geekery: OP Movie 6-[ Baron Omatsuri ] PART 2
As mentioned in part 1, Movie 6 is possibly the champion of ZoSan fanservice, because the animators seem to find every single reason to make them grab, touch, and get really, really close to each other. And, knowing Zoro and Sanji, the only way they are ever going to do that is when they get pissed at each other. And so, we get Zoro and Sanji getting irked at each other for rather ridiculous, minute reasons, and quite frankly, it began to feel slightly exaggerated at one point. It's ZoSan interaction at it's most amusing- but I wouldn't say "best", because it falls short of capturing the underlying trust and respect that Zoro and Sanji have for each other. Still, we are provided with brilliant, fun scenes of the boys having physical contact, so we can give the director and his team a huge pat on the back for that- hahaha. Perhaps they realized the appeal of the pairing, because Zoro and Sanji have more scenes together than with anyone else in the movie. So, that says something, yes?
ZoSan Moment 1
Their interaction/snarking actually starts at the very beginning of the movie. I didn't screencap that one, because it was so brief- but perhaps it was meant as an indication of more ZoSan moments to come. In the opening, Sanji is getting all excited about the "holiday island", and Zoro sort of scoffs at him, saying something like, "You're impossible."
Later, upon landing at the holiday island, they, again- demonstrate their annoyance for each other.
Zoro is saying this line by the way.
LOL Zoro's face.
ZoSan Moment 2/The Boat Race
To call this a "moment" is a rather inaccurate term actually, because the entire Boat Race scene might as well be called- "The Zoro-Sanji UST ( Unresolved Sexual Tension ) Fest". I have my reasons for saying that, and thus, this is the most extensively capped part of the movie. It is also, in my opinion, the most entertaining and dynamic part of the entire movie, because of the sheer amount of physical comedy and character snarking involved. Yes, even Nami and Usopp provide phsyical comedy, and a fair amount of their own snarking with each other.
------
The Boat Race scene begins right after the Goldfish Netting. The Strawhat Pirates wander through a mass of foliage before stumbling across some stage smack in the middle of the jungle.....which reveals...
....the Baron, and he tells the Strawhat Crew about the rules of the Boat Race. Basically, to win, you simply throw a "hoop" over your opponent. He also manages to provoke Nami by telling her that their competition will be old people.
A random Nami screenshot, because I want to point out that in this movie, 80% of whatever screentime Nami gets has her face looking like this.
ZoSan moment 2.1 starts here. ( hahaha I need to use decimal points... :D )
Nami gets all fired up about the competition and Sanji wonders if he should take part.
Then he changes his mind, and asks Robin instead. At this point, for some reason, Zoro starts showing signs of annoyance- although frankly I don't think it's anything to get annoyed about....it's just Sanji being Sanji. Unless Zoro is jealous and wants Sanji for himself lolololol.
I love the way Zoro starts sweating randomly as he says this.
Sanji: "Bitch, please."
Cue flimsy reason to touch each other #1.
I kinda love the way Usopp is going, "Maa, maa, maa, maa" over here- his seiyuu has such a lovely voice.
The movie cuts to some pretty shots of lanterns and then we get a sense of a boat moving, until we come to a Venice-like setting of water canals.
Random pretty Nami shot...except for her freakishly proportioned torso.
Wait, wait....what torso? It's not even there! D:
The camera pulls back to reveal that Team A consists of Nami and Usopp ( Usopp pretty much looks the coolest in this movie, honestly! )
their opponent. The one in pink has a tendency to go, "Kero, kero, kero!"
Team B's opponent.
Which means that Team B consists of....
I won't lie- I was very happy to see Zoro, who, despite all his initial reluctance, is somehow participating in the boat race.
At this point, my train of thought went something like this:
So this leaves us with either Robin, Chopper, Luffy, or Sanji as Zoro's partner....
But wait- Robin, Chopper, and Luffy are Devil Fruit Users, which means that they are vulnerable if they happen to fall into the water...so Sanji would be the safest bet....
...could it be?!
Hallelujah.
The surrounding noise drowns out Sanji's musings- what with the crowd and the loud motor of the boat and the water splashing. Zoro can't hear Sanji, so he makes this face and does this very cute sound- "Eh?"
Sanji continues to bemoan the fact that he ends with up Zoro, hahaha- he really sounds so dejected. It's hilarious.
I'm really curious actually about how they decided on the pairs, hahaha. It would make more sense for Usopp to go with Zoro because they actually get along- and Sanji adores Nami too much to even consider arguing with her, so why this ? Also, don't you think that having one strong member to help one fairly "weaker" member would balance the teams out?
The reason is because....there is no reason. Sanji is irony's favourite victim, and everyone else ( aka production people ) knows that ZoSan has a large following of fangirls. Put these two together and sparks will definitely fly.
So I don't know the actual reason, but I'm not complaining. : D
Meanwhile, Usopp and Nami are getting attacked by.....barbecue coal, of all things.
Nami and Usopp provides us some physical comedy.
in this last screencap Nami is actually twirling like a ballerina
Back to Zoro and Sanji- the enemy is trying to "hoop" Zoro.
Zoro is being the team leader and Sanji hates it. It's sort of cute.
