Netflix‘s new manga adaptation boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%, proving that one anime live-action can actually work really well.
Over the years, Netflix has gradually grown its catalog of manga and anime adaptations. While some of these, like Death Note and Cowboy Bebop, were not received too well, others, like One Piece and Alice in Borderland, have succeeded both commercially and critically. The streaming service’s latest manga adaptation seems to belong to the latter category.
While only time will tell whether it will eventually become as successful as Alice in Borderland and One Piece, it has received a positive reception from viewers and critics. A closer look at its story elements and creative choices also reveals how it could perfectly pave the way for a live-action adaptation of a popular anime.
Key Insights on Live-Action Adaptations
- Critical Reception: Last Samurai Standing has achieved a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong approval from critics.
- Manga Adaptations: Netflix’s history with adaptations shows mixed results, but recent titles suggest a positive trend.
- Action Sequences: The series is praised for its practical action scenes that align with the original manga’s combat style.
- Cultural Respect: The adaptation honors its source material by accurately portraying samurai culture and historical context.
One big reason why Last Samurai Standing is being received so well is that it relies heavily on featuring practical action sequences instead of being heavily fueled by CGI. Since the original manga also emphasizes grounded, technique-driven combat, the show benefits from its realistic portrayal of fight scenes.
Interestingly, Vinland Saga‘s combat is also largely realistic. Instead of featuring supernatural spectacles during battle scenes, which rarely translate well to the live-action medium, Vinland Saga features fights where characters use shield walls, knives, etc. One thing audiences despise more than anything in anime/manga adaptations is lazy, modernized “East meets West” reinterpretations.
Last Samurai Standing avoids falling into the same trap by honoring the historical references and cultural background of its source material. It treats period detail with respect by making the right casting choices and capturing samurai culture with social nuance.
Vinland Saga unfolds in 11th century Northern Europe. Since Northern Europe has been a familiar geography for Hollywood for quite some time, recreating it in the live-action Vinland Saga should be relatively less risky. Reimagining Vinland Saga‘s world building in the live-action medium will still not be an easy feat, but Last Samurai Standing proves it is not impossible.
What Advantage Would a Vinland Saga Adaptation Have?
A Vinland Saga adaptation would have a significant advantage due to its realistic storytelling and grounded conflicts. Most anime, including One Piece, adopt visual stylization choices, impossible physics, and exaggerated storytelling devices that do not translate too well in the live-action medium. Netflix’s take on One Piece and Alice in Borderland managed to become decent adaptations, but the long line of other failing anime adaptations highlights how these translation jumps look ridiculous in live-action.
Owing to the human-scale conflicts, grounded politics, and realistic period setting, Vinland Saga, like Last Samurai Standing, does not have to make that translation leap. It looks like it is already built for the camera. Hopefully, after Netflix‘s Last Samurai Standing, a Vinland Saga live-action adaptation will see the light of day.
