One of the current trends in the movie industry is the adaptation of books, manga, anime series and animated cartoons. While some adaptations were greatly received by the audience, some were reviled. Here are some film adaptations that some would rather forget.
The Last Airbender
The 2010 film was an adaptation from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (or “Avatar: The Legend of Aang), a Nickelodeon hit television series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, that aired from 2005 to 2008.
The story follows Aang and his friends in their mission to bring peace and unity back to the world by ending the Fire Lord’s war against the other three nations.
The television series was universally acclaimed for its art direction, humor, themes, references and its characters. The film was directed by M. Night Shyamalan and was met with a wave of criticisms.
Fans of the television series were greatly disappointed by the film adaptation. A major let down from the film was the casting of the characters. The film sparked a controversy when the film cast white actors to play Asian characters and cast Indian and Iranian actors to play the antagonistic Fire Nation.
Fans of the television series pointed out that the film didn’t have any sense of humor, Sokka’s humor was one of the finest and memorable moments in the series. Another fault pointed out is the fact that almost half of the story was narrated by Katara.
Despite all the narrating, the role of the ‘Avatar’ was poorly explained. It became a huge flaw since the entire story is about the Aang fulfilling his role as the ‘Avatar’ and to bring balance to the world.
Dragonball: Evolution
The film is based on the Japanese manga and anime “Dragon Ball” created by Akira Toriyama. The story follows Son Goku as he trains in martial arts and his search for the seven orbs (Dragon Balls) that will summon a wish-granting dragon when gathered.
In Goku’s adventures, he makes friends and battles different villains.
Since the manga’s release, “Dragon Ball” became one of the most successful manga and anime series in the world. Audiences praise the series for its art, characterization, and humor. When the film was adapted into a live-action film in 2009, fans thought that it was terrible.
The film messed up the manga and anime’s lore and magic that made it popular. Some fans pointed out that the adaptation lost Goku’s essence of curiosity, courageousness, and naivety. Many fans also noted the absence of Goku’s life long friend Krillin.
Death Note
The recently released Netflix original film is based on another popular Japanese manga and anime created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. “Death Note” follows the story of Light Yagami who discovers a notebook that grants the user the ability to kill anyone whose name is written in the notebook. Known as Kira, Light cleanses the world of evil while a detective known as ‘L’ tries to stop him.
Like the other adaptations in this list, “Death Note” is a long detailed story that was squeezed in a very limited time.
The film’s director, Adam Wingard, had to take out huge details from the manga and anime in the film. Sadly, the huge details that were taken out are what made the original series great.
The film omitted the essence of the lead characters Light and L. Their cool and calm composure and exceptional brilliant minds didn’t make it to the film, thus missing out on the fantastic cat and mouse chase between them. The film lacked overall character development.
