One Piece fans were shocked when Netflix’s live-action adaptation turned out to be solid. Not only was the series a live-action adaptation of a notoriously goofy manga and anime, it was released at a time when respect for the once-unstoppable streaming giant Netflix was at a low point.

Now, not even Netflix’s One Piece gears up for a new season, Mr. 3 actor David Dastmalchian has revealed his take on what sets the adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s classic manga apart from other adaptations of popular Japanese media.

In an interview with GamesRadarDastmalchian claims that fidelity to the source material is what sets One Piece apart from the competition.

“It’s really tricky when you think about how hard it’s been for people to find the good adaptations of anime to live action. And they nailed it because they leaned into what makes the manga work. And the manga is what makes the anime work. And you take both of those source materials, and if you’re willing to listen to do the magic of that, that’s what makes the live action work.”

Why One Piece Succeeds Where Other Anime Adaptations Fail

Casey Crafford/Netflix

Dastmalchian echoes the common reason cited for One Piece live-action’s success. Eiichiro Oda was heavily involved in One Piece’s development at Netflix and helped steer the ship, ensuring that the streaming giant’s vision for the series was in sync with his vision for it.

While that certainly explains a large portion of the series’ critical acclaim, that doesn’t quite tell the whole story.

One Piece’s Success is as Much Due to What It Changes as What It Keeps the Same

One Piece is not, actually, a particularly faithful adaptation on paper. Significant chunks of the plot have been removed or changed, characters like Sanji have been altered, and the switch to live-action completely changes the series’ visual aesthetic.

While Netflix’s One Piece might not necessarily be faithful to the source material, it is always respectful of it, and that’s where the series’ true strength lies. While One Piece makes many changes, they are almost universally made in order to fit the new series’ formatting.

This sets One Piece apart from other anime/manga adaptations. Thinking back to the disaster that was Dragonball: Evolutionthere was a certain level of embarrassment about the source material that the movie carried. The result was a tonal mess and a legendary box-office bomb.

This has also been a problem for other Netflix adaptations of anime. In particular, Cowboy Bebop is a notable cautionary tale. While Netflix’s Bebop mirrored the original’s aesthetics, Netflix missed out on much of the deeper thematic and political depths that defined Shinichiro Watanabe’s classic series.

Netflix’s One Piece might not be a one-to-one adaptation, but it does carry the spirit of Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece. Nor Dastamalchian says, One Piece live-action leans into what makes the original manga work so well, and that has led it to critical and commercial acclaim.

Release Date

August 31, 2023

NETWORKS

Netflix

Showrunner

Matt Owens

Directors

Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka

Writers

Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand

• 

  Iñaki Godoy

  Monkey D. Luffy

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Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins

Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins

A new Netflix film, based on real events, has received a mixed response from viewers with one labeling it the ‘most cringe movie I’ve ever seen on Netflix’

Netflix’s new film Hijack 93 has viewers cringing just days after its release, even though it briefly popped into the UK’s top ten most watched films following its debut.

Despite the initial curiosity, the movie, a dramatization of real events where a group of Nigerian men attempt to overthrow their military government by hijacking a plane, has received a mixed reception.

The film’s story sees four members of the Movement for the Actualization of Democracy seize control of a flight carrying government officials and civilians, leading to nail-biting negotiations when the plane must land for fuel.

Peaking as the eighth most watched film on Netflix only last week, Hijack 93 slipped from the spotlight quickly with its ranking taking a sharp dip.

Audiences who have already seen the film were left divided on the production’s execution, and subscribers are weighing in with heavy criticism. One posted bluntly online: “Hijack 93′ has to be the most cringe movie I’ve ever seen on Netflix.”

Meanwhile, some maintain a redeeming quality in the entertainment value, highlighting a particular bit they found amusing amid the drama. One viewer recalled a moment that had them roaring with laughter although it remains a question if that was the intention

They said: “How is no one talking about the binoculars in Hijack 93 on Netflix? Got to be one of the funniest scenes in a serious movie I have ever seen. We watched it last night and we were cracking up!”.

However, one viewer has come to the defense of the acting, suggesting it’s not as poor as some claim but rather a deliberate choice to reflect authenticity, reports the Daily Record.

