The Pirates are Coming: The setting in “The Pirates Are Coming” hits hard right from the start, akin to an unexpected breeze sweeping over the deck, disrupting the tranquility and suggesting turmoil lurking just out of sight. The dynamic between Luffy and Zoro in this episode is electric, showcasing a nuanced blend of trust and frustration that propels the story forward.
The contrast between Luffy’s impulsive excitement and Zoro’s measured skepticism is expressed through more than just dialogue. In a pivotal moment of their conversation regarding the looming danger, Luffy leans in with wide eyes and a grin that hints at his excitement. At the same time, Zoro’s half-closed gaze and measured actions reveal his careful assessment of the situation.
The shadows loom ominously in Kaya’s dining room, transforming a once cozy space into a gilded prison. The transformation from a lively, sunlit ocean escapade to a chilling haunted house thriller is subtly conveyed through visual elements. I found myself genuinely surprised by this stark genre pivot. “The Pirates Are Coming” confines its characters within a vast, shadowy mansion, sealing the doors tightly behind them.
The emerging tension eliminates the expansive vistas of the open ocean, compelling the newly assembled crew to depend on something far more profound than just fighting abilities or lofty dreams. They have to actually trust each other. This moment signifies a crucial turning point in the overall storyline of the season. So far, the narrative has thrived on the irresistible appeal of bringing together a quirky ensemble of outcasts.
Usopp stands out as the clear emotional anchor in this intense situation. A young man, known for his constant false alarms, now faces a genuine and frightening threat looming just outside his door. Observing his futile efforts to persuade the doubtful residents and Kaya about the looming threat is truly excruciating.
As the understanding dawned on me, I couldn’t help but feel a profound, contorted empathy for him, recognizing how his previous actions had led to his total seclusion. The dynamic among Usopp and the other main characters serves as the foundation for the increasing tension.
Koby is uncertain about his decision not to delve deeper into Kuro, and he questions whether Helmeppo truly understands the gravity of the situation. He then informs Koby that the sole reason Vice Admiral Garp has faith in him is due to his friendship with Luffy, implying that he is merely being used. It’s quite ironic for someone with such privilege to question another’s abilities, but I’ll move on.
As the two bicker, Luffy eventually stirs from his food-induced stupor — demonstrating that while his body might be made of rubber, his appetite is as unyielding as a concrete elephant — eager to indulge once again. Helmeppo tries to provoke him and ends up with a shirt full of thrown-up soup as a result.
The lighting choices are impressive, with muted dark shades spread across the mansion, evoking a feeling of looming tension, as if the surroundings are preparing for the turmoil that is about to erupt. The moment when Luffy jumps to confront the foe is enhanced by the camera’s smooth tracking, which reflects his dynamic movement. This creates a vibrant energy that immerses the audience in the thrill of the action.
The level of craftsmanship of the mansion sequence draws significantly from traditional horror elements, yielding a blend of predominantly exciting reactions. The director utilizes a collection of disconcerting Dutch angles each time the antagonist, Kuro, appears on screen. The unconventional angles instantly disrupt the viewer’s sense of stability. The atmosphere shifts unsettlingly as he enters the illumination.
The camera holds on the sharp, gleaming edges of his signature clawed gloves, transforming an unusual weapon choice into a source of unsettling fear. The atmosphere thickens as Kuro moves through the hallways, each step dragging out the tension to an unbearable degree. The careful, measured pace of his steps creates an oppressive ambiance that seems distant from the vibrant, energetic clashes of previous moments.
In the third and final flashback to Zoro’s childhood, intercut with his last effort to escape the well, young Zoro eagerly awaits a sunrise training session with Kuina. Instead, their sensei, Nathan Castle, who is also Kuina’s father, arrives to deliver the devastating news of an accident that claimed Kuina’s life.
Overwhelmed with grief at the funeral, Zoro seeks permission to bear her sword alongside his own, expressing to their sensei his commitment to his promise of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman—a vow he intends to honor for both of them. The same commitment drives Zoro to finally pull himself out of the well.
