One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Review – A Nostalgic Swashbuckling Romp

One Piece Clockwork Island Adventure, released in Japan on March 3, 2001, as One Piece: Nejimaki-jima no Bōken, is the second theatrical film in Eiichiro Oda’s iconic One Piece franchise. Directed by Junji Shimizu and produced by Toei Animation, this 55-minute feature delivers a standalone, non-canon adventure that encapsulates the early charm of the Straw Hat Pirates. 

Known for its vibrant animation, energetic pacing, and lighthearted tone, the film, sometimes referred to as One Piece Clockwork Island Adventure 2001, follows the crew’s quest to recover their stolen ship, the Going Merry, on the mechanically wondrous Clockwork Island. With its blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, it remains a beloved entry for fans nostalgic for the series’ East Blue era. This review explores the film’s release, plot, characters, animation, music, themes, reception, and legacy, making a case for its enduring appeal.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Release Information

• Release Date: March 3, 2001
• Runtime: 55 minutes
• Director: Junji Shimizu
• Screenplay: Hiroshi Hashimoto, based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga
• Production Studio: Toei Animation
• Alternate Titles: One Piece: Nejimaki-jima no Bōken, One Piece: Adventure on Nejimaki Island

The film premiered as part of Toei’s 2001 Spring Anime Fair, screened alongside Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge of Diaboromon. It outperformed its predecessor, One Piece: The Movie (2000), ranking second in its opening weekend and later first at the Japanese box office from March 17 to 25, grossing ¥3 billion, a record for One Piece films until Strong World (2009). Promotional efforts included exclusive Carddass cards, a novelization, and a soundtrack CD, cementing its cultural footprint. The film was bundled with a six-minute short, Jango’s Dance Carnival, in both theatrical and home releases, adding to its charm.

One Piece Clockwork Island Adventure Plot Overview and Story Structure

The adventure kicks off with the Straw Hat Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, lounging on a beach, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Their relaxation is abruptly interrupted when their ship, the Going Merry, is stolen, sailing off into the horizon. Determined to reclaim their home, the crew sets out in a makeshift paddle boat, dressed in comical wedding attire from a rental shop. At sea, they encounter the Thief Brothers, Akisu (a young, clever boy) and Borodo (his protective older brother), who reveal they’re hunting the legendary Diamond Clock, a treasure hidden on Clockwork Island.

The plot escalates when the Straw Hats learn that the Going Merry was stolen by the Trump Siblings, a pirate crew led by the brutish Bear King, who has enslaved Clockwork Island’s residents to build weapons, including a superweapon to cement his claim as Pirate King. During a skirmish, Nami is kidnapped by Bear King, who declares his intent to marry her, and Luffy’s prized straw hat, given to him by Shanks, is also taken. The crew, alongside the Thief Brothers, journeys to Clockwork Island, a technological marvel with a towering spiral staircase laced with deadly mechanical traps.

The narrative builds to a climactic battle at the island’s summit, where the Straw Hats face off against the Trump Siblings: Boo Jack, Honey Queen, Skunk One, Pin Joker, and Bear King. Each sibling has a unique animal motif and quirky abilities, adding humor and variety to the fights. The Straw Hats’ teamwork shines as they navigate traps and defeat their foes, culminating in Luffy’s showdown with Bear King.

The destruction of the island’s “key” causes Clockwork Town to collapse, but the residents escape via parachutes, vowing to rebuild closer to the ground. The Straw Hats recover the Going Merry, rescue Nami, and retrieve Luffy’s hat, sailing off with their bonds stronger than ever.

The story’s structure is tight, leveraging its short runtime to deliver a brisk, engaging adventure. While the plot is straightforward, it captures One Piece’s essence through its focus on camaraderie, humor, and high-stakes action, with the Thief Brothers adding emotional depth.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Cast of Characters

The film features the core Straw Hat Pirates, voiced by their iconic Japanese voice actors, alongside original characters crafted for this adventure. Below is a table of key characters and their roles:

The Straw Hats’ familiar dynamics, Luffy’s infectious optimism, Zoro’s cool-headedness, Nami’s wit, Usopp’s cowardice-turned-bravery, and Sanji’s chivalrous flair, anchor the film. Akisu and Borodo add heart, with Akisu’s arc resonating emotionally. Bear King and the Trump Siblings, while not deeply complex, are entertaining foes with their animal-themed designs and comedic antics.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Animation, Music, and Production

Clockwork Island Adventure was the first One Piece film to use digital ink and paint, resulting in a vibrant, polished aesthetic that enhances its classic style. The animation features exaggerated expressions, dynamic fight choreography, and inventive mechanical designs for Clockwork Island’s traps and structures. The spiral staircase, with its array of gears, spikes, and pitfalls, is a visual highlight, showcasing Toei Animation’s creativity. The island’s clockwork aesthetic, complete with music box-like gadgets and a towering city, sets it apart from typical One Piece locales.

The score, composed by Kohei Tanaka, elevates the film’s energy. Upbeat tracks accompany the action sequences, while playful melodies underscore the comedic moments, such as the Straw Hats’ paddle boat journey. Tanaka’s music also enhances emotional scenes, particularly Akisu’s moments of sacrifice, adding depth to the narrative. The soundtrack’s versatility mirrors the film’s tonal shifts, making it a standout feature.

