The Oshi no Ko live action series is for existing fans only
Oshi no Ko is one of the best recent anime and manga series, but what about the live-action series? Well, I watched the whole movie from start to finish to let everyone know. the Oshi no Ko The live action series actually isn’t bad at all; Just right. However, the series is heavily produced, especially for existing manga and anime fans.
The main problem behind this Japanese drama is its format. It has a total of eight episodes in its first and only season, adapting most of the manga into a handful of episodes. Even though these eight episodes are more than twice as long as a typical anime episode, it does a lot in a very short time.
Without revealing too much, the only currently available installment of the series adapts both seasons of the anime within eight episodes and even goes beyond that point in the manga. There are entire episode adaptations of a single arc, while others are done over several episodes. This is such a fast pace that anyone new to the series could easily get left behind.
The series doesn’t have enough time for some plot points to resonate. Some of my favorite scenes only last a minute at most. For example, there was the fight between Akane and Arima during the production of Tokyo Blade. This part almost takes 10-20 minutes to really get into their argument and the backstories between them. However, it is done in seconds.
This incredibly fast pace will lead to a number of positives. First, it’s a great way to recap the series for existing fans. Additionally, some of the twists and turns have surprising emotional impact because they sometimes appear suddenly. But if you’re new, this is not the place to start.
Another related aspect of Oshi no Ko The live action series is what it changes. Some of this is intentional and interesting, but others are downright problematic. I won’t spoil the premise for newcomers, but it revolves around a pregnant teen idol. The manga and anime start with this plot and show idol Ai giving birth and all that.
However, this live-action adaptation jumps straight to Ai’s twins as toddlers. Worse still, it doesn’t properly mention Ai’s doctor and the situation until the very end. Even though this is the first part of the series. It’s an intriguing change that I like. But if you are not familiar with the plot, it will be confusing and unnecessary.
Then there are the changes in the Tokyo Blade storyline. In the original series, this was a stage play. This live action series is a great opportunity to make a real-life play. However, that is not the case. Not only is there not enough footage of Tokyo Blade, but it is also now a TV movie and not a stage play. This is by far the most controversial change for me, making this already boring part even worse.
There is also an important character missing, which I dare not reveal here. But when I returned to Miyazaki Prefecture, I didn’t see an introduction from someone there. Overall, Oshi no Ko The live action series will be quite confusing for those new to the franchise. It’s a shame because the production values and most of the actors are excellent; just look at Ai’s opening performance scene and you’ll see. Nagisa Saito as Ruby is especially impressive and she gets better as the series goes on.
However, unfortunately, Oshi no Ko The live action series is done in a way that only works for existing fans. Whether you missed the manga or are waiting for the anime to return, this is a great way to recap the series. It moves so quickly that it doesn’t waste your time, and it adapts the series to live action. However, if you’re new, it’s best to read the manga or watch two seasons of the anime before watching this one.
the Oshi no Ko live action series available on Main video.
