Netflix’s One Piece Reflects the Anime’s Themes of Freedom and Dreams

Netflix is now hosting the live-action rendition of Eiichiro Oda's iconic manga, One Piece, portraying two of its core themes: freedom and dreams.


Netflix's One Piece adaptation based on Eiichiro Oda's manga has finally landed with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score, seemingly breaking the curse of live-action anime adaptations. The series has not only kicked off on a positive note but is also already slated for a second season. The show draws on numerous themes from the source material, with two central ones, freedom and the pursuit of dreams, playing a defining role and manifesting through the main character, Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy).


Following the established storyline from the anime and manga, the live-action series centers on Luffy, who dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates by uncovering the elusive treasure known as the One Piece. On his quest, he assembles a group of misfits and forms the Straw Hat Pirates. The Netflix series, lauded for its impeccable casting, also bears the influence of Marc Jobst's previous directorial work on The Witcher and Daredevil. However, it approaches the story from a different angle, emphasizing the characters and their relationships. This deep understanding is reflected in how the live-action series masterfully conveys themes rooted in the character's experiences.


Netflix's One Piece rewrites the Pirate Code by Centering it on Freedom


As a character, Luffy personifies the concept of freedom, a theme also reflected in the live-action adaptation. He serves as a reminder that freedom extends beyond physical liberation and encompasses breaking free from societal norms and personal limitations. In the face of numerous challenges, Luffy steadfastly adheres to his beliefs. He frequently emphasizes that people should be free to pursue their dreams and be true to themselves, which he believes is the essence of being a pirate. His dream of being a pirate king symbolizes the ultimate freedom of exploring the world without restraints. This message deeply resonates with his crew members, each of whom harbors their own dreams but can't pursue them until Luffy comes along.


Nami's story, for instance, exemplifies this. She endured years of captivity under the Arlong Pirates until the Straw Hat Pirates helped liberate her. Nami's pivotal moment of asking Luffy for help is depicted in Season 1, Episode 7, "The Girls with the Sawfish Tattoo." In the subsequent episode, she expresses how her life is her own once again. Nami represents just one of the characters Luffy helped break free from the physical and physiological shackles that restrained them. As Luffy assembles his crew, each of them has their own distinct dreams, and by helping them achieve these, he brings them one step closer to freedom.


Netflix's One Piece Places Importance on Pursuing Dreams


For nearly his entire life, Luffy has harbored a dream: becoming a pirate. Even as a child, he possessed a clear sense of identity and was resolute in his determination, not even yielding to his grandfather, a vice-admiral in the Marines named Monkey D. Garp. Garp made every effort to mold Luffy into a Marine, but this strategy backfired, leading to Luffy's departure to pursue his dreams. This aspect of Luffy's personality is one of the reasons why the character was so challenging to cast, as it necessitated an actor capable of capturing the essence of Luffy's positivity and inspirational nature. In the live-action, Garp embarks on pursuing Luffy after he steals a map of the Grand Line in Season 1, Episode 1, "Romance Dawn."


As the series progresses, Luffy's dream of becoming the King of the Pirates is a topic he continually reaffirms to himself. While others may mock him for having such a lofty goal, he remains unwavering in his self-belief and refuses to let anyone deter him. This thematic development culminates in Season 1, Episode 8, "Worst in the East," where Luffy confronts his grandfather, who aims to confirm Luffy's unwavering determination to achieve his dreams. After Garp decides to no longer chase him, Luffy has to face the world on his own, standing firmly by his beliefs. As a result, Netflix's One Piece resonates with the source material's defining themes of freedom and dreams, effectively conveying them through these characters.


One Piece is now streaming on Netflix.

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