi (director of the Code Geass series). Uta is voiced by Kaori Nazuka, Ado is a vocalist, and Gordon, who knows Uta and Shanks' past, is played by Kenjiro Tsuda. Yasutaka Nakata provides the theme song for Uta, and songs in the film are performed by a number of other great artists, including Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Vaundy, FAKETYPE., Hiroyuki Sawano, Yuta Orisaka, and Motohiro Hata. This summer, Uta's singing voice will weave a heart-warming story.

■Cast

The cast of "ONE PIECE FILM RED" includes the familiar voice actors from the original work and TV series: Mayumi Tanaka as Monkey D. Luffy, Kazuya Nakai as Roronoa Zoro, Akemi Okamura as Nami, Kappei Yamaguchi as Usopp, Hiroaki Hirata as Sanji, Ikue Otani as Tony Tony Chopper, Yuriko Yamaguchi as Nico Robin, Kazuki Yao as Franky, Cho as Brook, and Katsutoshi Houki as Jinbe.

Kaori Nazuka will voice the new character Uta, Ado will join the singing cast, and Kenjiro Tsuda will play Gordon. Important characters from the original work will also appear, including Shuichi Ikeda as Shanks, Arno Tahara as Ben Beckman, and Michitaka Kobayashi as Yasopp. Many other popular characters will also be seen in the film, including Mami Koyama as Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom), Hiroshi Kamiya as Trafalgar Law, and Fumihiko Tachiki as Sakazuki.

■ Main staff

The main staff of "ONE PIECE FILM RED" are Eiichiro Oda as the original author and general producer, Goro Taniguchi as director, Tsutomu Kuroiwa as scriptwriter, and Yasutaka Nakata as music. Masamasa Sato is the character designer and chief animation director, Hiroshi Kato as art director and art setting, Sayoko Yokoyama as color designer, Kentaro Kawasaki as CG director, Tsunetaka Ema as director of photography, and Tomoya Yoshida as production manager. Animation is produced by Toei Animation, and the "One Piece" Production Committee (Fuji Television Network, Toei Animation, Toei, Shueisha, Bandai, Bandai Namco Entertainment, ADK Emotions, Dentsu) is in charge of production.

■ Main Characters

The main characters of "ONE PIECE FILM RED" are the members of the Straw Hat Crew, as well as new characters Uta, Gordon, and Shanks. The main characters are introduced below.

Monkey D. Luffy <br> Captain. Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, his trademark is the straw hat he received from his benefactor, Red Haired Shanks, when he was a child. After eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi, a Devil Fruit, he became a "rubber man" whose entire body stretches like rubber. His dream is to become the King of the Pirates.

Roronoa Zoro <br> Combatant. A three-sworded swordsman nicknamed "Pirate Hunter Zoro." He aims to become the "world's greatest swordsman" to fulfill a promise he made to his childhood friend Kuina, who died young. He is always training hard and seeks out strong opponents in battle.

Nami <br> Navigator. She used to be a thief specializing in pirates, but after she saved her hometown, she joined Luffy and his crew. She has genius surveying and navigation skills, and can even interpret the complex climate and ocean currents of the Grand Line. She has a weakness for money and treasure.

Usopp <br> Sniper. The son of Yasopp, a member of the Red Hair Pirates led by the red-haired Shanks, Usopp dreams of becoming a brave warrior of the sea himself. He is a cowardly and negative person, but when it's time to act, he gets things done. His sniping skills are top-notch, and his lies and bluffing are also his weapons.

Sanji <br> Cook. Former sous chef of the floating restaurant "Baratie." His cooking skills are top-notch, and his dream is to find the legendary ocean "All Blue," where ingredients from all over the world come together. He has powerful footwork, but is an unrivaled womanizer and has a weakness for beautiful women. He is the most gentlemanly of the crew.

Tony Tony Chopper <br> The ship's doctor. A blue-nosed reindeer who ate the Human-Human Fruit and gained human abilities. He learned medicine in the medical superpower Drum, and his dream is to become a panacea. He can also talk to other animals.

Nico Robin <br> Archaeologist. Searching for the Rio Poneglyph, a stone that reveals the truth of history, she has lived in the underworld since the age of eight. She has the power of the Hana Hana no Mi, which allows her to make parts of her body bloom from anywhere.