The enemy then starts blasting Zoro and Sanji, which gives us some of the most entertaining variety of poses ever attempted by Zoro within a few seconds. I adore the animation here, Zoro was moving in every single frame ! And also, Kazuya Nakai, Zoro's seiyuu- is mighty fine in here- he does all these, "Huah!", "Huu!!" "Aurgh!", "Ch..ch...che!", "Oi!Oi!Oi!", "Fuuu!!!" noises, in rapid sucession as Zoro is dodging the bullets, and it is hilarious with a capital H.
Zoro gets tired of becoming bait, and yells at Sanji.
To be fair on Sanji, it is a fairly long boat, and there isn't quite a way to dodge those bullets because they are all coming at different directions. Even if you manuevered the boat you would need to dodge the bullets on your own as well- unless, of course, you speed up and get ahead.
The enemy blasts at Zoro, and only Zoro- and this time, Zoro actually dodges the bullets until he's clean off the boat. Cue Kazuya Nakai's awesome sound effects for Zoro again.
Zoro:Huahhh!
Zoro: Fuuuu!
Zoro: Oiiiiiii!
Zoro: *has dodged himself off the boat*
Sanji: .....
Even the enemies stop shooting, hahaha.
Out of nowhere, he lands right back on the boat again.
I have to agree with Sanji here....
Indeed, Zoro, this is a big mistake.
And...more snarking ensues, along with some of the most ridiculous insults they have ever called each other.
I know this is completely random, but I really love the way Sanji's hair is animated in the boat race. It's all soft and flowy and constantly windswept.
Also...Sanji calling Zoro tea powder head, macha-yarou! That killed me in a good way, hahhaha.
Zoro actually uses English. He says, "Kues-chen!" So cute, Nakai.... <3
And he says "Kues-chen" again, as the enemy sneaks up on them.
I'm including this part because I want to link people to an awesome Yamato doujinshi on this particular scene- featuring Zoro and Sanji instead of Nami and Usopp of course. The doujin is here, and it is hilarious.
http://community.livejournal.com/papercut_scans/14604.html
Nami and Usopp are still trying to put out the fire on their boat....
By pure coincidence, Nami picks up a yellow box found within their boat- and uses it to hit Usopp. It was only after that she realized that she had a yellow box in her hands....
.......Make good things happen. And Yamato takes it from there with Sanji and Zoro. : D
Nami is doing a cute head bob, going, "Nani nani nani," in a sing-song manner in here. It is adorable.
By the way, Nami's yellow box contains paper cups, and Usopp's yellow box contains an escape air glider which allows Usopp to fly off the boat, albeit by accident. He leaves Nami behind, and at this point we get a sense of Nami becoming seriously angry.
Back to Zoro and Sanji...
Their snarking has become some sort of intense eyesex stare-me-down thing.
Neither moves- they just stand at their places glaring at each other.
The boat race then becomes some sort of comedic, antagonistic version of Romeo and Juliet, where the enemies try again and again to break up Zoro and Sanji/get Zoro and Sanji to at least look at them.
The further scenes demonstrate that nothing gets in between Zoro and Sanji, especially not when they're so mad pissed at each other that everyone else's existence no longer matters.
Attempt 1.
As you can see, neither are too concerned that their boat is being bombarded with missiles and that the enemy is closing in on them.
The enemy only suceeds in irritating an already irritated Zoro.
Zoro bisects their boat into three clean pieces- you can see it behind Sanji.
Then he apologizes for letting Sanji wait. At this point I expected them to start fighting- but no, the next frame is dedicated to them resuming their stare-me-down for a few more seconds, without moving.
To me this merely translates to, "Let me have my eyesex with Sanji in peace."
Attempt 2:
The enemy repairs the boat in highly unrealistic speed, and comes back for a second time.
Sanji kicks them away as if he's swatting flies.
.....continue staring at each other, that is. I kid you not. Zoro holds out his sword, but that's it.
Nobody moves.
THIRD AND FINAL ATTEMPT. The enemy transforms their boat into some kind strange, shark-like power drill, and they finally get Sanji and Zoro to look at them.
But even so, both are unfazed, as the drill rams into several bridges above them. I don't blame them though, the drill is a tad too high up to injure anyone ahahaha.
meaning, "Don't get in between us!"
We literally get a black screen with numerous red slashes and footprints, and then the frame opens to this image.
So they finally collaborate, but only so that they can get back to fighting each other.
Zoro has put his swords away. So "start it up" ( Zoro is saying it ) refers to....resuming eyesex?
I think so.
Unfortunately for our pair of foes in love, fate has more obstacles in store for them.
Nami has been "hooped", and is hanging from the lanterns. Damned third wheel.
Have I mentioned that 80% of Nami's screentime involves her face looking like this? Yes, I think I have.
Sanji attempts to rescue Nami, but another enemy comes to attack them.
This is Kaeru-Yoshi, and he's a master at making people lunge at each other.
Enjoy their faces.
Predictably, they bicker again.
And they manage to forget about the enemy for the billionth consecutive time.
Nami gently reminds them that she still exists.
The boys lunge at her, but Yoshi flies away just in time. Nami drops into the water.
Zoro lands on the wall
Sanji grabs onto some lanterns.
In a cleverly constructed sequence of events, Zoro and Sanji are made to collide with one another...
...with Zoro on top.
What happens next probably the height of ZoSan UST-ing in Baron Omatsuri.
