Whether you’re an anime expert or completely ignorant of the genre, chances are you’ve heard about Netflix’s newest live-action adaptation: “One Piece.” While it’s true that Netflix doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to anime adaptations (see “Death Note” and “Fullmetal Alchemist” for examples), most fans found themselves pleasantly surprised when the live-action version dropped on Aug. 31. 

Not only did the cast and crew do an excellent job at conveying the heart of this cultural masterpiece, but they also did a stand-up job at capturing the magic that so many associate with the show.

But as the closing credits rolled on the last episode of the Netflix original, my final thought was, “What made the difference?” What made this adaptation enjoyable, where so many other attempts had failed? 

So I did what any young impressionable teen would do. I turned to social media to find my answers. What I found was a wide variety of takes, some praising Netflix for “finally breaking the curse” of anime adaptations and others criticizing the condensing and re-writing of the original plot. But the kudos of all viewers fell into fairly similar categories: character, cast and CGI.

Almost every video, tweet or article I read had positive feedback when it came to the show’s ability to capture the character of the original anime. I must say that I wholeheartedly agree. I think one of the hardest things to avoid when Hollywood decides to reinvent an anime is the Westernization that comes from it. If Netflix tried to make their “One Piece” adaptation look like every other American blockbuster, we would undoubtedly have a very different show. However, choosing to work so closely with the anime’s creator, Eiichiro Oda, allowed the weirdness and goofiness of the original to shine throughout the adaptation.  

Another positive point many made was how the choice of casting was some of the best to date. Each member of the live-action cast perfectly embodies what the fans loved about the original characters. From Luffy’s comedic timing to Zuro’s complete loyalty, the cast did a fantastic job at embodying their respective roles.

The last aspect that received numerous compliments was the high-quality CGI throughout the show. If a live-action anime has poor computer-generated imagery, it can be difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves into the universe. Take Netflix’s “Death Note” for example. The demon god known as Ryuk was so poorly adapted it made enjoying the show nearly impossible. “One Piece,” however, had amazing CGI that made it that much more delightful.

So please, consider giving this adaptation a try. Whether you are a hardcore fan who doesn’t want their favorite anime ruined or an avid Netflix enjoyer who is skeptical about the quality, this show truly has something for everyone. So if you decide to join the hype, let us know what you think on our Instagram: @kentwired!

Hannah Bulgrin is an opinion writer. Contact her at [email protected].