Knights of the Zodiac (Saint Seiya, in the original) is a Japanese anime and manga that recently won a live action adaptation for cinemas. While not as common as American hero adaptations, some Japanese media character adaptations have already made it to the big screen. Below, check out 10 more movies based on Japanese anime and manga.
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bleach
A Netflix original, ‘Bleach’ is a Japanese film adapted from the popular anime and manga of the same name created by Tite Kubo.
Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary young man, except that he has the ability to see ghosts. His life changes completely when he acquires unwanted powers after meeting Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami in charge of guiding souls to the afterlife.
The film was released in 2018 and satisfied part of the fans for its fidelity to the original work.
Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins
The acclaimed manga and anime series “Samurai X”, created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, has been adapted into a film franchise of 5 Japanese films that faithfully follow the original story. The feature films appealed to fans of the play, who appreciate the fidelity of the adaptation.
The first film is set in 19th century Japan, after the Bakumatsu War, and follows the journey of the wanderer Kenshin Himura. With the sword reversed, Kenshin tries to protect the weak without resorting to extreme violence, in an attempt to redeem his past as a murderer.
Speed rider
Directed by the Wachowski sisters, “Speed Racer” is an American film based on the anime and manga series of the same name created by Tatsuo Yoshida in the 1960s.
Speed Racer is a young racer determined to win the world championship in memory of his brother. When he is hired by a team that promises to help him, he discovers he is involved in corruption schemes and must fight to clear his name and protect his family.
Despite being poorly received by audiences and critics upon its release, the film has been re-evaluated by moviegoers and critics alike over the years, gaining cult status due to its painterly use of CGI and aesthetics. field and artificial.
sweet darling
“Cutie Honey” is a Japanese science fiction action film directed by Hideaki Anno (known for directing the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion), an adaptation of the famous anime and manga of the same name created by Go Nagai.
The plot follows Honey Kisaragi, a young android capable of transforming into various forms, as she fights against the evil Panther Claw gang.
Despite being little known, Cutie Honey is a cult film and has a legion of fans.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Chapter I
Japanese cult filmmaker Takashi Miike is a specialist in adapting anime and manga for the cinema. He signs the adaptation of the acclaimed manga “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”, written and drawn by Hirohiko Araki. The film is based on the first part of the fourth arc of the original work.
Jotaro Kujo, now a marine biologist, visits the city of Morioh in search of Josuke Higashikata, his distant relative. Together with other allies, they use their superpowers, the “Stands”, to investigate strange disappearances and suspicious happenings in the city.
city hunter
“City Hunter” is a Hong Kong action comedy starring the famous actor Jackie Chan. The film is based on the popular hit manga and anime of the same name created by Tsukasa Hojo.
Ryo Saeba is a skilled and womanizing private detective, accompanied by his assistant Kaori Makimura, who secretly harbors romantic feelings for him. They are hired to find the missing daughter of the CEO of a major newspaper. However, during the search, Kaori is not happy with Ryo’s actions, who seems to ignore her feelings and flirts with any woman who comes his way.
Miss Oscar
“Lady Oscar” is a French-Japanese co-production from 1979, directed by the famous French director Jacques Demy. The film is based on the manga “Rosa de Versailles” by Riyoko Ikeda, which won an anime adaptation in the same year as the feature film’s release.
The film tells the story of Oscar François de Jarjayes, a young noblewoman who grew up as a boy and became a captain of the French Royal Guard during the French Revolution.
The film was not well received at the time but is revered by the director’s fans.
Alita: Battle Angel
“Alita: Battle Angel” is an American science fiction action film directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, based on the manga “Gunnm” by Yukito Kishiro.
In a dystopian future, Alita, an amnesiac cyborg, is found in a junkyard by a scientist. He repairs her and treats her as if she were her daughter. As she begins to uncover more about her past, Alita realizes she is a warrior trained in deadly martial arts and becomes embroiled in conflicts in the city of Iron City.
Though it received mixed reviews, the film has a huge fan base.
death Note
Directed by Adam Wingard, ‘Death Note’ is an American production released by Netflix, based on the popular anime and manga of the same name.
In the storyline, a student finds a supernatural notebook called the Death Note, which has the power to kill anyone whose name is written on it. The young man begins to use the notebook to punish criminals and create a better world. However, his plan is interrupted when a mysterious detective begins to hunt him.
Although most fans of the original work criticized the adaptation’s poetic freedom, the film was well received by many viewers, who appreciated its boldness and imagination.
Tomorrow’s Vigilante: Ghost in the Shell
“Ghost in the Shell” is an American science fiction and action film, based on the anime of the same name released in 1995. Featuring state-of-the-art special effects, the story takes place in a dystopian near future, where advanced technology allows for the creation of cyber humans.
Scarlett Johansson plays Major, a cyborg special agent who leads a special operations unit that deals with technological crimes. When Major discovers that she may have been deceived about her true origins, she begins to question her existence.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
