Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩(3/5)
Directed by Tomasz Bagiński, the story follows Seiya (Mackenyu), a street orphan who discovers his destiny as the Pegasus Knight tasked with protecting the reincarnated Goddess Athena, embodied in a young girl named Sienna (Madison Iseman). Seiya is mentored by Alman Kiddo (Sean Bean) and Mylock (Mark Dacascos) as he navigates a power struggle between Kiddo and his ex-wife Vander Guraad (Famke Janssen), all while battling formidable adversaries and unraveling the mysteries of his own past.
Visually, Knights of the Zodiac excels, thanks to the expertise of martial arts choreographer Andy Cheng and director Bagiński's commitment to action. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, utilizing gravity-defying moves and impressive sound design that adds to the over-the-top nature of the battles. The cinematography immerses the audience in the action, capturing the intensity and energy of the fights. The film's sleek and vibrant production design, along with flawless CGI, elevate the overall visual experience, rivaling the quality of many big-budget blockbusters.
However, the screenplay of Knights of the Zodiac suffers from predictability and a lack of depth. The narrative structure follows the familiar formula of disparate individuals coming together to battle the forces of evil. While the film tries to incorporate the melodramatic dialogue and stylistic division between good and evil characteristic of the anime, it doesn't fully capture the nuances and complexities of the source material. The character development feels shallow, with limited chemistry between the leads, particularly between Seiya and Sienna. The screenplay's serious tone at times weighs down the film, preventing it from fully embracing its potential for charm and levity.
The cast delivers mixed performances. Mackenyu portrays Seiya adequately but lacks the charisma and depth needed to make the character truly compelling. Diego Tinoco brings intensity and commitment to his role as a "bad boy," demonstrating a solid understanding of his character's motivations. Madison Iseman's portrayal of Sienna/Athena is underwritten and miscast, missing an opportunity for more racial diversity in the ensemble. Famke Janssen and Sean Bean make the most of their roles but are limited by the material they are given. Mark Dacascos shines in his limited screen time, thanks to his cool costume design and captivating presence.
Despite its flaws, Knights of the Zodiac remains entertaining, mainly due to its visually impressive action sequences and faithful adaptation of the anime. The film's dedication to the source material is evident, appealing to anime lovers who will appreciate the recognizable narrative choices and melodramatic elements. However, it struggles to transcend the constraints of its live-action adaptation, resulting in a film that falls short of its full potential.
In conclusion, Knights of the Zodiac showcases stunning visuals and exhilarating fight scenes, but its lack of character development and depth hinder its overall impact. While it captures the essence of the anime, the film fails to fully translate its complexities to the live-action medium. Despite its flaws, Knights of the Zodiac manages to entertain and will likely find a dedicated fanbase among anime enthusiasts.
Recommendation: For fans of the Knights of the Zodiac anime series, this live-action adaptation provides an enjoyable visual spectacle with faithful nods to the source material. However, general viewers may find the film lacking in depth and character development. Approach it with an appreciation for its stunning action sequences and vibrant visuals, but keep expectations in check.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩(3/5)