Good god, the snarking never ends. It's like some sort of vicious cycle. And as we all know, when they fight, for some inexplicable reason, they absolutely need to grab and touch each other at some point.
'
They come this close. If Zoro had any sense of discretion he's not going to lower his head-
-But he does. And he even leans in.
Their noses are touching. Their noses are touching. Kiss him, you fool.
I ...I have no words.
Although, in the wrongest sense, this is pretty damned romantic- they are stuck together on a boat, within a romantic Venice-like setting, and there's chaos all around them, and an enemy lurking around, but no matter how much the world around them shakes and crumbles, the only existence they are aware of are that of each other. If they weren't two pigheaded rivals, they would be in love.
It takes Nami to warn them that THERE'S STILL THE ENEMY AROUND, PLEASE TRY TO REMEMBER THAT.
wtf that means.... I don't know. Rabbit Sanji, Fox Zoro?
Okay, to be honest, this scene is extremely ambiguous. It can go three ways.
One- Sanji and Zoro are pushing away from each other at the same time.
Two- Zoro is trying to push Sanji away- ( judging from the way Zoro's arm appears to be slung around Sanji's neck, and the way Sanji seems surprised.
Three- Sanji is the one pushing Zoro away- we cannot really tell because Sanji's other hand isn't visible.
I still can't tell who is doing what. What do you guys think?
It appears that Fox Zoro got away.
Rabbit Sanji gets caught in the weird hoop bondage.
After this scene, Sanji says something like, "No...it was this guy...", as in referring to Zoro, which probably means that Zoro is the one who caused him to get caught. I don't think Zoro is the sort of guy who would push his comrade into the enemy's way deliberately, so I'm guessing that Sanji actually pushed Zoro out the way, and became the "sacrifice" instead.
If my assumption is correct, then what Zoro says and does next makes him a real jerk.
Zoro:* shoves Sanji away*
I really don't blame Sanji for getting angry if this is the case. This would be one of the stronger instances where they have an actual reason to get angry with each other- or in this case, Sanji has a valid reason to get angry with Zoro.
Even Nami realizes that Zoro and Sanji are getting a little too antagonistic with each other by this point.
Well, to cut the long story short, Usopp swoops in at the last minute and saves the day. However, he has his own issues with Nami to deal with....I won't go talk about that here.
What Sanji says in the aftermath of the boat race convinces me that Sanji did push Zoro out of the way, but Zoro was being too self-absorbed and insensitive to realize that.
Sanji is genuinely hurt by Zoro's actions. From the low tone of his voice, and the lack of background music- you can tell that he is serious.
Whew, that was quite a handful, wasn't it? But wait, there's a continuation to this.
ZoSan Moment 3
Why do I even bother numbering them anymore...
Anyway, after the boat race, everyone gathers for dinner. Sanji is really adorable here- first, he gets jealous that Luffy is idolizing the Baron's personal chef- and proceeds to challenge the Baron's chef to a cooking duel.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is Sanji cooking- for man, does he do it with style.
Unfortunately for Sanji, the only ones watching is a sleeping Zoro, and a cheering Luffy.
He wanted to impress Nami and Robin too ... ♥
Let's move on the ZoSan moment. This is actually one of my favourite moments because it's so subtle, but so tangible, the way it shows that there is still some unresolved tension going on between them. I like how it supports what happened previously between Zoro and Sanji at the Boat Race, instead of washing over it.
Luffy is busy stuffing his face and calls Zoro to come and eat. Zoro wakes up and gets ready to go....when we hear Sanji's familiar voice, speaking to Zoro.
We see Sanji standing in front of Zoro, and he's actually speaking in a very subdued manner- solemn and serious. It is important to note that, usually, whenever Sanji is "angry" with Zoro- he is very verbal and expressive; he openly insults Zoro and shouts/grabs at him. However, in this scene, Sanji is uncharacteristically civil towards Zoro- he doesn't use names, or hurl insults. He doesn't even look at Zoro. He simply states the sentences above calmly. In an ironic way, this civil, calm, and polite Sanji is much colder and angrier than the flailing, foul-mouthed, insult-hurling Sanji will ever be. We understand, suddenly, that Sanji is no longer simply "annoyed" at Zoro. Sanji is genuinely hurt by what Zoro did- and he wants Zoro to know that. But, instead of yelling it directly in Zoro's face, Sanji drops a subtle hint, hoping that Zoro will clue in on his feelings.
So, when he says, "those who have been sleeping will not be allowed dinner," and "those who did not cheer me on will not be allowed dinner", he really means,
"I'm hurt by your actions, and I am upset with you. Understand the real meaning of why I am behaving coldly towards you."
Then, in what I consider an extremely beautiful, quiet, and revealing gesture on Sanji's part- Sanji stops speaking, and turns his head away, as if willing Zoro to say something, ask him what is wrong.
For just a second, he doesn't move.
However, before Zoro's thick head is able to process something as sensitive as this- Sanji changes the subject by switching to girl-crazy mode, as if suddenly aware of how "uncharacteristic" it was of him to behave in such a manner.
In my mind, Sanji might be thinking-
"Hell, this is Zoro we're talking about! Zoro is a natural pig-headed idiot! Zoro is an unsensitive, uncouth, offensive bastard~! And I don't care and shouldn't care or even bother that he's being rude and unappreciative towards me, because that's just how the bastard is!"
And thus, to cover up, he abruptly runs off in search of Robin.
His wrists go limp and his voice goes all high pitched.
we see Zoro absolutely confused at what just happened. HIs eyes briefly follow Sanji, as if trying to make sense of things- and then he sort of gives up, and reclines back into his seat.
/facepalm/ He probably thinks that Sanji really is mad at him because he didn't "cheer" for him.
On a slightly shallower note- it would be cute if Sanji really did want Zoro to watch him cook, and cheer him on.
I secretly wish that Zoro and Sanji made up behind the scenes after this...haha. In some way.
These two.....they are so impossibly cute, and so impossibly impossible, aren't they? Anyway, this was a beautifully written scene, and it fits in with the ZoSan subtext from the canon anime/manga. The way the both of them will never quite tell each other "outright" how they feel inside...it's very much a "cannot spit it out" sort of thing.
W..wait, what am I doing analyzing this....it's supposed to be a recap! ;A;
Sanji makes an extremely effeminate sound
Yes, I consider this another cute, random, favourite moment. After the little "confrontation" with Zoro, Sanji runs off searching for Robin. He's going, "Robin-chwan! Robin-chwan!" as he runs back and forth.
And then he finally stops right in front of the camera and makes this utterly effeminate "Iya...Ehhh?" His pitch is higher than usual and it's sort of breathy- the way he says it. You have to hear this for yourself-it's so strange and adorable, and yet not quite OOC, because I have always thought of Sanji as a guy who- although manly in his own right, also has a sensitive, feminine side. Hiraoki Hirata, you rock. <3
By the way, am I the only one who thinks that Sanji is his gayest when he is trying to woo girls? I mean- he goes all limp wristed...and..."wibbly"....and his voice almost always goes up in pitch ( occasionally it drops when he's trying to act cavelier ) and then he gets hearts in his eyes... hahaha.
whatever Sanji is...I love him so hard.
ZoSan Moment 4
not a strong moment, but I thought it resembled a husband arguing with his wife over the kids.
In this scene, everyone notices that Robin, Chopper, and Usopp are missing. Mama Sanji yells at Papa Zoro about it. Also, I screencapped this because both Sanji and Zoro are beautifully drawn.
Papa Zoro realizes that the children are missing....
Mama Sanji getting angry.
I am no expert in Japanese, but I can't help but feel like there might be another translation which would suit the context of their conversation better. Here, Sanji is saying something like, "chanto miteru itten da!". I looked it up, and "chanto" could mean "properly", and "miteiru" means "see, or look"- so Sanji might also be saying, "You should properly watch them!"- or something like that.
Papa Zoro defending himself.
Then, the both of them get all heated up and decide to look for the missing Strawhats. Initially, I thought they were going together....( which would be squee-worthy )....but unfortunately, our ZoSan moments stop here.
They do, however-remain together for a few more frames, and interrogate DJ Gappa ( that creature in the screencap below ) together.....They also briefly confront the Baron together, in which it is the one scene where they are actually in sync in their thoughts ( Zoro and Sanji both refuse to go through another one of the Baron's tests because they want to search for their nakama ) and then, one goes left, and the other goes right.
D:
I so wanted to see them go together....
Random Things To Notice
-Sanji behaving somewhat normally around Nami. He still flirts a little bit with her ( it's no different from what we see in the original anime/manga ) but overall, he's actually normal. When Nami cheers for Sanji in the "cooking duel" they don't even show him responding to her-granted, he was busy "duelling" at that time, but knowing that this is Sanji we are talking about, I would have expected him to at least give a, "Yessss, Nami-san! ♥♥♥"
It's cute that Nami and Sanji can also get on platonically at times, such as in the scene below, where the both of them are getting all excited about the holiday island.
Also, for the first time ever- Sanji actually sort of yells at Nami, he actually raises his voice for a brief moment in the scene where they realize that some of their friends are missing. It's a short line- Sanji says in an angry voice towards Nami, "Even Usopp is missing?!", and Nami is shown feeling bad. So Sanji is capable of being somewhat angry at women as well, apparently- either that, or the director took liberties.
-Afro Zoro
Do I even need to comment on this...
Rain of Arrows
A beautiful, brutal scene. I won't comment on what's going on, but it is something I remember very much about this movie, because it is absolutely, beautifully done. it is the sort of scene where everything sort of falls into a hush- before the world rips into an explosion.
Final Commentary
So, is Movie 6 worth watching by One Piece fans in general?
In my opinion, yes, absolutely. If I had to compare, I still like Baron Omatsuri more than Strong World. Baron Omatsuri, as I've mentioned before, is like "animated doujinshi". You have/ you get this sense that it's not really Oda writing them, because there are minor liberties being taken here and there with the characterization and the story -but it's still very much One Piece at heart, and you won't forget that. I love this movie to bits- it's so gorgeously animated, different, and very refreshing. For once, it's not a movie about Luffy beating the crap out of villains- it's a story solely about "nakama-ship". And I like it this way. It's not perfect of course, it feels like certain characters barely appear- like Robin...again, and the crew doesn't interact together as much as they should.
