One Piece Film: Red

Come met the idolized singer renowned throughout the entire world, and the daughter of Red-Haired Shanks in the latest – One Piece Film: Red movie, directed by Goro Taniguchi.

Released on the 6th of August in Japanese theatres, One Piece Film: Red quickly raised through the ranks to become the highest-grossing film for the franchise to date.

Not to mention, as of 29th of January 2023, the film has grossed over 246.5 million US Dollars worldwide, making it the 4th highest-grossing anime film of all time and the 4th highest-grossing Japanese film of all time.

Now that we’ve gotten its accomplishments out of the way. Is the movie any good? Let’s dive into the review.

Be advised that the following review will contain spoilers from the film, ‘One Piece Film: Red.’ You have been warned.

Uta is a beloved singer, renowned for concealing her own identity when performing. Her voice is described as “otherworldly.” Now, for the first time, Uta will reveal herself to the world at a live concert.

Straight out of the gate, the first thing I noticed about the film is that it wants you to feel comfortable and catch your breath because once Uta steps onto the stage, it’s green light throughout.

Ado who voices Uta during her performances has such a beautiful voice, not to forget the charming effects of the animation which I would go far as to say is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

It genuinely felt as if I were at a live concert watching the famous Korean female group, BLACKPINK live, the songs featured throughout the film are somewhat different with a little bit for everyone but mostly centered on the Pop Genre, my favorites would be “I’m Invincible and ‘The World’s Continuation’ as they just hit different, so I give credit to the production team and Ado for creating such an incredibly ensnaring introduction.

As for Uta, she is just like most characters living in the world of ‘One Piece’. A tragic character who after being found in a treasure chest as a baby by the ‘Red-Haired Pirates’, was raised as the musician of the ‘Red-Haired Pirates’ until that one fateful day at the age of 9 whilst, on the music Island of Elegia, she experienced abandonment and felt betrayed by those closest to her.

Uta then lived an isolated lonely life in Elegia, not being able to see the outside world nor have anyone outside of Morgan’s to converse with, Uta began to despise pirates with all her being even though a few weeks ago, she was one herself, and extremely proud of it.

Two years after being left on Elegia, Uta found a den-den mushi/communication snail on the beach sand. It was at that moment when she heard of people suffering because of pirates that she decided to share her voice with the world.

She quickly discovered that her singing was able to help others across the world with her fan base growing so fast that within a few years, her music was known across the whole world.

This caused the poor girl to develop a strong desire to help others and even greater hatred towards pirates that she eventually came up with the plan to trap everyone in her music world using the ability of a Sing-Sing fruit.

In this world, everyone can have fun and forget about their problems in the real world, even though none of it in all intent and purposes is real but the price is that for keeping this going is for Uta to sacrifice herself.

This highlights the selfless person Uta is at heart, however, the way she goes about it is wrong as it suggests that she doesn’t believe that there is any other way for the people in this world to find their happiness.

Plus there is the fact that she had to lie to everyone to make it all possible so happiness based on a lie is already inevitable that it would not last.

Without a doubt, there are parallels in this film that one can see in our world, whereby for example Korean Idols or groups, on television all you see is their smiles and them having a good time when in reality, some of them are crumbling, relying on whatever substance to keep up the appearance eventually leading to the same result.

Back to the film.

One Piece Film: Red is a vibe, every performance that Uta has is a banger but what’s more amazing is that when taking a closer at the lyrics of every song she sings is a story about her and the things she’s had to endure and overcome.

It’s a love message that connects with the audience with its visual flare, flamboyant appeal, and strong delivery.

Make no mistake, this movie maybe be marketed using Emperor Red-Haired Shanks but it’s undeniably a movie about Uta.

Although we have an array of characters from every organization such as the World Government, Marines, and Pirates. Not everyone is given the time to shine, this includes the Red-Haired Pirates that appear only 30mins before the movie ends.

Their arrival on-screen commands respect, I swear you could have heard a pin drop to the floor by how the presence of this one man, and crew bring silence into the air.

I wish we could have seen more of their abilities but this film is a farewell letter from Uta to Shanks. It’s best not to interfere with an Emperor’s family business.

As for the ending, I was left heartbroken as I didn’t expect to see such a treasured character depart us, however, all the clues were left throughout the film like bread crumbs leading Hansel and Gretel, starting with the mushrooms.

It takes help from all her family, friends, and fans to bring Uta back into the light, once again, implying that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The world of One Piece isn’t black and white.

It’s filled with a lot of greys, whereas even pirates can be your heroes and inspirations.

Uta’s downfall was predetermined from the very beginning, like many artists out there that rely on something to keep them going. Unfortunately, she was running on fumes until the moment she lost herself and her reason.

One of the aspects I love about One Piece is that it doesn’t always pick the most obvious route when dealing with villains, which would have the protagonist kill them after every victory.

There is always room for redemption and change as we’ve seen in so many other characters but I guess this film has different intentions.

One Piece Film: Red is by far my favorite ‘One Piece’ film to date, offering viewers plenty of action, and spectacular visuals, staying true to the theme from beginning to end.

I give One Piece Film: Red a 4.1 out of 5 ratings.

“Music is a universal language”

Let me know whether you agree or disagree with my review in the comments below.

Wishing everyone a safe Easter Weekend.

Until next time, stay blessed.