"One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword" is the fifth One Piece movie and stands out as one of the few films that focuses heavily on a single Straw Hat member-Zoro. While it attempts to explore his character and deliver an action-packed story, it ultimately falls short due to a weak plot and underwhelming execution.
The film's main appeal is its emphasis on Zoro, a fan-favorite character. His apparent betrayal of the crew and connection to the cursed sword adds an air of mystery, making the first half intriguing. The sword lore and supernatural elements provide a different flavor from traditional One Piece adventures, offering a darker, mythological vibe.
The animation is solid for its time, with fluid action sequences and decent fight choreography, especially in sword battles. The film also does well in showcasing the Straw Hat crew's teamwork and personalities, though they take a backseat to Zoro's storyline.
One of the biggest flaws of The Cursed Holy Sword is its weak and predictable plot. The story feels generic, relying on tired tropes like an ancient curse, a corrupt navy officer, and a doomsday scenario that ultimately lacks real tension. Zoro's supposed "betrayal" is barely explored, and the resolution feels rushed, failing to add any meaningful depth to his character.
The villain, Saga, is forgettable, despite his connection to Zoro. His motivations are underdeveloped, and his character lacks the complexity or charisma of great One Piece antagonists, just a wasted potential. Additionally, the film's pacing drags in parts, with exposition-heavy moments that don't add much to the overall experience.
Final Verdict
"One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword" is a decent watch for Zoro fans but fails to live up to the excitement and emotional depth of the best One Piece movies. While it has cool sword fights and a mysterious premise, it suffers from a weak story, underdeveloped characters, and an ultimately forgettable villain.
Rating: 7.5/10 - A passable but underwhelming One Piece film that doesn't fully capitalize on its Zoro-centric story.