Regarding ZoSan, we get quite a boatload, don't we? Haha. I think that for ZoroxSanji fans, it doesn't get more blatant than this. For people who don't appreciate or don't see Zoro/Sanji- I don't think that the "fanservice" will be detrimental to their enjoyment factor, because whatever interaction Zoro/Sanji has is almost always hilarious.
Extra
certain scenes I thought were too pretty not to edit, so here they are.If, for some reason, anyone wants to take them and use them, you can. :)
So, if you've made it here, thank you ! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, and if you've noticed any other moments I may have missed. :)
Bye bye!
ZoSan Moment 1
Their interaction/snarking actually starts at the very beginning of the movie. I didn't screencap that one, because it was so brief- but perhaps it was meant as an indication of more ZoSan moments to come. In the opening, Sanji is getting all excited about the "holiday island", and Zoro sort of scoffs at him, saying something like, "You're impossible."
Later, upon landing at the holiday island, they, again- demonstrate their annoyance for each other.
Zoro is saying this line by the way.
LOL Zoro's face.
ZoSan Moment 2/The Boat Race
To call this a "moment" is a rather inaccurate term actually, because the entire Boat Race scene might as well be called- "The Zoro-Sanji UST ( Unresolved Sexual Tension ) Fest". I have my reasons for saying that, and thus, this is the most extensively capped part of the movie. It is also, in my opinion, the most entertaining and dynamic part of the entire movie, because of the sheer amount of physical comedy and character snarking involved. Yes, even Nami and Usopp provide phsyical comedy, and a fair amount of their own snarking with each other.
------
The Boat Race scene begins right after the Goldfish Netting. The Strawhat Pirates wander through a mass of foliage before stumbling across some stage smack in the middle of the jungle.....which reveals...
....the Baron, and he tells the Strawhat Crew about the rules of the Boat Race. Basically, to win, you simply throw a "hoop" over your opponent. He also manages to provoke Nami by telling her that their competition will be old people.
A random Nami screenshot, because I want to point out that in this movie, 80% of whatever screentime Nami gets has her face looking like this.
ZoSan moment 2.1 starts here. ( hahaha I need to use decimal points... :D )
Nami gets all fired up about the competition and Sanji wonders if he should take part.
Then he changes his mind, and asks Robin instead. At this point, for some reason, Zoro starts showing signs of annoyance- although frankly I don't think it's anything to get annoyed about....it's just Sanji being Sanji. Unless Zoro is jealous and wants Sanji for himself lolololol.
I love the way Zoro starts sweating randomly as he says this.
Sanji: "Bitch, please."
Cue flimsy reason to touch each other #1.
I kinda love the way Usopp is going, "Maa, maa, maa, maa" over here- his seiyuu has such a lovely voice.
The movie cuts to some pretty shots of lanterns and then we get a sense of a boat moving, until we come to a Venice-like setting of water canals.
Random pretty Nami shot...except for her freakishly proportioned torso.
Wait, wait....what torso? It's not even there! D:
The camera pulls back to reveal that Team A consists of Nami and Usopp ( Usopp pretty much looks the coolest in this movie, honestly! )
their opponent. The one in pink has a tendency to go, "Kero, kero, kero!"
Team B's opponent.
Which means that Team B consists of....
I won't lie- I was very happy to see Zoro, who, despite all his initial reluctance, is somehow participating in the boat race.
At this point, my train of thought went something like this:
So this leaves us with either Robin, Chopper, Luffy, or Sanji as Zoro's partner....
But wait- Robin, Chopper, and Luffy are Devil Fruit Users, which means that they are vulnerable if they happen to fall into the water...so Sanji would be the safest bet....
...could it be?!
Hallelujah.
The surrounding noise drowns out Sanji's musings- what with the crowd and the loud motor of the boat and the water splashing. Zoro can't hear Sanji, so he makes this face and does this very cute sound- "Eh?"
Sanji continues to bemoan the fact that he ends with up Zoro, hahaha- he really sounds so dejected. It's hilarious.
I'm really curious actually about how they decided on the pairs, hahaha. It would make more sense for Usopp to go with Zoro because they actually get along- and Sanji adores Nami too much to even consider arguing with her, so why this ? Also, don't you think that having one strong member to help one fairly "weaker" member would balance the teams out?
The reason is because....there is no reason. Sanji is irony's favourite victim, and everyone else ( aka production people ) knows that ZoSan has a large following of fangirls. Put these two together and sparks will definitely fly.
So I don't know the actual reason, but I'm not complaining. : D
Meanwhile, Usopp and Nami are getting attacked by.....barbecue coal, of all things.
Nami and Usopp provides us some physical comedy.
in this last screencap Nami is actually twirling like a ballerina
Back to Zoro and Sanji- the enemy is trying to "hoop" Zoro.
Zoro is being the team leader and Sanji hates it. It's sort of cute.
The enemy then starts blasting Zoro and Sanji, which gives us some of the most entertaining variety of poses ever attempted by Zoro within a few seconds. I adore the animation here, Zoro was moving in every single frame ! And also, Kazuya Nakai, Zoro's seiyuu- is mighty fine in here- he does all these, "Huah!", "Huu!!" "Aurgh!", "Ch..ch...che!", "Oi!Oi!Oi!", "Fuuu!!!" noises, in rapid sucession as Zoro is dodging the bullets, and it is hilarious with a capital H.
Zoro gets tired of becoming bait, and yells at Sanji.
