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Shonen Jump movies aren’t exactly known for their quality; they usually amount to little more than 1.5 hours worth of fan-servicey filler, but when I discovered none other than Norio Matsumoto animated "One Piece Movie 6: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island", I just had to check it out. For those who aren’t aware, Matsumoto is an amazing action animator capable of capturing some stunning movement — he was the guy behind those episodes (30, 133) of Naruto.
So I sat down to this movie expecting great animation and hoping for a fun story, what I got far exceeded my expectations. This was a great movie, the last 30 minutes of which were an explosion of post-apocalyptic scenery and nakama-love, Luffy style. The Straw Hats come within whisker of dying, and in an outstandingly cool scene Luffy is almost crucified when impaled by dozens upon dozens of arrows. It looks breathlessly stylish, is undeniably darker than the TV series and like the best of One Piece, shows real heart.
For all its action-packed gusto, One Piece’s greatest strength has always been the steely bond of comradery between the Straw Hats. I could sit through hours of One Piece fillers just to see the characters interact and mess about. Movie 6 understands this, and what this results in is an almost heart-breaking tribute to Luffy’s loyalty to his nakama. Some of it borders on outright horror — during one especially grotesque moment, the Straw Hat pirates (excluding Luffy) are squished together and mutate into a kind of slimy, fleshy plant stalk that grows out of the deranged villain’s shoulder; it looks disgusting. In another shocking scene, Luffy has arrows shot through his hands and feet, blood pours from the wounds. He is in pain. You know it’s bad when Luffy is writhing in agony. This will scare kids.
Given my love of Matsumoto’s art, it should go without saying that Movie 6 is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The finale is an absolute tour-de-force of high budget Shonen Jump action — hand to hand combat, big open spaces, lightning quick movement, crazy special moves; arrows cloud the sky, Luffy’s gomu-gomu attacks have never looked as good.
Running in at a mere 90 minutes, this is essential viewing for One Piece fans. You just have to see the last half.
Sergi
/ January 17, 2007i saw that movie too. i just saw 5 of the 7 one piece movies, and that’s the 1 that impressd me d most. i like dat scene of the million arrows too. if u see when luffy looks back, it seems like luffy has mars behind him. the animation is not exactly perfect, but its a tremendous and a bit scary movie
Sergi
/ January 17, 2007and 1 more thing, im a kid. well, im 12
admin
/ February 4, 2007wow are u guys fucking serious? i thought that episode was unbearable to watch. "Given my love of Matsumoto’s art, it should go without saying that Movie 6 is jaw-droppingly beautiful." how can u say that the art was beautiful? that was like watching 2D cartoon art in the 90’s. i have much more to say but i don’t want to flame u, but that first comment just had to be said.
bateszi
/ February 5, 2007Anonymous – It’s all a matter of taste really, but I genuinely love how dark and odd this movie looks. So different to the (still great looking) TV series. Furthermore, Matsumoto’s animation gives the action a real sense of mortal danger and bone breaking gravity. I’ve watched clips from the movie a few times since writing this review and still adore it. The last 30 minutes are awesome.
Muffin-chan
/ February 24, 2007I just saw the movie and boy, WAS IT COOL!!! It is far the best One piece movie of all!!!!
I was really moved in the "emotionnal" scenes.
Luffy is sure a great captain!!^^
Tito
/ March 4, 2007I’ve watched this movie several times and each time I watch it, it still gets me.
It’s my favorite One Piece movie so far!
The animation is really different than from the origonal anime and I like it!
I’m a big fan of gorey stuff so this movie really hit the spot for me.
It’s also so emotional. I nearly cried a few times. Espiecally the part where Luffy, believing his entire crew has perished, hangs his head and waits for the baron to finish him off; not wanting to live without his friends.
This movie shows the real heart behind the anime and what it’s all about. Nakama. Plain and simple.
Mr.Dark
/ April 4, 2007I know about this movie! I haven’t watched all of it but i’ve seen some clips and that whole creepy, yet awesome part. I love movies like this! I also saw those tests at the beginning. 10 out of 5!(It’s a joke) I loved this movie!
...
/ April 9, 2007Yeah!
It was f-ing awsome!