Franky <br> Shipwright. He is an apprentice to Tom, the world's best shipbuilder, and is the shipwright who built the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, the Thousand Sunny. He is skilled not only in ships but also in developing weapons and armaments, and has modified his own body to become a full-body cyborg.

Brook <br> Musician. He is an afro-haired swordsman who vowed to reunite with Laboon the whale, whom he parted ways with 50 years ago, and who, although he died once, was brought back to life in the form of a skeleton thanks to the power of the Yomi Yomi Fruit. He is a musician who is adept at playing a variety of instruments, and has gained popularity under the nickname "Soul King."

Jinbei <br> Helmsman. A former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he has the nickname "Jinbei the Knight of the Sea." He is a master of Fishman Karate and has a character that adheres to honor and justice, so he initially turned down Luffy's invitation to join the Straw Hat Pirates due to his obligation to Big Mom, but he made a decision and fulfilled his long-cherished wish to join the crew.

Uta is the daughter of Shanks the Red-Haired, one of the Four Emperors, and a global diva. She was separated from Shanks due to a certain incident when she was a child, and was left behind on the musical island of Elegia. Driven by her belief that she wanted to make the world happy through song, she continued to sing while keeping her identity hidden. Now she has become the world's most beloved diva, and will hold her long-awaited first live concert here in Elegia.

Gordon <br> A mysterious character who lives on the musical island of Elegia and knows Uta's past.

Shanks is one of the "Four Emperors" who rule the New World. He once served as an apprentice on the ship of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, and after the Roger Pirates disbanded, he became the captain of the Red Hair Pirates, a great pirate who created countless legends on the seas. He met the young Luffy in Foosha Village, where he stopped during his voyage, and entrusted him with his straw hat.

■ Main robot items

The main robot item in "ONE PIECE FILM RED" is the music island of Elegia. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew visit the island to catch Uta's first live performance here in Elegia. This island will be an important stage where Uta's singing voice will reverberate.

■ Related works

"ONE PIECE FILM RED" is connected to many related works that share the worldview of "ONE PIECE". The main related works are introduced below.

ONE PIECE TV Series This is the ONE PIECE TV anime series, which faithfully reproduces the story of the original work while also including episodes that are original to the anime.

ONE PIECE Uta Diary <br> A special episode depicting Uta's past and her growth.

ONE PIECE Episode of Nami: Tears of a Navigator and the Bonds of Friends
This is a special episode that depicts Nami's past and the story of how she joined the Straw Hat Pirates.

ONE PIECE Episode of Luffy: Hand Island Adventure
This special episode depicts Luffy's past and the adventure that led him to become the King of the Pirates.

ONE PIECE Episode of Merry: The Story of Another Friend
This is a special episode that tells the story of the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, the Going Merry.

ONE PIECE “3D2Y” Overcoming Ace’s death! Luffy’s promise to his friends <br> This special episode depicts the story of how Luffy overcomes Ace’s death and reunites with his friends.

ONE PIECE Episode of Sabo ~The bond between three brothers, a miraculous reunion and the inherited will~
This is a special episode that depicts the bond between the three brothers, Luffy, Sabo, and Ace, and Sabo's reunion.

ONE PIECE: Adventure of Nebulandia
This is a special episode depicting the Straw Hat Pirates' adventures on Nebulandia Island.

ONE PIECE: Heart of Gold
This is a special episode in which the Straw Hat Pirates go on an adventure in search of the legendary treasure, the Heart of Gold.

ONE PIECE Episode of the East Blue: Luffy and his four companions' great adventure!!
This special episode depicts the adventures of Luffy and his first four companions in the East Blue.

ONE PIECE Episode of Sky Island <br> A special episode depicting the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates on Sky Island.

ONE PIECE FILM STRONG WORLD EPISODE:0
This is a special episode that depicts the prequel to "ONE PIECE FILM STRONG WORLD."

ONE PIECE Infiltration!! Thousand Sunny <br> A special episode introducing the interior of the Straw Hat Pirates' new ship, the Thousand Sunny.

ONE PIECE (Movie)
The "ONE PIECE" movie series will feature an original story based on the original work.

ONE PIECE: Adventure on Spiral Island <br> This movie depicts the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates on Spiral Island.

ONE PIECE Django's Dance Carnival <br> A special episode depicting Django's Dance Carnival.

