Writer: Erny Suzira

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Watch this if you liked: “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” anime

The Good, the Bad and the Bizarre Curse:

Live-action adaptations based on manga or anime usually doesn't do well, and to be honest, most of them fail miserably. From the horrific "Dragon Ball Evolution" to the recent "Attack on Titan" two-parters, fans have been led to believe that live-action movies (or series) destroy good anime and manga. However, it seems that the first part of "Jojo's Bizarre Adventures" live action has somehow broken that norm and perception.

The live-action adaptation of "Samurai X" and "Nana" (the first part only) were some of the rare entries that received praises by fans and critics for being able to stand as good films in their own rights, and yet still unable to surpass the "it's good but the anime/manga is better" perception.

"Jojo" is probably the only live-action anime that is able to stand on par with its anime/manga counterpart - though hardcore anime and manga fans may not completely agree with this statement, it doesn't change the fact that the movie is indeed enjoyable and has gone beyond everyone's expectation. But who can blame us really? With that bizarre pompadour wig, you just can't help but think that the movie will join the ranks of "failed adaptation", but boy, were we wrong.

To be honest, the film has sort of improved and refined some of the content in the original source material but still remains faithful to it nonetheless. The movie also bears a darker and more mature tone but the execution and pacing was done almost perfectly and cohesive from start to finish.

The movie has some awesome set pieces which is easily one of the movie's strongest points, and not to mention that its great action sequences are so colourful and on-point. The movie gets surprisingly gory at some point but not in a bad way, rather in a pleasing kind of violence that contains a moral message.

When Kento Yamazaki was announced as the main lead Josuke, many raised one eyebrow and argue if the skinny, young actor with a pretty face is able to pull off the strong and buffy Josuke that fans recognise from the anime/manga. But surprisingly, the actor delivered a stellar performance that doesn't lose to his animation counterpart. Apart from his amazing acting, Yamazaki's great portrayal of the character is also due to the great work from the make-up and costume department who had turned him into someone different from his usual image.

With the flamboyant costume and overly exaggerated pompadour, this is probably the one character that takes Yamazaki's acting to a whole new level and also breaks out from his usual "handsome lead" role (though Josuke is still good looking in this movie), in a sense that the role is something rather different from what he always get, and that's truly refreshing!

And with that being said, we'd say - go ahead with Part 2!

Trivia:

The film adapts the "Diamond is Unbreakable" storyline from the "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" comics. This storyline was chosen specifically because of its Japanese-centred location; most other Jojo tales involve foreigners.



Cinema Online, 19 September 2017