To be fair on Sanji, it is a fairly long boat, and there isn't quite a way to dodge those bullets because they are all coming at different directions. Even if you manuevered the boat you would need to dodge the bullets on your own as well- unless, of course, you speed up and get ahead.
The enemy blasts at Zoro, and only Zoro- and this time, Zoro actually dodges the bullets until he's clean off the boat. Cue Kazuya Nakai's awesome sound effects for Zoro again.
Zoro:Huahhh!
Zoro: Fuuuu!
Zoro: Oiiiiiii!
Zoro: *has dodged himself off the boat*
Sanji: .....
Even the enemies stop shooting, hahaha.
Out of nowhere, he lands right back on the boat again.
I have to agree with Sanji here....
Indeed, Zoro, this is a big mistake.
And...more snarking ensues, along with some of the most ridiculous insults they have ever called each other.
I know this is completely random, but I really love the way Sanji's hair is animated in the boat race. It's all soft and flowy and constantly windswept.
Also...Sanji calling Zoro tea powder head, macha-yarou! That killed me in a good way, hahhaha.
Zoro actually uses English. He says, "Kues-chen!" So cute, Nakai.... <3
And he says "Kues-chen" again, as the enemy sneaks up on them.
I'm including this part because I want to link people to an awesome Yamato doujinshi on this particular scene- featuring Zoro and Sanji instead of Nami and Usopp of course. The doujin is here, and it is hilarious.
http://community.livejournal.com/papercut_scans/14604.html
Nami and Usopp are still trying to put out the fire on their boat....
By pure coincidence, Nami picks up a yellow box found within their boat- and uses it to hit Usopp. It was only after that she realized that she had a yellow box in her hands....
.......Make good things happen. And Yamato takes it from there with Sanji and Zoro. : D
Nami is doing a cute head bob, going, "Nani nani nani," in a sing-song manner in here. It is adorable.
By the way, Nami's yellow box contains paper cups, and Usopp's yellow box contains an escape air glider which allows Usopp to fly off the boat, albeit by accident. He leaves Nami behind, and at this point we get a sense of Nami becoming seriously angry.
Back to Zoro and Sanji...
Their snarking has become some sort of intense eyesex stare-me-down thing.
Neither moves- they just stand at their places glaring at each other.
The boat race then becomes some sort of comedic, antagonistic version of Romeo and Juliet, where the enemies try again and again to break up Zoro and Sanji/get Zoro and Sanji to at least look at them.
The further scenes demonstrate that nothing gets in between Zoro and Sanji, especially not when they're so mad pissed at each other that everyone else's existence no longer matters.
Attempt 1.
As you can see, neither are too concerned that their boat is being bombarded with missiles and that the enemy is closing in on them.
The enemy only suceeds in irritating an already irritated Zoro.
Zoro bisects their boat into three clean pieces- you can see it behind Sanji.
Then he apologizes for letting Sanji wait. At this point I expected them to start fighting- but no, the next frame is dedicated to them resuming their stare-me-down for a few more seconds, without moving.
To me this merely translates to, "Let me have my eyesex with Sanji in peace."
Attempt 2:
The enemy repairs the boat in highly unrealistic speed, and comes back for a second time.
Sanji kicks them away as if he's swatting flies.
.....continue staring at each other, that is. I kid you not. Zoro holds out his sword, but that's it.
Nobody moves.
THIRD AND FINAL ATTEMPT. The enemy transforms their boat into some kind strange, shark-like power drill, and they finally get Sanji and Zoro to look at them.
But even so, both are unfazed, as the drill rams into several bridges above them. I don't blame them though, the drill is a tad too high up to injure anyone ahahaha.
meaning, "Don't get in between us!"
We literally get a black screen with numerous red slashes and footprints, and then the frame opens to this image.
So they finally collaborate, but only so that they can get back to fighting each other.
Zoro has put his swords away. So "start it up" ( Zoro is saying it ) refers to....resuming eyesex?
I think so.
Unfortunately for our pair of foes in love, fate has more obstacles in store for them.
Nami has been "hooped", and is hanging from the lanterns. Damned third wheel.
Have I mentioned that 80% of Nami's screentime involves her face looking like this? Yes, I think I have.
Sanji attempts to rescue Nami, but another enemy comes to attack them.
This is Kaeru-Yoshi, and he's a master at making people lunge at each other.
Enjoy their faces.
Predictably, they bicker again.
And they manage to forget about the enemy for the billionth consecutive time.
Nami gently reminds them that she still exists.
The boys lunge at her, but Yoshi flies away just in time. Nami drops into the water.
Zoro lands on the wall
Sanji grabs onto some lanterns.
In a cleverly constructed sequence of events, Zoro and Sanji are made to collide with one another...
...with Zoro on top.
What happens next probably the height of ZoSan UST-ing in Baron Omatsuri.
Good god, the snarking never ends. It's like some sort of vicious cycle. And as we all know, when they fight, for some inexplicable reason, they absolutely need to grab and touch each other at some point.
'
They come this close. If Zoro had any sense of discretion he's not going to lower his head-
-But he does. And he even leans in.
Their noses are touching. Their noses are touching. Kiss him, you fool.
I ...I have no words.