ONE PIECE: Chopper's Kingdom on Strange Animal Island <br> This movie depicts Chopper's adventures on Strange Animal Island.

ONE PIECE Dream Soccer King!
This is a special episode in which the Straw Hat Pirates face off in soccer.

ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: Dead End Adventure <br> This is the movie version in which the Straw Hat Pirates embark on a Dead End adventure.

ONE PIECE: The Cursed Holy Sword <br> This movie depicts the Straw Hat Crew's adventure in search of the cursed holy sword.

ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island <br> This movie depicts the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates on the secret island with Baron Omatsuri.

ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle <br> This movie depicts the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates at Karakuri Castle.

ONE PIECE Episode of Alabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates This special episode depicts the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates in the Alabasta Kingdom.

ONE PIECE THE MOVIE Episode of Chopper + Miracle Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Winter This movie depicts Chopper's adventures on a winter island.

ONE PIECE FILM STRONG WORLD
This is a movie in which the Straw Hat Pirates face off against the powerful enemy Shiki.

ONE PIECE 3D Straw Hat Chase <br> A special episode depicting the adventures of the Straw Hat Crew in 3D.

ONE PIECE FILM Z
This is a movie version in which the Straw Hat Pirates face off against former Navy Admiral Zetto.

ONE PIECE FILM GOLD
This is a movie version depicting the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates aboard Gran Tesoro.

ONE PIECE STAMPEDE
This is a movie version depicting the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates at the Pirate Expo.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song and music of "ONE PIECE FILM RED" revolve around Uta's singing voice. The main songs are introduced below.

OP1
New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)
Lyrics by Yasutaka Nakata Composition by Yasutaka Nakata Arrangement by Yasutaka Nakata Vocals by Ado

ED1
Where the Wind Goes Lyrics: Hata Motohiro Composition: Hata Motohiro Arrangement: Tomi Yo, Hata Motohiro Singer: Ado

IN1
New Era (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)
Lyrics by Yasutaka Nakata Composition by Yasutaka Nakata Arrangement by Yasutaka Nakata Vocals by Ado

IN2
Where the Wind Goes Lyrics: Hata Motohiro Composition: Hata Motohiro Arrangement: Tomi Yo, Hata Motohiro Singer: Ado

IN3
I am the strongest Lyrics: Omori Motoki (Mrs. GREEN APPLE)
Composer: Motoki Omori (Mrs. GREEN APPLE)
Arrangement: Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Ito Kenka: Ado

IN4
Backlighting <br> Lyrics by Vaundy
Composer: Vaundy
Arrangement: Vaundy
Singer: Ado

IN5
Utakata Lullaby Lyrics by Topham Hatt Kyo (FAKE TYPE.)
Composed by: FAKE TYPE.
Arrangement: DYES IWASAKI (FAKE TYPE.)
Singer: Ado

IN6
Tot Musica
Lyrics by cAnON.
Composed by Hiroyuki Sawano Arranged by Hiroyuki Sawano Sung by Ado

IN7
The Continuation of the World Lyrics: Yuuta Orisaka Composition: Yuuta Orisaka Arrangement: Daisuke Kawaguchi Vocals: Ado

■ Evaluation and impressions

"ONE PIECE FILM RED" is a work that will appeal strongly to fans of the original work as well as new viewers. Uta's singing voice and her story deeply touch the hearts of viewers and inspire them. The high quality of the production, with its stellar cast and staff, has also been praised. In particular, the performance of Ado, who voices Uta, was highly praised, and many of the songs in the film were also a hot topic.

In terms of the story, the relationship between Uta and Shanks, as well as her past and dreams, are carefully depicted, respecting the worldview of the original while offering a new perspective. The members of the Straw Hat Pirates also show off their individual personalities, and there are plenty of scenes that fans won't want to miss.

The new setting of the musical island of Elegia is also appealing, and Uta's live performance scene has an overwhelming impact both visually and aurally. Overall, this is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work, but by all people who love music and adventure.

■Recommendation

"ONE PIECE FILM RED" is highly recommended for fans of the original "ONE PIECE" as well as those who enjoy music and a moving story. Uta's singing voice and her story will deeply touch the hearts of viewers, providing new adventures and emotions. Also, do not miss the high quality production by a stellar cast and crew. Be sure to listen to Uta's singing voice this summer.