Comprehensive Review: One Piece Movie 5 – The Cursed Holy Sword (2004) | Shinime Anime

One Piece Movie 5: The Cursed Holy Sword, also known as One Piece Movie 5 or One Piece Movie 5: The Curse of the Sacred Sword, is the fifth animated film in Eiichiro Oda’s iconic One Piece franchise. Released on March 6, 2004, as part of the Spring 2004 Toei Anime Fair alongside Prince of Tennis: The Two Samurai, this film stands out for its focus on Roronoa Zoro, the Straw Hat Pirates’ stoic swordsman.

Directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi and written by Yoshiyuki Suga, The Cursed Holy Sword offers a darker, more dramatic tone than its predecessors, blending intense swordplay with themes of betrayal and redemption. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it’s one of the longer early One Piece films, delivering a visually striking adventure that, while divisive among fans, remains a unique entry in the series. 

One Piece Movie 5 Synopsis & Story Overview

Set during the Sky Island Saga, likely after episode 143 of the anime, One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword takes the Straw Hat Pirates to Asuka Island, home of the legendary Shichiseiken (Seven Star Sword), a blade said to be the most beautiful and valuable in the world but cursed with a malevolent power that awakens under a red moon.

The crew, Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, and Nico Robin, arrives seeking rest, but their plans unravel when Zoro, assigned to guard the Going Merry, mysteriously vanishes. As the crew searches for him, they’re ambushed by Marines and forced to flee to another part of the island, where they encounter a village tasked with sealing the Shichiseiken’s curse.

The plot thickens when the Straw Hats discover Zoro among the Marines, led by Saga, his childhood friend from swordsman training. Saga, corrupted by the Shichiseiken’s dark influence, seeks to unleash its power, and Zoro’s apparent betrayal shocks the crew.

Luffy and Usopp get separated, stumbling into a trap-filled cave system, while Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Robin aid the village’s priestess, Maya, and her grandmother, Izaya, in protecting three sacred orbs that suppress the sword’s curse.

The story builds to a climactic confrontation under the red moon, where Zoro’s past with Saga is revealed through flashbacks, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the battle against inner darkness. The One Piece The Cursed Holy Sword trailer teased this intense, Zoro-centric narrative, hinting at the sword’s mystique and the crew’s fractured dynamics.

One Piece Movie 5 Characters and Cast

The cast of One Piece Movie 5 delivers compelling performances, with the Straw Hat Pirates joined by original characters that deepen the film’s emotional stakes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the One Piece Movie 5 characters and their voice actors.

The Straw Hat Pirates

Monkey D. Luffy (voiced by Mayumi Tanaka): 

Luffy, the rubber-powered captain, brings his trademark optimism to The Cursed Holy Sword, determined to uncover the truth behind Zoro’s actions and save his friend. His reckless exploration of Asuka Island’s caves with Usopp provides comic relief, while his battles against Saga showcase his resilience, despite being overpowered twice.

Mayumi Tanaka, known for roles like Krillin in Dragon Ball Z, infuses Luffy with infectious energy and heart, capturing his unwavering belief in his crew. Her performance shines in Luffy’s moments of defiance, making him a beacon of hope amidst the film’s darker tone.

Roronoa Zoro (voiced by Kazuya Nakai):

The film’s focal point, Zoro’s complex motivations drive the narrative. His apparent alliance with the Marines and Saga raises questions about his loyalty, but flashbacks reveal a shared past with Saga, rooted in their swordsman training and a tragic incident that shaped their paths.

Zoro’s three-sword style is a highlight, particularly in his intense duel with Sanji and his climactic confrontation with Saga. Kazuya Nakai, also known for Mugen in Samurai Champloo, delivers a nuanced performance, balancing Zoro’s stoic demeanor with subtle vulnerability, making his internal struggle palpable.

Nami (voiced by Akemi Okamura): 

The navigator, Nami, is initially drawn to the Shichiseiken’s rumored value but quickly shifts focus to protecting the village and aiding Maya. Her strategic mind helps the crew navigate the island’s dangers, and her frustration with Luffy’s impulsiveness adds humor. Akemi Okamura, with credits in Sailor Moon, brings Nami’s intelligence and emotional depth to life, ensuring her limited role still feels impactful.

Usopp (voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi):

Usopp, the sniper, provides much of the film’s comedy alongside Luffy as they bumble through Asuka’s trap-filled caves. His sharpshooting skills and growing courage shine in key moments, particularly when protecting the sacred orbs. Kappei Yamaguchi, known for Inuyasha in Inuyasha, blends Usopp’s humor and heart, making his moments of bravery both relatable and inspiring.

Sanji (voiced by Hiroaki Hirata):

Sanji, the chef, takes a protective role, assisting Maya and clashing with Zoro in a rare and memorable fight. His chivalrous nature and powerful kicks are showcased, though his screen time is limited. Hiroaki Hirata, known for Wild Tiger in Tiger & Bunny, delivers a charismatic performance, emphasizing Sanji’s loyalty and flair.

Tony Tony Chopper (voiced by Ikue Otani):

Chopper, the doctor, supports the village with his medical knowledge and fights alongside Nami and Sanji. His innocence adds warmth to the film’s darker moments. Ikue Otani, famous for Pikachu in Pokémon, brings a gentle and endearing quality to Chopper’s performance.

Nico Robin (voiced by Yuriko Yamaguchi):

Robin, the archaeologist, uses her Hana Hana no Mi powers to aid the village and analyze the Shichiseiken’s history. Her calm intellect contrasts with the crew’s chaos, adding depth. Yuriko Yamaguchi, known for roles in Evangelion, delivers a poised performance that highlights Robin’s growing role in the crew.

