One piece: Omatsuri danshaku to himitsu no shima

This is the best one piece movie i've watched, i absolutely love the art direction and the character designs, they dont stray too far from the series and in my opinion actually improve them, the movie starts out as every other one piece adventure, the straw hats make jokes and play around but around 50 minutes in the movie starts to take a turn to a much darker plot, sometimes even kinda scary, the story is not the most innovative one but it is still great 9/10

The sixth One Piece film, Baron Omatsuri, and the Secret Island, deviates significantly from the television series in terms of animation, sound design, and character development. I must say this now: if you enjoy One Piece for its combat, go somewhere else. This movie focuses on enhancing the crew's emotional ties, which are highlighted in key storylines, and emphasizes how vital nakamas are to every one of them.

The Mugiwara pirates discover a letter in a bottle promoting Omatsuri Island (Festival Island), a pirate haven, while they are traveling the Grand Line. However, the crew is set up for experiences akin to the Skypiea arc, which are all based on Japanese festival games (goldfish capturing, etc.), when they arrive at the island ready to unwind. While the other members of the crew begin to gradually disintegrate, Luffy, who is always upbeat, is content to play the games. This movie is far more enigmatic and, at times, even disturbing than the television series-especially toward the end when things get desperate. To avoid giving anything away, I'll end the story there.

"One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island" is the sixth film in the One Piece franchise, and it stands out as one of the most unconventional and daring entries in the series. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda (who would go on to become a renowned director in the anime world), this film takes the One Piece characters into a much darker, more surreal direction than usual. It's a unique and visually striking film, but one that may alienate fans who are expecting the usual high-energy adventure.

The film's greatest strength lies in its bold departure from the typical One Piece formula. Instead of focusing on treasure hunts or high-stakes pirate battles, it immerses the Straw Hat Pirates in a bizarre and unsettling mystery. The concept of a luxurious island with an eerie secret fits perfectly with the darker undertones of the film, and it's refreshing to see the One Piece world explored in this unexpected way.

The animation is exceptional, especially for its time. The characters are portrayed with exaggerated expressions and an almost surreal art style that complements the film's strange atmosphere. The vibrant, yet unsettling visuals are one of the film's highlights, creating a unique contrast to the usual style of the series. The designs of Baron Omatsuri and the island itself are both memorable and disturbing, contributing to the overall tension and discomfort that pervades the film.

The psychological tension in the film is also notable. The Straw Hats are pushed to their limits, and the film does a great job of exploring their vulnerabilities. The way each member of the crew reacts to the island's eerie challenges offers insight into their characters, making the experience more engaging.

But despite its unique direction, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island suffers from a few issues that prevent it from being a standout in the One Piece series. First and foremost, the film's darker tone can feel jarring, especially for viewers expecting the usual lighthearted adventure that the series is known for. The film's overall atmosphere while fascinating can be uncomfortable, and at times, it seems out of place within the broader One Piece narrative.

The pacing is another drawback. The film takes its time to build tension, but some scenes feel slow or drawn out, which can detract from the overall flow. While the film tries to create a sense of mystery, the final reveal doesn't quite land as strongly as it could have, and the resolution feels somewhat rushed after a slow buildup.

Additionally, the film's antagonist, Baron Omatsuri, is an interesting character but lacks the depth and nuance of some of One Piece's more memorable villains. His motivations are clear, but his character feels one-dimensional compared to the likes of other, more complex antagonists in the series.

Final Verdict "One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island" is a bold and visually striking film that explores the darker side of the One Piece universe. Its experimental approach to storytelling and animation sets it apart from the rest of the franchise, but it's not without its flaws. The unsettling atmosphere and slow pacing may turn off some fans, and the lack of a truly compelling villain holds it back from being a classic. However, for those who appreciate darker, more experimental anime, it's definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 8.4/10 - A visually stunning and ambitious film that challenges the norms of One Piece, but its dark tone and pacing issues may not appeal to all fans.

This movie in special gave me chills for the first time that I watched but, in general at his one piece movie has this factor that non of other one piece movies have, and it is the wow factor that correlates very well with the plot that they show during the film, and another aspect that is very well used in the film is the suspense that connects with the darkness of the film always from the beginning and the fact of the animation adds a lot to it in the way you see the story develop in the film because it adds much to how the character feels in certain situations such as happiness, sadness and despair.

It is a definite oddball film. It will subvert your expectations, which some people might not like. That said, it is wickedly chilling, and doesn't quite hit the creepy mark. You can also see a lot of Mamoru Hosoda's style seep through. I will say the animation itself looks almost incomplete at times, but it is charming and very fluid. Its great to see a progression in style as he would go on to make Summer Wars and Wolf Children.