Although, in the wrongest sense, this is pretty damned romantic- they are stuck together on a boat, within a romantic Venice-like setting, and there's chaos all around them, and an enemy lurking around, but no matter how much the world around them shakes and crumbles, the only existence they are aware of are that of each other. If they weren't two pigheaded rivals, they would be in love.
It takes Nami to warn them that THERE'S STILL THE ENEMY AROUND, PLEASE TRY TO REMEMBER THAT.
wtf that means.... I don't know. Rabbit Sanji, Fox Zoro?
Okay, to be honest, this scene is extremely ambiguous. It can go three ways.
One- Sanji and Zoro are pushing away from each other at the same time.
Two- Zoro is trying to push Sanji away- ( judging from the way Zoro's arm appears to be slung around Sanji's neck, and the way Sanji seems surprised.
Three- Sanji is the one pushing Zoro away- we cannot really tell because Sanji's other hand isn't visible.
I still can't tell who is doing what. What do you guys think?
It appears that Fox Zoro got away.
Rabbit Sanji gets caught in the weird hoop bondage.
After this scene, Sanji says something like, "No...it was this guy...", as in referring to Zoro, which probably means that Zoro is the one who caused him to get caught. I don't think Zoro is the sort of guy who would push his comrade into the enemy's way deliberately, so I'm guessing that Sanji actually pushed Zoro out the way, and became the "sacrifice" instead.
If my assumption is correct, then what Zoro says and does next makes him a real jerk.
Zoro:* shoves Sanji away*
I really don't blame Sanji for getting angry if this is the case. This would be one of the stronger instances where they have an actual reason to get angry with each other- or in this case, Sanji has a valid reason to get angry with Zoro.
Even Nami realizes that Zoro and Sanji are getting a little too antagonistic with each other by this point.
Well, to cut the long story short, Usopp swoops in at the last minute and saves the day. However, he has his own issues with Nami to deal with....I won't go talk about that here.
What Sanji says in the aftermath of the boat race convinces me that Sanji did push Zoro out of the way, but Zoro was being too self-absorbed and insensitive to realize that.
Sanji is genuinely hurt by Zoro's actions. From the low tone of his voice, and the lack of background music- you can tell that he is serious.
Whew, that was quite a handful, wasn't it? But wait, there's a continuation to this.
ZoSan Moment 3
Why do I even bother numbering them anymore...
Anyway, after the boat race, everyone gathers for dinner. Sanji is really adorable here- first, he gets jealous that Luffy is idolizing the Baron's personal chef- and proceeds to challenge the Baron's chef to a cooking duel.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is Sanji cooking- for man, does he do it with style.
Unfortunately for Sanji, the only ones watching is a sleeping Zoro, and a cheering Luffy.
He wanted to impress Nami and Robin too ... ♥
Let's move on the ZoSan moment. This is actually one of my favourite moments because it's so subtle, but so tangible, the way it shows that there is still some unresolved tension going on between them. I like how it supports what happened previously between Zoro and Sanji at the Boat Race, instead of washing over it.
Luffy is busy stuffing his face and calls Zoro to come and eat. Zoro wakes up and gets ready to go....when we hear Sanji's familiar voice, speaking to Zoro.
We see Sanji standing in front of Zoro, and he's actually speaking in a very subdued manner- solemn and serious. It is important to note that, usually, whenever Sanji is "angry" with Zoro- he is very verbal and expressive; he openly insults Zoro and shouts/grabs at him. However, in this scene, Sanji is uncharacteristically civil towards Zoro- he doesn't use names, or hurl insults. He doesn't even look at Zoro. He simply states the sentences above calmly. In an ironic way, this civil, calm, and polite Sanji is much colder and angrier than the flailing, foul-mouthed, insult-hurling Sanji will ever be. We understand, suddenly, that Sanji is no longer simply "annoyed" at Zoro. Sanji is genuinely hurt by what Zoro did- and he wants Zoro to know that. But, instead of yelling it directly in Zoro's face, Sanji drops a subtle hint, hoping that Zoro will clue in on his feelings.
So, when he says, "those who have been sleeping will not be allowed dinner," and "those who did not cheer me on will not be allowed dinner", he really means,
"I'm hurt by your actions, and I am upset with you. Understand the real meaning of why I am behaving coldly towards you."
Then, in what I consider an extremely beautiful, quiet, and revealing gesture on Sanji's part- Sanji stops speaking, and turns his head away, as if willing Zoro to say something, ask him what is wrong.
For just a second, he doesn't move.
However, before Zoro's thick head is able to process something as sensitive as this- Sanji changes the subject by switching to girl-crazy mode, as if suddenly aware of how "uncharacteristic" it was of him to behave in such a manner.
In my mind, Sanji might be thinking-
"Hell, this is Zoro we're talking about! Zoro is a natural pig-headed idiot! Zoro is an unsensitive, uncouth, offensive bastard~! And I don't care and shouldn't care or even bother that he's being rude and unappreciative towards me, because that's just how the bastard is!"
And thus, to cover up, he abruptly runs off in search of Robin.
His wrists go limp and his voice goes all high pitched.
we see Zoro absolutely confused at what just happened. HIs eyes briefly follow Sanji, as if trying to make sense of things- and then he sort of gives up, and reclines back into his seat.
/facepalm/ He probably thinks that Sanji really is mad at him because he didn't "cheer" for him.
