Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead review: Watch the anime instead, Entertainment News
Charlotte Zenfis
Zom 100 Gogoanime
The live-action adaptations of anime and manga often receive harsh criticism for their inability to capture the essence and appeal of the original Intellectual Property (IP) they are based on. However, it is important to remember that the Japanese themselves have had their fair share of disappointments when it comes to adapting more fantastical or whimsical source material. One recent example is Zom 100, a film that unfortunately didn’t quite live up to its delightful premise.
Zom 100 is a bucket list movie set in a dystopian zombie wasteland. What sets it apart is its protagonist, Akira Tendo, who is actually delighted by the world’s descent into chaos. Broken and abused by an exploitative company, Akira’s life loses all meaning until the zombie outbreak, which allows him to escape from his soul-crushing job. He then proceeds to create a bucket list and his infectious enthusiasm for living becomes the driving force for the adventures that follow.
On paper, this premise sounds exciting and relatable. However, the live-action adaptation struggles to convey the same energy and emotion that the animated series, currently streaming on Netflix, successfully achieves. While the anime series is still ongoing, the format seems to work better in portraying the trials and tribulations that Akira experiences.
In the anime, viewers are able to connect with Akira more easily, building a bond with him from the beginning. Unfortunately, the live-action movie takes some time to warm up to its protagonist, and it is only when he teams up with his best friend and love interest that the movie finds its footing. As the gang buys into Akira’s philosophy of living life to the fullest, the unique essence of Zom 100 starts to emerge.
The movie covers the first three volumes of the manga, but it takes some liberties with the events that unfold. The third act combines two story arcs, and while it adds a larger-than-life enemy, this aspect risks looking silly in the live-action adaptation. It is ironic because the source material of Zom 100 is not above being outrageous and humorous, which adds to the series’ charm. Translating that charm to a live-action format proves challenging.
With only a two-hour runtime, Zom 100 faces the difficult task of conveying its likeability and uniqueness to the audience. Unfortunately, it ultimately falls short and feels generic, lacking distinct story beats that set it apart from other zombie-themed content. If viewers are seeking a zombie flick with similar vibes, it is recommended to watch movies like “Shaun of the Dead” instead.
The upside, however, is that viewers can turn to the anime series, which has more room to breathe and does a far better job of telling Akira’s story. It captures the essence of the character and his journey with greater success, making it a more enjoyable experience for fans.
In conclusion, while Western live-action adaptations of anime and manga often bear the brunt of criticism for failing to capture the essence of the original IP, it is important to remember that even the Japanese themselves have struggled with adaptations at times. Zom 100, unfortunately, didn’t live up to its promising premise in the live-action format but finds greater success in its animated counterpart. So, if you’re interested in exploring the world of Zom 100, it’s best to turn to the anime series for a more satisfying experience.