Directed by Junji Shimizu, the film balances humor, action, and adventure with finesse. Hiroshi Hashimoto’s screenplay stays true to Oda’s vision, delivering authentic character moments within a self-contained story. Toei Animation’s production quality ensures the film feels like a natural extension of the early anime, despite its non-canon status.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Themes and Character Focus

The film’s central themes are teamwork, loyalty, and the value of family, both biological and chosen. The Straw Hats’ mission to reclaim the Going Merry and rescue Nami underscores their unbreakable bond, with each member’s unique skills contributing to their success. Luffy’s leadership inspires the crew, while Sanji’s protectiveness toward Nami and Usopp’s reluctant heroism add humor and heart.

Akisu’s arc is a poignant exploration of sacrifice and family. His willingness to risk himself for Borodo parallels Luffy’s selflessness, creating a thematic link between the Thief Brothers and the Straw Hats. The film also touches on the importance of home, as the Going Merry represents the crew’s shared sanctuary. The residents of Clockwork Island, forced to build weapons under Bear King’s tyranny, highlight themes of freedom and resilience, culminating in their resolve to rebuild.

The Trump Siblings, led by Bear King, serve as entertaining antagonists. Their animal motifs (bear, boar, jellyfish, skunk, and hawk) and quirky abilities provide comedic and visual flair, though their lack of depth makes them less memorable than later One Piece villains. Bear King’s obsession with power and marriage to Nami drives the conflict, but the real focus remains on the Straw Hats’ unity and Akisu’s growth.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Memorable Scenes

Several scenes stand out for their humor, action, or emotional impact. The opening beach sequence, where the Going Merry is stolen, sets a lighthearted tone, with the crew’s comical pursuit in wedding attire eliciting laughs. The spiral staircase ascent, filled with mechanical traps, showcases the Straw Hats’ ingenuity and teamwork, with Zoro’s swordplay and Sanji’s kicks stealing the show. Sanji’s injury while fighting Boo Jack, kicking spiked balls barefoot, adds a humorous yet relatable moment of vulnerability.

The climactic battle against Bear King is a highlight, with Luffy’s determination to reclaim his hat and save Nami driving the action. Akisu’s emotional moment, where he risks himself to aid the Straw Hats, tugs at the heartstrings, reinforcing the film’s themes. The collapse of Clockwork Town, with residents parachuting to safety, is a visually striking conclusion that balances spectacle with hope.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Comparison to Other One Piece Movies

Compared to other One Piece films, Clockwork Island Adventure is lighter and more comedic. Its predecessor, One Piece: The Movie (2000), had a simpler plot, while later films like Strong World (2009) or Film: Red (2022) offer deeper narratives and canon ties. However, Clockwork Island Adventure excels in its brisk pacing and nostalgic portrayal of the early Straw Hats, making it a charming contrast to the franchise’s more epic entries. Its focus on a unique setting and standalone story sets it apart, though its villains lack the gravitas of antagonists like Shiki or Uta.

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Clockwork Island Adventure was well-received, grossing ¥3 billion and ranking first at the Japanese box office during its run. Fans praised its humor, pacing, and animation, appreciating the nostalgic glimpse of the Straw Hats before characters like Chopper or Robin joined. Critics noted its energetic storytelling but found Bear King and the Trump Siblings less compelling than other One Piece antagonists. On IMDb, it holds a 6.6/10 rating, and on MyAnimeList, it scores around 7.0/10, reflecting its status as a fun but non-essential entry.

The film’s legacy lies in its role as a stepping stone for the One Piece film franchise, proving the series’ cinematic viability. Its success paved the way for more ambitious movies, and its non-canon nature makes it accessible to newcomers. For completionists and fans of early One Piece, it’s a nostalgic gem, though its lack of main-story relevance limits its broader impact. The introduction of Sanji’s voice actor, Hiroaki Hirata, and the use of digital ink and paint mark it as a technical milestone for the series.

Where to Watch One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure and Additional Information

One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure is a non-canon, standalone story, requiring no prior knowledge of the One Piece series. While not currently available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu, you can watch it online for free on Shinime Anime, which hosts a variety of One Piece content. 

The film’s 55-minute runtime makes it an easy watch, perfect for a quick adventure. Its trailer, available online, showcases its action, humor, and clockwork aesthetic, giving a glimpse of its tone. As the first One Piece film to feature Sanji’s full crew role, it holds historical significance for fans tracking the series’ evolution.

Conclusion

One Piece Clockwork Island Adventure is a vibrant, action-packed film that captures the heart of early One Piece with its focus on the Straw Hat Pirates’ camaraderie and adventurous spirit. Its creative setting, lively animation, and Kohei Tanaka’s energetic score make it a delightful watch, despite its simpler plot and less memorable villains. For fans seeking nostalgia or newcomers wanting a taste of One Piece’s charm, this film delivers a swashbuckling romp that celebrates friendship, loyalty, and the thrill of the high seas. And for the latest anime news and updates, visit Shinime Anime, your source for all things anime.