The ‘true’ story behind the film is often seen as a bungled hijacking attempt, leading some to speculate that this awkwardness is intentionally mirrored in the movie.

One audience member remarked: “I watched the news when this event happened but apart from that I didn’t know much about it.

“Reading other reviews I agree that some of the acting was a bit poor but found that more fitting and authentic in this film… these were real people as opposed to plastic ‘actors’ from the usual Z-list.”

Hijack 93 is streaming now on Netflix

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dramatically announced they were quitting their royal roles – one key royal was apparently disappointed with Meghan’s ‘commitment’

It’s no secret that marrying into the royal family comes with a huge level of responsibility and sacrifice, with no modern royal understanding this burden more than the late Prince Philip. Before he became the Duke of Edinburgh when he married Queen Elizabeth in 1947, Philip gave up his birth citizenship, his naval career and even his surname.

As he was happy to live on the sidelines next to the late Queen Elizabeth while he still attended royal events and focused on his own philanthropic efforts, it’s no wonder he expected the same level of dedication from others marrying into the royal family. But according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Philip took particular umbrage with Meghan Markle and her unwillingness to fully devote every aspect of her life to the Firm when she married Prince Harry in 2018.

Speaking to Sky News in 2020, Ingrid said: “I think he’s very, very disappointed because I think he feels he gave up his naval career in order to stand by the Queen and help the monarchy.

“And why can’t Meghan just give up her acting career, support her husband and support the monarchy? He just cannot understand why she couldn’t support Harry and help him rather than wanting to have her voice.”

According to Ingrid, after Harry and Meghan announced they wanted to step down as working royals in January 2020 and the late Queen had called a summit in Sandringham to try to resolve the family crisis, Philip opted not to be a part of the talks about the Sussexes’ future outside of the monarchy.

The meeting was attended by the late Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry, Prince William and then Prince Charles, while Princess Kate, Camilla and Prince Philip did not attend. Meghan was reportedly outraged that she was unable to go to the meeting as she was in Canada with baby Archie.

Seward claims that the late Duke just wanted to wash his hands of the whole affair, as she said: “Of course, it irritates him hugely. And when they had the Sandringham Summit, Prince Philip was seen leaving the house very swiftly before they all arrived. He simply doesn’t want to get involved any more.”

Philip’s quiet fury over Meghan and Harry’s lack of dedication to the royal family stems from his decades of sacrifices in the name of the Firm. Before marrying Queen Elizabeth, Philip had to renounce his Greek and Danish citizenship to become a fully fledged Brit.

He also changed his full name from Philippos Andreou of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderberg-Glücksburg to Philip Mountbatten, and earned the title Duke of Edinburgh after his wedding to the late Queen.

The Duke also had to leave behind his successful career in the Royal Navy to take up new royal duties as the consort to the late Queen.

It’s time to wish the London Eye happy birthday as the iconic structure in the center of our capital city turns quarter of a century – but it’s so much more than just a pretty sight to see

It’s hard to believe that the London Eye is celebrating 25 years today (March 9). The structure was only ever meant to be a temporary marker of the millennium but has now cemented its place as an iconic London landmark standing shoulder to shoulder with Big Ben, Tower Bridge and St Pauls Cathedral.

Now, it stands proud, overlooking the Thames and welcoming tourists from around the world, desperate for a glimpse of the London skyline from 442ft in the air.

Built for the year 2000, the London Eye is an icon with celebration in the fabric of its DNA. The home of London’s annual New Years Eve fireworks and located in the heart of the city, the London Eye is at the forefront of London’s most spectacular landmarks.

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Designed by the Marks Barfield Architects, it is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel and London’s only moving view of the city. the gradual rotation and breath-taking 360-degree views of the capital, allows visitors to observe the hustle and bustle of London life unfolding beneath them.

Since 2000, over 85 million people have traveled across London’s skyline. It’s in postcards, it’s in selfies, it has cemented its place in pop-culture as a modern icon, frequently featured in movies and instantly recognizable worldwide. From first dates to ‘I do’, Hollywood royalty to actual royalty, the 32 capsules – one for every London borough – have seen it all over the years.

Julia Barfield, of Marks Barfield Architects who designed the London Eye, said: “The wheel started off as a landmark to celebrate the Millennium, but has now become a permanent feature of the London Skyline.