Additional Characters

• Saga (voiced by Shido Nakamura): The film’s antagonist, Saga is Zoro’s childhood friend turned villain, corrupted by the Shichiseiken’s curse. His tragic backstory and complex motivations make him a compelling foe. Shido Nakamura, a renowned actor, brings intensity and pathos to Saga, elevating the character’s emotional weight.
• Maya (voiced by Ryoka Yuzuki): The village priestess, Maya, is tasked with protecting the sacred orbs that seal the Shichiseiken. Her connection to Saga adds emotional depth, and her resolve strengthens the film’s themes. Ryoka Yuzuki, known for Ino in Naruto, delivers a heartfelt performance.
• Izaya (voiced by Masami Hisamoto): Maya’s grandmother, Izaya, provides wisdom about the Shichiseiken’s curse and the village’s duty. Her role ties into the film’s themes of sacrifice. Masami Hisamoto’s warm voice adds gravitas to the character.
• Lacos and Toma (voiced by minor actors): Saga’s loyal henchmen, these Marine swordsmen add to the action but serve as secondary antagonists. Their roles highlight the Shichiseiken’s influence over Saga’s forces.

One Piece Movie 5 Animation and Production

The Cursed Holy Sword marks a step up in animation quality from earlier One Piece films, utilizing traditional cel animation with enhanced detail and texture. Directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi and produced by Toei Animation, the film features lush backgrounds of Asuka Island’s jungles and ruins, with clever use of lighting and shading to create a darker, more atmospheric tone.

The action sequences, particularly Zoro’s sword fights and Luffy’s battles with Saga, are fluid and intense, showcasing improved choreography over previous entries. The One Piece Movie 5 OST, composed by Kohei Tanaka and Shiro Hamaguchi, complements the film’s mood with haunting melodies for the Shichiseiken’s curse and rousing themes for the battles.

The ending song, “Ano Basho e” by Harebare, adds an emotional close. The One Piece The Cursed Holy Sword trailer highlighted the film’s mystical and action-packed elements, drawing fans in with its focus on Zoro.

One Piece Movie 5 Themes and Analysis

One Piece Movie 5 delves into darker themes than its predecessors, focusing on betrayal, redemption, and the corrupting power of ambition. Zoro’s apparent betrayal and his past with Saga explore the tension between loyalty to friends and personal honor, a core aspect of his character.

The Shichiseiken’s curse serves as a metaphor for how greed and power can twist even the noblest intentions, with Saga’s fall mirroring Zoro’s potential path if he strayed from his principles.

The subplot involving Maya and the village emphasizes sacrifice and duty, contrasting with the Straw Hats’ freedom-driven ethos. While the film’s tone aligns with One Piece’s adventurous spirit, its heavier drama and minimal humor make it feel distinct, though some fans argue it misrepresents Zoro’s character by placing him in a morally ambiguous role.

One Piece Movie 5 Reception and Impact

One Piece Movie 5: The Cursed Holy Sword was a commercial success, grossing approximately ¥1.8 billion at the Japanese box office, though it didn’t surpass the highs of One Piece Movie 4: Dead End Adventure. It holds a 6.5/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting mixed fan reception.

Critics praised the improved animation, intense swordplay, and Saga’s compelling villainy, with some noting it as the most polished early One Piece film to date. However, others criticized its pacing, excessive exposition, and perceived inconsistencies in Zoro’s characterization, feeling it strayed from the series’ core dynamics. On platforms like Reddit, fans debate its quality, with some appreciating the Zoro focus and others finding the plot generic or disconnected from One Piece’s spirit.

Connection to the Broader One Piece Franchise

As a non-canon film, The Cursed Holy Sword doesn’t impact the main One Piece storyline but fits best after episode 143 in the Sky Island Saga, given the crew’s full roster, including Robin. Its focus on Zoro’s past adds depth to his character, though some fans argue it feels inconsistent with his established loyalty.

The film’s darker tone and supernatural elements, like the Shichiseiken’s curse, contrast with the series’ usual Devil Fruit-based powers, sparking debate about its place in the franchise. It set a precedent for character-focused One Piece films, influencing later entries like Film Z and Film Red.

Where to Watch One Piece Movie 5 and Additional Information

One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword is available on streaming platforms like One Piece The Cursed Holy Sword Netflix, Crunchyroll, or AniWatch, or as part of One Piece movie collections for digital purchase.

Visit Shinime Anime to stream this Zoro-centric anime film for free and stay updated with the latest anime news on Shinime Anime! As a non-canon adventure, it stands alone, making it accessible for newcomers while offering fans a deeper look at Zoro’s swordsmanship. Its 95-minute runtime delivers a thrilling, if polarizing, experience, perfect for a movie night with a darker One Piece twist.

Conclusion

One Piece Movie 5: The Cursed Holy Sword is a bold, visually impressive entry in the One Piece film series, with stunning animation and a compelling focus on Zoro. While its darker tone, intense swordplay, and Saga’s tragic arc earn praise, its pacing and controversial portrayal of Zoro divide fans.

For those who love Zoro’s stoic resolve and epic battles, it’s a must-watch, but others may find it a departure from the series’ usual charm. Grab your straw hat and dive into this mystical adventure on Asuka Island!

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) – A visually striking, Zoro-focused film that shines in action but stumbles in pacing and character consistency.