In lay terms, live-action adaptations refer to cinematic or theatrical productions that take inspiration from previous works of novels, comics, and games and bring life into the fictional characters using real-life actors and settings. The most trending live adaptation of a novel is ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ these days. However, did you know that this practice is widely followed in the Japanese entertainment industry too? Usually, the mangas are adapted into movies or drama series. Following are some top-notch adaptations that any manga fan shouldn’t miss out on.
1. Alice In Borderland
Released in 2020, this science fiction thriller series is based on the manga of the same name by Haro Aso. The main character, Arisu, is transported to the Borderland, and together with his friends, he sets off to go to the real world by playing death games. The graphics of the show are incredible. The acting of the cast did justice to the characters of the manga, so you can feel raw emotions creeping through the screen as you root for the characters.
2. Kakegurui
Adapted from the manga series of the same name by Homura Kawamoto and Toru Naomura, this movie is still a lovely watch, even if you have never read the manga. The setting is in a private academy where winning at gambling is the top priority. All the mind games in this movie are twisted, so you are up for a rollercoaster ride here. Minami Hamabe does a fantastic job as Yumeko Jabami, the main character. She will make you question if you want to be with her or want to be her.
3. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For An Otaku
Earlier, a web manga series written by Fujita, this is now successfully adapted into a Japanese romantic comedy film in 2020. Narumi Momose is a fujoshi otaku and her friend Hirotaka is a game otaku. So, while they might seem perfect for each other, things don’t go as planned, as love is not easy for Otakus. The serious expressions of our real-life Hirotaka, the on-point cosplays, and the clumsy yet cute chemistry are the reasons to go for this movie.
4. Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me To You
All you need to breeze through your dull lives is a cup of coffee and a fluffy high school romance. So Netflix heard you guys and turned the classic shojo manga of Karuho Shinna into a lovable series. The lonely Sawako Kuronuma’s life takes a turn for the better as she sheds her ill-fortuned nickname, thanks to Shota Kazehaya. Through friendships and love, Sawako’s character development is worth seeing on screen as the manga comes to life here.
5. Grand Blue
This manga series written by Kenji Inoue might seem to have a weird plot, for all it has is divers who love being naked. At the same time, however, boring lives do need a little bit of weirdness. Unlike the usual trends, this series took a few liberties in adapting the content. Thus, there were some likeable surprises, which was a breath of fresh air. If you are a college student, this movie should be on your watchlist for it is based on the essence of youth.
6. Rurouni Kenshin
If you are a fan of samurai action content set in historical times, this film series spanning over five movies is what you need today. With brilliant graphics and an amazing cast, the feelings of romance, peace and atonement are well achieved here. Though the plot has several changes made to the original manga, the fundamental spirit still remains. The fight scenes are well executed, and the songs add to the adrenaline rush. No wonder why the fifth installment of the series became one of the highest-grossing films of 2021.
7. Let Me Eat Your Pancreas
If Minami Hamabe messed up with your head in Kakegurui as Yumeko Jabami, here she will mess up with your tear glands as Sakura Yamauchi. The simplicity of this film will tug at your heartstrings as you wait for the impending doom you are already clear about in the first half of the movie. The message of this movie will remain in your heart and mind for ages. Also, a box of tissues is recommended as an accompaniment to this movie.
8. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
My first reason for recommending this Netflix series is because it is done far better than the original manga. Set in a nameless diner in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, this series transverses through the lives of people of diverse backgrounds. ‘The Master’ is the main character of the show, who is a mysterious chef and owner of an even more mysterious diner. If you need a series with some good philosophical life lessons, do go for it.
9. ReLIFE
Have you ever wished to go a few years back and redo your life? This is what exactly happens with the main lead, Kaizaki Arata, as he is still unemployed at the age of 27. With the help of one magic pill, he returns to his high school days and tries to take a fresh perspective on life once again. This movie beautifully conveys the message to cherish the present and live the moment. Moreover, the plot twist is really fascinating, so you are glued to the seat, even if it is a simple high school movie.
10. One Piece
This list will remain incomplete without the recent Netflix release that topped in 84 countries. One Piece of Eiichiro Oda is sure a vast manga, and adapting it into a live-action was sure a difficult task - only that this time Netflix nailed it. The setting of the seas and the ships were done well, and none could have played the role of Luffy better than Inaki Godoy. The energy and the bonding of the Straw Hats seemed very natural, so it was a perfect homage to the well-loved original manga.