The use of visual effects is minimal yet powerful, especially when depicting the shockwaves from Luffy’s first attacks, which are presented with a crisp, almost tangible sense of impact. The effects enhance the hand-drawn aesthetic without overshadowing it, elevating the intensity of the action beautifully.
The episode showcases remarkable skill in action choreography, highlighting a keen understanding of spatial dynamics and character positioning. Luffy’s movements are depicted in a manner that makes his rubber abilities appear both smooth and realistic; his stretches, swings, and impacts are amplified yet remain connected to the environment around him.
Zoro’s counter-movements, characterized by intentional pacing and exact swordplay, serve as a visual anchor, adding significance to the episode’s physical confrontations. The cinematography skillfully alternates between expansive wide shots and intimate close-ups, immersing viewers in the grandeur of the conflict while highlighting the individual struggles of each character.
While some quick transitions in these sequences can lead to brief confusion, particularly when the setting changes suddenly, these instances are quite minor in the context of an otherwise well-crafted visual experience.
The conversations in this episode stay impressively realistic, steering clear of the usual exaggerated pirate clichés. As Usopp quakes in front of a foe who outmatches him in every possible aspect, his speech falters and shatters. There isn’t a refined, noble speech. He comes across as a frightened adolescent attempting to reassure himself against the urge to flee. The unrefined essence of his rebellion lends a genuine quality to his courage. It was incredibly invigorating to witness a protagonist who is clearly struggling with his own anxiety.
The darkness within the mansion eventually dissipates, yet the haunting dread of human potential for harm continues to resonate within its very structure. Luffy observes the dust settling in the main hall, his typical broad smile completely gone, replaced by a thoughtful, measured gaze that indicates he has come to grasp the true price of the dream he is pursuing.
As the last moments of the episode come to a close, there’s an enduring feeling that the story has intensified and become more profound. The connections between characters are palpable, the action resonates with significance, and the setting actively contributes to the narrative.
The episode excels in harmonizing the tumult of pirate battles with the nuanced, personal themes of camaraderie, fidelity, and bravery. The experience not only keeps the audience eager for what comes next but also prompts contemplation on the balance between boldness and strategy that characterizes the crew’s adventure.
Where To Watch: Netflix
The Pirates are Coming – One Piece Live Action S01E04: Episode Info
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
The Pirates are Coming – One Piece Live Action S01E04: Cast
- Iñaki Godoy: Monkey D. Luffy
- Emily Rudd: Nami
- Mackenyu: Roronoa Zoro
- Jacob Romero Gibson: Usopp
- Celeste Loots: Kaya
- Alexander Maniatis: Klahadore
- Morgan Davies: Koby
- Vincent Regan: Garp
- Aidan Scott: Helmeppo
- Bianca Oosthuizen: Sham
- Albert Pretorius: Buchi
- Brett Williams: Merry
- Maximilian Lee Piazza: Young Zoro
- Audrey Cymone: Kuina
- Nathan Castle: Koushiro
The Pirates are Coming – One Piece Live Action S01E04: Crew
- Director: Emma Sullivan
- Writing Credits: Eiichirô Oda, Damani Johnson, Matt Owens, Steven Maeda, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand, Tom Hyndman
- Producer: Amie Horiuchi, Takuma Naitô
- Executive Producer: Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Marc Jobst, Steven Maeda, Eiichirô Oda, Matt Owens, Tim Southam, Chris Symes
- Co-Executive Producer: Diego Gutierrez, Laura Jacqmin, Damani Johnson, Nic Louie, Ian Stokes, Stephen Welke
- Co-Producer: Tiffany Greshler
- Associate Producer: Robert W. Egami
- Consulting Producer: Zack Estrin
- South African Producer: Marisa Sonemann-Turner, Rudi Van As
The Pirates are Coming – One Piece Live Action S01E04: Other Info
- Air Date: Aug 31, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 2m
- Distributor: Netflix
- Production Co: Film Afrika Worldwide, Kaji Productions, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios
