A Painfully Honest Review of Netflix Cowboy Bebop
Mother's Basement・46 minutes read
Netflix's adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" faces apprehension due to the platform's track record with Japanese show adaptations, despite the original anime's acclaim for its quality, creativity, and unique universe. The live-action series encounters challenges in character portrayal, set design authenticity, and political commentary, with potential for improvement by focusing on episodic bounty hunt adventures and reintroducing systemic flaws and anti-corporate themes for dynamic storytelling.
Insights
- Netflix has struggled with adapting Japanese shows and movies, with "Cowboy Bebop" facing skepticism due to past failures like "Death Note."
- Despite potential, the live-action adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" by Netflix falls short in character development and faithful storytelling, missing the mark on critical elements like political commentary and original aesthetic.
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Recent questions
Is Netflix adapting "Cowboy Bebop" into a live-action series?
Yes, Netflix is adapting "Cowboy Bebop."
What are the criticisms of Netflix's adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop"?
Critics highlight poor execution of scenes and characters.
What is the setting of "Cowboy Bebop" known for?
The show's universe is built on a mix of film and music genres.
How are the characters in "Cowboy Bebop" perceived?
Characters are criticized for lack of growth, seen as intentional.
What are the recommendations for improving the live-action adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop"?
Focus on episodic bounty hunt adventures and enhance the musical aspect.
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Summary
00:00
Netflix's "Cowboy Bebop" adaptation faces challenges.
- Netflix has a reputation for poor adaptations of Japanese shows and movies, like "Mob Psycho 100" and "FMA."
- "Cowboy Bebop" is a beloved anime that Netflix is adapting into a live-action series.
- The original "Death Note" movie by Netflix was not well-received.
- Despite initial optimism, there is apprehension about Netflix's adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop."
- "Cowboy Bebop" is considered one of the greatest anime of all time due to its quality and attention to detail.
- The show's animation and opening sequence are highly praised for their quality and creativity.
- Each episode of "Cowboy Bebop" features detailed hand-drawn animation and world-building.
- The show's universe is built on a mix of film and music genres, creating a unique and consistent setting.
- The characters in "Cowboy Bebop" are criticized for their lack of growth, but this is seen as intentional.
- The live-action adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" by Netflix faces challenges in adapting characters and storylines from the original anime.
17:04
"Flawed TV show with potential found family"
- The TV show being discussed is criticized for its poor execution of scenes and storylines, particularly focusing on the characters Vicious and Julia.
- The show is noted for its excessive use of Dutch angles and the dominance of Vicious scenes resembling "Battlefield Earth."
- Despite its flaws, there is potential for a good TV show within the series, focusing on a found family of bounty hunters traveling the solar system.
- The attention to detail in set design and CG models of ships is praised, although the ships are underutilized in the show.
- The crew banter is highlighted as enjoyable, but at times, it tries too hard to be quirky and referential.
- The chemistry between the main actors is commended, particularly in their interactions and banter.
- The character Spike's portrayal by John Cho is discussed, noting a more mature and world-weary interpretation compared to the anime.
- The character Jet Black, portrayed by Mustafa Shakir, is praised for his strong screen presence, despite changes to his character.
- The character Faye Valentine, portrayed by Daniela Pineda, is described as a departure from her anime counterpart, with a focus on her amnesia and con artist persona.
- The show's finale is criticized for its departure from the anime's storyline, particularly in the portrayal of Julia and the iconic standoff between Spike and Vicious.
33:06
"Live-action adaptation alters political themes"
- The character Gren, a combat veteran, was betrayed by Vicious and imprisoned, leading to a life-altering experience with experimental drugs.
- Gren's backstory in the live-action adaptation has been altered to explicitly portray them as non-binary, which some view as a loss of nuanced portrayal.
- The show's setting at Anna's jazz club is criticized for being out of sync with the gritty aesthetic of the original series, lacking depth and authenticity.
- The live-action adaptation alters the characters' backstories, such as Jet Black's corruption framing and Faye's debt accumulation, removing political commentary present in the anime.
- The show's attempt to diversify its cast is noted, with some criticism directed at the portrayal of certain characters, like Jet Black, who is played by Mustafa Shakir.
- The adaptation's departure from the anime's political and philosophical themes is highlighted, with the live-action version opting for a more nostalgic and less critical approach.
- The show's avoidance of the anime's political commentary is seen as a significant flaw, as the original series was known for its unapologetically political nature.
- The extended universe of "Carol and Tuesday," a sidequel to Cowboy Bebop, is discussed, emphasizing its political themes and social commentary.
- The importance of political statements in art, as seen in various anime series, is highlighted, showcasing how different creators incorporate their beliefs into their work.
- The author expresses disappointment in the lack of honest conversations about the political and social aspects of various anime series, emphasizing the value of diverse viewpoints in art.
49:22
Criticism and Recommendations for Cowboy Bebop Adaptation
- The issue of criticism towards "Attack on Titan" and "Cowboy Bebop" is discussed, with concerns about misrepresentation and cherry-picking of negative aspects.
- The style and substance of "Cowboy Bebop" are highlighted, emphasizing its ability to convey statements across political spectrums and its immersive vibe.
- Suggestions for improvement in the live-action adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" are provided, including changes in character interactions and storylines.
- Recommendations are made to focus on episodic bounty hunt adventures, downplay continuity, and enhance the musical aspect of the show to capture the essence of the original anime.
- The need to reintroduce systemic flaws and dystopian elements into the show's setting, along with incorporating anti-corporate themes for dynamic storytelling, is emphasized.