Ryan
/ April 27, 2007This was my favorite One Piece Movie. It was amazing to me. I really love this type of animation. The way it looks is just amazing to me. I watched the movie around September last year, and I loved it. The only move I haven’t seen is the 7th one, but I’ve seen parts of it. I can’t wait for the 8th one though, will be cool.
unknown
/ May 11, 2007I’ve seen all seven of the current movies, and all I can say is that this one is by far my favorite. I thought the difference between the normal animation and Matsumoto’s animation was a bit strange, but it gave the movie a nice feel. The last bit kind of creeped me out, but it was all just so awesome! Not to mention I liked DJ. He was funny. Overall, it was a kickass movie, and I can’t wait for the 8th one!
x
/ May 19, 2007does anyone knows where i can download it with english subs? in high-quality/dvd-rip? the quality on youtube is awful…
One Piece Gift Store
/ May 20, 2007I love this one piece movie, but then again, i love them all!
Soldier Blue
/ May 22, 2007X, Kaizoku-Fansubs are about to release their version of movie 6.
There’s also a version by Balf that was released last year.
Elise
/ May 28, 2007I thought it was very beautiful also. I mean, I shouldn’t say "ignoring", but putting the disguisting parts and details aside, if you look at it, the whole picture behind the movie was really nice. It also got me thinking: "wow… what a man like Luffy would do to save his nakama…". I pratically felt like crying when I saw that Luffy looked like he was close to death, since he’s come a long way.
And now if we look at the movie overall… yep. It’s pretty disgusting.
zoloswordsman
/ June 17, 2007Yeah, Elise! I agree! I saw this scene on YouTube. It was an AMV called "This is Halloween" Believe me! I cried too!! Luffy is by far the best captain when it comes to doing anything to save his nakama!!!! It was so touching. But you know, I don’t think Oda would let them DIE!! Pretty close, but not die!! Only thing is… I DIDN’T SEE HOW IT ENDED!!! HOW DID HE SAVE THEM!?
I felt bad about not seeing HOW he won over evil!!! But it was awesome!!!!
DJ Andrea
/ June 18, 2007I watch the movie. I liked a lot!!!! It’s my One Piece favorite movie. I hate Muchigoro, but I love DJ… XD XD XD Lily is so lovely when it is a little flower, isn’t it?? I love the animation and the movie was amazing!!! XD XD XD
sogekingfan
/ June 27, 2007I saw an AMV of this movie and absolutely had to watch the movie afterwards. The art itself was worth watching the movie. Simply gorgeous. It was my first One Piece movie, too.
RA
/ August 6, 2007GAMBARE JELEK
Sevroy
/ August 14, 2007This movie is on my top 3 list of all movies.:D Baron Omatsuri is one of my most favorite villains.
Vaman
/ June 27, 2008Guys i cant find nowhere a website with all the one piece movies.eny ideas?
bateszi
/ June 27, 2008@Vanman: Try here. You’ll be able to get them as long as you’ve got a Bit Torrent client installed.
Vaman
/ June 27, 2008thanks a lot.it was a very usefull advice!!!
crazyonepieceperson
/ July 17, 2008I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! some of it was freaky… BUT IT WAS AWWWESOME!!!!! MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay!
Snowaster
/ July 23, 2008I enjoyed this quite a bit, everything I had heard about it before I saw it said that it was the worst of the one piece movies and I disagree. The ending alone made me squeal with happiness at how incredible it was. But the song I’ve been hearing play at the end is awesome but I can’t find who does it or what its called. If anyone new that would be great.
qwertypoiuy
/ July 24, 2008@snowaster
i think most people say this is the best movie
but recently i have seen few minutes of movie 9
now that will be the best one
animation was superb cant wait until the sub
izm4il
/ September 27, 2008everyone!!! i’ve just this movie 10 mintes… so could you tell me where i scan download this movie!!
roger
/ January 17, 2009Dude, Norio Matsumoto only played a tiny role in the animation of this movie, he was just one of a hundred different key-animators. The overall line-style used is distinctly characteristic of Mamoru Hosoda who used it in Digimon: Our War Game a few years earlier and has since used it in The girl Who leapt through time. If anything you it should be him , Sushio and the other animation/art directors you’re praising.
Mag
/ March 8, 2009the art is definetily different. I have a love hate relationship with it. I mean I love the secere and how some of the characters new looks but…… something is bugging me. I think it’s the way the characters are drawn. Their arms are to skinny, and their faces look a little funny. (well ussops face can’t be helped, you always looks funny!)
bobbybob
/ May 3, 2009I thought I should mention this, among One Piece fans, Naoki Tate is the one most credited for animating this movie (he did movie 9, ep 397, did part of the final Lucci vs Luffy ep)
luffy
/ November 22, 2009where can i download movie 6?no torrent only rapidshare mp4 with no parts plz help me!!!
luffy
/ November 22, 2009plz
luffy
/ November 22, 2009thnx for nthe help