On a slightly shallower note- it would be cute if Sanji really did want Zoro to watch him cook, and cheer him on.
I secretly wish that Zoro and Sanji made up behind the scenes after this...haha. In some way.
These two.....they are so impossibly cute, and so impossibly impossible, aren't they? Anyway, this was a beautifully written scene, and it fits in with the ZoSan subtext from the canon anime/manga. The way the both of them will never quite tell each other "outright" how they feel inside...it's very much a "cannot spit it out" sort of thing.
W..wait, what am I doing analyzing this....it's supposed to be a recap! ;A;
Sanji makes an extremely effeminate sound
Yes, I consider this another cute, random, favourite moment. After the little "confrontation" with Zoro, Sanji runs off searching for Robin. He's going, "Robin-chwan! Robin-chwan!" as he runs back and forth.
And then he finally stops right in front of the camera and makes this utterly effeminate "Iya...Ehhh?" His pitch is higher than usual and it's sort of breathy- the way he says it. You have to hear this for yourself-it's so strange and adorable, and yet not quite OOC, because I have always thought of Sanji as a guy who- although manly in his own right, also has a sensitive, feminine side. Hiraoki Hirata, you rock. <3
By the way, am I the only one who thinks that Sanji is his gayest when he is trying to woo girls? I mean- he goes all limp wristed...and..."wibbly"....and his voice almost always goes up in pitch ( occasionally it drops when he's trying to act cavelier ) and then he gets hearts in his eyes... hahaha.
whatever Sanji is...I love him so hard.
ZoSan Moment 4
not a strong moment, but I thought it resembled a husband arguing with his wife over the kids.
In this scene, everyone notices that Robin, Chopper, and Usopp are missing. Mama Sanji yells at Papa Zoro about it. Also, I screencapped this because both Sanji and Zoro are beautifully drawn.
Papa Zoro realizes that the children are missing....
Mama Sanji getting angry.
I am no expert in Japanese, but I can't help but feel like there might be another translation which would suit the context of their conversation better. Here, Sanji is saying something like, "chanto miteru itten da!". I looked it up, and "chanto" could mean "properly", and "miteiru" means "see, or look"- so Sanji might also be saying, "You should properly watch them!"- or something like that.
Papa Zoro defending himself.
Then, the both of them get all heated up and decide to look for the missing Strawhats. Initially, I thought they were going together....( which would be squee-worthy )....but unfortunately, our ZoSan moments stop here.
They do, however-remain together for a few more frames, and interrogate DJ Gappa ( that creature in the screencap below ) together.....They also briefly confront the Baron together, in which it is the one scene where they are actually in sync in their thoughts ( Zoro and Sanji both refuse to go through another one of the Baron's tests because they want to search for their nakama ) and then, one goes left, and the other goes right.
D:
I so wanted to see them go together....
Random Things To Notice
-Sanji behaving somewhat normally around Nami. He still flirts a little bit with her ( it's no different from what we see in the original anime/manga ) but overall, he's actually normal. When Nami cheers for Sanji in the "cooking duel" they don't even show him responding to her-granted, he was busy "duelling" at that time, but knowing that this is Sanji we are talking about, I would have expected him to at least give a, "Yessss, Nami-san! ♥♥♥"
It's cute that Nami and Sanji can also get on platonically at times, such as in the scene below, where the both of them are getting all excited about the holiday island.
Also, for the first time ever- Sanji actually sort of yells at Nami, he actually raises his voice for a brief moment in the scene where they realize that some of their friends are missing. It's a short line- Sanji says in an angry voice towards Nami, "Even Usopp is missing?!", and Nami is shown feeling bad. So Sanji is capable of being somewhat angry at women as well, apparently- either that, or the director took liberties.
-Afro Zoro
Do I even need to comment on this...
Rain of Arrows
A beautiful, brutal scene. I won't comment on what's going on, but it is something I remember very much about this movie, because it is absolutely, beautifully done. it is the sort of scene where everything sort of falls into a hush- before the world rips into an explosion.
Final Commentary
So, is Movie 6 worth watching by One Piece fans in general?
In my opinion, yes, absolutely. If I had to compare, I still like Baron Omatsuri more than Strong World. Baron Omatsuri, as I've mentioned before, is like "animated doujinshi". You have/ you get this sense that it's not really Oda writing them, because there are minor liberties being taken here and there with the characterization and the story -but it's still very much One Piece at heart, and you won't forget that. I love this movie to bits- it's so gorgeously animated, different, and very refreshing. For once, it's not a movie about Luffy beating the crap out of villains- it's a story solely about "nakama-ship". And I like it this way. It's not perfect of course, it feels like certain characters barely appear- like Robin...again, and the crew doesn't interact together as much as they should.
Regarding ZoSan, we get quite a boatload, don't we? Haha. I think that for ZoroxSanji fans, it doesn't get more blatant than this. For people who don't appreciate or don't see Zoro/Sanji- I don't think that the "fanservice" will be detrimental to their enjoyment factor, because whatever interaction Zoro/Sanji has is almost always hilarious.
Extra
certain scenes I thought were too pretty not to edit, so here they are.If, for some reason, anyone wants to take them and use them, you can. :)
So, if you've made it here, thank you ! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, and if you've noticed any other moments I may have missed. :)
Bye bye!