RED Canon? Is the Movie Worth Watching in 2023?

Ahoy, One Piece fans! A swashbuckling debate has set sail on the digital seas, and it’s one that even the Straw Hat crew would be intrigued by. The treasure everyone’s hunting for? Confirmation on whether the latest animated spectacle, “One Piece Film: Red,” is actually canon or just another enjoyable detour. So, buckle up your sea belts, because we’re diving deep into this enigma.

Navigating the Waters of One Piece Canon

First things first, let’s talk canon. No, not the one you shoot out of a pirate ship, but the “canon” of a story. In One Piece terms, a canon storyline is the bread and butter of Eiichiro Oda’s epic saga, staying true to the manga and anime plotlines. Historically, only four out of 15 One Piece films have been canonized: “Strong World,” “One Piece Film: Z,” “One Piece Film: Gold,” and “Stampede.”

Why should anyone care? Well, because these films have the power to deepen the story, introduce pivotal characters, and even make us rethink the very fabric of the One Piece world.

But why do non-canon films even exist? Simple. The franchise needs to keep the wheel turning, and what better way than by throwing us some scrumptious filler content? While some might argue that filler movies are worth skipping, they do often serve the purpose of showing our favorite characters in brand new adventures and unexpected scenarios.

The Intricate Melodies of ‘One Piece Film: Red’

So what’s the deal with “One Piece Film: Red”? Set up in episodes 1029 and 1030, the film takes us back in time to a young Luffy and introduces us to Uta, the Red Hair Pirates’ precocious nine-year-old musician.

The movie’s emotional pulse centers on Uta, whose life-changing decision makes her a powerful threat in the eyes of the World Government.

The crux? Uta’s anger towards pirates, her heartfelt songs that have the ability to reshape the world, and her bone-chilling fate that leaves fans heartbroken. Talk about a drama that would even make Roronoa Zoro drop his swords (briefly, of course).

The Cryptic Farewell: Uta’s Fate Revealed

Now, prepare yourself for a spoiler alert if you haven’t yet seen the film. Uta’s character was so well-developed that she even had her own vlog and YouTube channel prior to the movie. Sadly, the end of “One Piece Film: Red” suggests she chose death over life, as we see the Straw Hat crew paying their respects.

However, it’s One Piece we’re talking about, where dead doesn’t always mean gone forever. With Uta posing a significant threat to the World Government, could Red-Haired Shanks have orchestrated a fake death? The “dead or alive” debate is still out there, folks.

The Big Question: Is ‘One Piece Film: Red’ Canon?

Now for the burning question that brought you here: is this visually stunning, heart-wrenching film part of the One Piece canon? The answer is… we don’t know for sure. The film could potentially fit within the overarching storyline post-“Wano Country Arc,” but it hasn’t been given the official nod.

However, there’s a twist. Uta’s existence is more or less canonical, with introductory episodes and manga chapters supporting her role in the One Piece universe. Whether she appears in the timeline again remains to be seen, but her legacy, much like this debate, will surely live on.

Yeah; that One Piece RED film is actually canon 😂😂😂

— Big Perm #ギア5 (@Bxtch_ImWxlf) July 18, 2022

Conclusion: The Canon Debate Continues

In the world of One Piece, the lines between canon and non-canon often blur, leaving fans in a perpetual state of wonder. “One Piece Film: Red” may or may not get the canon seal of approval, but its impact on the franchise and the audience is indelible. So, canon or not, the film stands as a remarkable addition to the One Piece treasure chest, and that’s something every fan can appreciate.

Signing off now, but remember: in the grand scheme of One Piece, where friendships are as sturdy as ships and ambitions as high as the skies, the canon debate is just another thrilling chapter in this never-ending adventure.