Introduction to Prince of Tennis Live Action
Prince of Tennis is a popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takeshi Konomi. The story follows Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy attending the prestigious Seishun Academy, as he strives to become one of the best tennis players in the world. The series has been adapted into a long-running anime series, two animated films, two live-action films, several video games, and various other merchandise.
The first live-action adaptation of Prince of Tennis was released in 2006. Directed by Takayuki Hirao, the movie was an adaptation of the manga’s first arc and was followed by a sequel in 2007. Despite receiving mixed reviews, it was a commercial success and was followed by a TV drama in 2008.
Prince of Tennis Live Action Plot
The story of Prince of Tennis revolves around Ryoma Echizen, a gifted tennis player from a family of legendary tennis players. At the age of 11, he enters the prestigious Seishun Academy and quickly outshines his seniors, becoming the team captain and leading them to victory. Along his journey, he meets various opponents, each with their own unique style of play, and learns valuable lessons about life and sportsmanship.
The live-action adaptation follows this same story but with some changes. The movie follows Ryoma as he enters the elite Seishun Academy, where he quickly proves his skill and earns the respect of his peers. He soon encounters a new rival, the mysterious and powerful Saeki Kojirou, who challenges him to a match and unlocks hidden potential within Ryoma. As the story progresses, Ryoma continues to face new and old opponents, honing his skills and reaching new heights.
Cast of Prince of Tennis Live Action
The movie features a number of well-known and acclaimed actors. The main protagonist is played by Kento Yamazaki, who is known for his roles in popular dramas such as Kimi ni Todoke and Orange. Other notable actors include Shunsuke Daitō as Ryoma’s rival Saeki Kojirou, and Takashi Sorimachi as Ryoma’s mentor, the former world-class tennis player Ryuzaki Sumire.
Production and Reception of Prince of Tennis Live Action
The production of the movie was handled by Studio Pierrot, the same studio that produced the anime series. The movie was released in 2006 and was followed by a sequel in 2007. The movie was generally well-received, with critics praising the performances of the cast and the visual effects.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over ¥3.5 billion in its theatrical run. It was also well-received by fans of the manga and anime, with many praising the movie for its faithful adaptation of the source material.
Pros and Cons of Prince of Tennis Live Action
Pros:
- Faithful adaptation of the source material.
- High-quality visuals and effects.
- Well-acted performances by the cast.
- An entertaining and engaging story.
Cons:
- The movie is too short, with important plot points being rushed through.
- The movie lacks the depth of the manga and anime.
- Some of the characters receive very little development.
Conclusion: Is Prince of Tennis Live Action Good?
Overall, Prince of Tennis live action is a good adaptation of the source material. The movie features high-quality visuals and effects and well-acted performances by the cast. The story is engaging and entertaining, but it is too short and some of the characters receive very little development. Despite its flaws, it is still a faithful adaptation and is a great movie for fans of the manga and anime.