I just saw Dead End Adventure (2003) for the first time and I really did enjoy it! It’s the first OP filmI I’ve watched and it surprised me in the best possible way. First of all we’ve got the Straw Hats, and we can see their dinamics wonderfully. I loved seeing how Nami and Zoro interact with each other, since I’ve always thought about how important their friendship must be to the both of them. They’re the first crew members to join the team, after all, and I was so happy to see them be silly and get each other. Then, obviously, Zoro’s undying love for Luffy, and his absolute trust and devotion. Also Sanji is really smart and I love him ok? He’s really good reading people and we can see that with how he talks to Anaguma. In general, all interactions between the Straw Hats are great, and we get to see them in a more relaxed way than in the manga/anime, giving room for these interactions to flourish. Then, THEN we’ve got a ISLAND MADE FROM AND FOR PIRATES. How cool is that???? Also Shuraya?? He’s the best I’m in love with him and how he fights, he’s incredibly good.
I didn’t expect the film to speak of things as having/not having will to live, but I think it treats the theme pretty well, it made me tear up and feel warm inside. I just adore Nami (and she appears so pretty in this film as well, her outfit is unmatched). We see her as more herself I think, I always love her but I miss the kick she had before time skip, and here we see it pretty well.
The Merry Go a does a great job throughout the film and now that I have seen her again, I’m emotional. I missed this boat so much.
Also, Anaguma is trans and I will protect him with my life.
