There’s no doubt that One Piece’s duration is huuuge but it’s neither boring nor tiring. And I’m not saying this because I’m a total fan-girl but due to the fact that millions of people, all around the world, support it, all these years, without missing an episode, even the filler ones. Watching it, makes you laugh hard, be amazed of the battles, be happy for no reason and cry your eyes out, out of nowhere.
I am not going to disagree about its kind of childish side either, but there’s no way I am going to call it immature. It’s true, that sometimes, its jokes and lines can be puerile but in a good way that points out innocence and chastity.
Now let’s settle the whole issue about sexism. The target of these theories is one of the main male roles, named Sanji. He is the guy that refuses to hit a woman even when his crew is in danger, he is the guy that saves the female crewmates firstly every single time, he is the guy that nosebleeds seeing women in all sizes and colors, but wait: why is this believed to be so pathetically sexist? I think of him as an enormous exaggeration of gentlemen. He doesn’t objectify females, he is just overprotective and considers them unguarded while he believes that all of them are beautiful. Why isn’t Jiraiya (from Naruto) being so openly attacked?
Naturally, someone can come here and tell me that even if Sanji isn’t the sexist one, the whole series is anti-feminist because there are no strong women at all. Wrong. Do you guys remember Belle-mere-san, being alone raising two children that weren’t even her own, giving up her job and sacrificing herself for the sake of others? How about Nami, Robin, Koala,Rebecca or Vivi? The two of them have huge bounties and all 5 of them have amazing mental strength. Ain, Monet, Lily Enstomach, Perona, Khalifa, Baby 5: straw hats got a hard time trying to encounter those ladies. Boa Hancock seems to be one of the 7 Warlords and come to think of Big Mama: she is equal to Shanks, I have a bad premonition about her. Maybe most of them cannot win against some really powerful men but they all display an amazing mind and spirit, just as in the real world.
Let’s talk about the homophobic thing. No, as I see it, Mr 2 and Ivankov weren’t just a bother in this anime, weren’t even ridiculously shown. They both had their rough times, they both were powerful as hell and they both were respected by everyone. They were put up as something incredibly natural, that's how it is supposed to be, right?
Now, let’s rate the story-line. Personally, I cannot be strict at all but even when I am trying to see it objectively, I am still giving it a 10. One Piece has an outstanding world, with awesome and original places, powers, objects and people. But the coolest thing about its story is that almost everything is connected. And when I'm telling you "everything", I really mean it. There are so many surprises and so many signs that give away the following plot and when you observe them, soon or late, you really feel incredibly blown away.
Art:9. One Piece started airing in 1999, I started watching it at the age of 13, 3 years ago and finished the existing episodes in 2 and a half months. If I had to rate the initial episodes' art, I would probably be strict, but seeing the quality turning amazingly topnotch day by day, made me feel more familiar to this anime in a way I cannot really explain. As much as it concerns about its cartoonish character that doesn't fit the anime world, I'm refusing it with all my power and mind. Personally, from the begining i got to love its kind of "weird" animation.
Sound:10. Yes, a ten. The soundtracks are all wonderful and the voice-actors really match every character giving a superb performance every time. To be honest, I'm not keen on dubbed anime, so I cannot really judge them. But as far as it goes for the official japanese one, its quality is optimal!
Characters:10. I've already written about one, Sanji, but there are so many of them, that you can easily identify with at least one and fall in love with at least one! They are all so different from each other and they all have their ideals and goals that turn them into respectful personalities.
The leader one, Luffy, is similar to Ash Ketchum, Goku or Naruto. But he isn't a copy either. He has a dream and he is not afraid of anything except of his beloved ones' loss.
Then there goes Nami, Robin, Chopper, Franky, Usopp, Brook, Sanji, Zoro etc. Every single one of them has a harsh past and everyone has a purpose. Even though they share these two things, they're all unique. They do mistakes, have cons and bad habits, infantile sides and mature ones and they deeply value their family and friends.
Enjoyment: 10. As I said above, it gives you so many mixed feelings in a way that you cannot be fed up.
OVERALL: 10. You might think that I am being indulgent or just blinded of my love, but no, I am not. Okay, maybe little.
But I am sure, that if you are open-minded, have free time and like getting life lessons through a story, you should all give it at least a chance !
