I am so wary when it comes to live action anime adaptations. It’s really hit or miss. I will be forever scarred by the Live Action Sailor Moon and Dragonball movies. High tech fantasies really don’t translate into good live action adaptations — yet, sometimes the producers and directors get it right. Not only does the story fit but they find the right actors as well. Their performances really bring the character from ink to life. Here are my top five choices. Names are written the Japanese way.
1. Sato Takeru, Rurouni Kenshin
I got chills when I saw the Kenshin movie. It was amazing. Sato really brought the goofy former manslayer to life. He effortlessly rotated between the silly, loving Kenshin and the battousai who killed thousands. He looked like I imagined he would in real life. I am eager to see the second film coming out.
2. Matsuyama Ken’ichi, Death Note
Matsuyama was L to me. He had his mannerisms and personality down perfectly. He looked like L. This role got me interested in Matsuyama’s other roles as well. His performance as L is what he is best known for in Japan. He played L’s quiet craziness and oddities with perfection.
3. Yamamoto Yusuke, Ouran High School Host Club
Not all my choices have to be serious roles. Ouran is one of the few goofy, moe-type animes that I like. Yamamoto really nailed down the silliness and snobbery of Tamaki. He did look like him quite a bit, too. He had Tamaki’s mannerisms and flair down pat.
4. Tsumabuki Satoshi, Dororo
Tezuka Osama knew how to write and draw good manga. Dororo is no exception. Tsumabuki played Hyakkimaru’s struggle to regain his humanity perfectly. He was amazingly cool doing the fight scenes as well. The scene where he gets his real heart back was just amazing and played with right amount of emotion.
5. Matsumoto Jun, Hana Yori Dango
I chose another flowery role that was done perfectly. Hana Yori Dango has pretty much been made in every Asian country. Doumyouji has been played by so many actors, but Matsumoto did it best. He had Doumyouji’s bumbling arrogant ways and cocky attitude. He played the role like he was a trust fund baby.
I hope you enjoyed — stay tuned for the actress list!