“It was David, my husband, who thought of the wheel, and I located it in the very center of London. It’s a symbol of time, and a great way to get people up high efficiently – to offer people the chance to see London from a new perspective and raise spirits.

“It’s incredibly moving to see so many enjoying the structure – I’ve been going back and looking at it for the first time for ages. And it just shows, if you have a dream you’ve got to just go ahead and do it.”

But did you know there are special treats for both parents and children on the London Eye? For parents make sure to book the VIP champagne experience. Try for a sunset slot depending on the time of year for the best snaps you’ll ever take, and enjoy a glass of Pommery Champagne, served to you by a personal host. This also includes a VIP check in and 30 minute rotation for £62 per person.

And for the children, book the Afternoon Tea package – complete with sweet tea, cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Leave with a special box of macaroons, too. Just make sure to add your London Eye ride on too when booking, it’s not automatically included.

Most holidaymakers assume experiencing the London Eye is a simple round-trip but there are so many options to choose from including a Proposal pod which includes champagne, truffles, music, videographer and lots more depending on what you fancy, there’s a wine tasting pod too and a Cupid’s pod for those in love and looking for some quality time together.

Robin Goodchild, Senior General Manager of the London Eye, said: “To be celebrating a quarter of a century standing proud on London’s Skyline is no mean feat when you think it was never in the plan for the London Eye to be more than a temporary structure. That we are, is testament to the way Londoners and the world have embraced the London Eye as more than its parts – establishing it to become the symbol of London. As London’s Eye.

“We are really excited for all those who have been on the Eye over the past 25 years to revel in their amazing memories of their visit when watching the short film. And for those who are yet to enter one of our 32 pods, we hope it inspires them to take a journey across the London skyline and fall in love with the incredible city we are proud to call home.”

www.londoneye.com

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A rift on vaccination could have opened in the White House as prominent vaccine sceptic and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy is called out by Trump who dubbed vaccines “amazing”

Donald Trump has appeared to clash with US Secretary of Health and prominent vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr, as the president stressed the importance of vaccinations.

Although claiming he is not an “anti-vaxxer” himself, RFK Jr. has come under fire for his views on vaccinations and came under intense scrutiny after claiming “autism comes from vaccines” in an interview with Fox News in 2023. However, now it seems Trump has started a rift in healthcare policy after coming out to support vaccination, calling the polio jab “amazing”.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the president said: “You have some vaccines that are so amazing. The polio vaccine, I happen to think, is amazing.” He added: “‘You have to be very careful when you say that some people don’t have to be vaccinated… It’s a very tough position.”

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The vaccine debate is heating up in the US, alongside the Senate hearing. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a change in the state law to eliminate school vaccine mandates. Clashing with the Republican governor, Trump added: “Look, you have vaccines that work. They just work pure and simple.

“They’re not controversial at all, and I think those vaccines should be used, otherwise, some people are going to catch it, and they endanger other people, and when you don’t have controversy at all, I think people should take it.”

Currently, Florida schools require students to be vaccinated for polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps, tetanus and some other communicable diseases, but under DeSantis, this is set to become optional. The move comes as the vaccine rate in the US has begun to decline despite polling suggesting cross-party support from voters on vaccine availability.

RFK Jr is also an advocate for parental choice over vaccines and has called for more research in the field, something that, although it may not fall under “anti-vaxxing”, has worried some professionals. Dr. David Elliman, a consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, told the BBC that Kennedy was dangerously adding to the myths surrounding vaccines.

He added: “Vaccination has probably saved more lives and is better researched than most, if not all, aspects of healthcare. RFK Jr could set this back and be responsible for the death and disability of myriads of people, particularly children.”

During a hearing before a US Senate committee, Kennedy was branded an “anti-vaxxer” with claims that he is “denying people vaccines”. In his time in the job, Kennedy Jr. has pushed through several anti-vaccine moves, from changing recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations, cutting funding for mRNA jabs and cutting influential members on the vaccine advisory panel.

Speaking at the hearing, Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon, said: “I support vaccines. I’m a doctor. Vaccines work. Secretary Kennedy, in your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, I’ve grown deeply concerned.”