Knights Of The Zodiac

Knights Of The Zodiac is an adaptation of the Saint Seiya manga and animated series. Directed by Tomasz Bagiński and written by a trio of Western screenwriters, the film attempts to pay homage to the original source while introducing its own elements. However, it fails to capture the essence that made the anime so captivating, and fails to fully satisfy fans of the series.

The film opens with a visually impressive sequence, introducing protagonist Seiya, played by Mackenyu, and his quest to protect Sienna (Madison Iseman), the reincarnation of the Greek goddess Athena. Seiya's personal journey in search of his long-lost sister adds emotional depth to his character, but the execution of flashbacks and visions falls flat and fails to deliver the desired impact.

Although the film incorporates recognizable elements and musical cues from the original anime, it struggles to recreate the epic and camaraderie between the knights. The plot relies on narrative devices and creative liberties that anchor the story in a "logical" reality, sacrificing the mythological and awe-inspiring elements that made the anime so popular.

One of the film's notable limitations is its production value, probably due to the anime's lack of popularity in English-speaking countries. The action sequences, while occasionally impressive, suffer from a below-average budget, resulting in a lackluster action fantasy that doesn't live up to its potential.

The adaptation also struggles to effectively translate the iconic imagery and character traits of the anime into real action. Bagiński's direction attempts to strike a balance between fidelity to the source material and reinvention, but the execution often falls flat. Some visual elements, such as Sienna's purple hair, seem out of place, and the visual effects, though colorful, lack coherence. However, the character of Marin stands out for the faithfulness of the transfer between the two media, both aesthetically and behaviorally.

The actors deliver performances of varying quality. Mackenyu captures Seiya's personality to a certain extent, but his lines are sometimes too long to deliver. Madison Iseman brings energy to her interpretation of Sienna/Athena, but the character is weighed down by convulsive scenes and exaggerated wigs. Famke Janssen shines as the villainous Guraad, offering one of the film's few fully realized character arcs.

Director Tomasz Bagiński, best known for his animated shorts, faces the challenge of translating the essence of anime into a live-action format. At times, however, the film feels more like a video game scene than a cinematic experience. The excessive use of CGI, particularly in the final act, diminishes the impact of the action, and the cinematography, while initially capturing the essence of animated films, becomes repetitive. In addition, occasional sound mixing problems mean that the music takes over from the dialogue, disrupting the film's rhythm.

Knights Of The Zodiac doesn't live up to its potential as an adaptation. It features some impressive action sequences and a committed cast, but its soulless, formulaic narrative prevents it from reaching the heights of its source material. The film lacks the compelling plot, meaningful subtext and emotional depth necessary to resonate with audiences beyond its existing fan base. As a result, it fails to pay true homage to the children's favorite series or draw new viewers to its decades-long legacy. While there are glimpses of promise and some redeeming qualities, the overall experience leaves one feeling nostalgic for the vibrant, captivating world of the original Saint Seiya series.

Knights of the Zodiac
Directed by Tomek Bagiński
Screenplay by Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken, Kiel Murray
Based on Saint Seiya
by Masami Kurumada
Produced by Yoshi Ikezawa, Joseph Chou, Tim Kwok
Starring Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl, Sean Bean
Cinematography : Tomasz Naumiuk
Edited by Peter Pav, Kenny G. Krauss
Music by Yoshihiro Ike
Production companies : Stage 6 Films, Toei Company
Distributed by Toei (Japan), Sony Pictures Releasing International (International)
Release dates : April 28, 2023 (Japan), May 12, 2023 (United States), May 24, 2023 (France)
Running time : 112 minutes

Seen on May 29, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 5 seat A19

Mulder's Mark: