Review of Knights of the Zodiac (2023)

Based on the popular Japanese manga Saint Seiya by Masami Kurumada, Knights of the Zodiac (2023) brings the iconic series to live-action in a Hollywood adaptation. The Saint Seiya franchise, which has spanned anime, manga, and films since the 1980s, has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide, particularly for its epic storytelling, unique characters, and the concept of warriors who don mystical armors imbued with the power of the constellations. The adaptation, helmed by director Tomasz Baginski, was met with a combination of anticipation and trepidation, as live-action adaptations of anime are often a gamble in terms of quality and audience reception.

Set in a world where ancient warriors known as the “Knights of the Zodiac” protect the goddess Athena, Knights of the Zodiac follows a young man named Seiya (played by Mackenyu), who is drawn into a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. When Seiya discovers his latent powers and becomes one of the Knights, he is thrust into an epic quest to protect Athena, the reincarnation of the goddess, while also uncovering secrets about his own past. With a mix of action, drama, and mythology, the film aims to capture the grandeur of its animated predecessor while updating the narrative for modern audiences. But how well does it translate the beloved anime into live-action?

A Mythological and Epic Setup

The basic premise of Knights of the Zodiac will be familiar to fans of the anime. The story revolves around the Knights, warriors who wear armor (known as “Cloths”) based on the constellations of the zodiac. Seiya, an orphaned boy who has lived a life of hardship, discovers that he is the rightful bearer of the Pegasus Cloth, a powerful armor. Seiya’s journey to becoming a Knight and his subsequent encounters with Athena, played by Madison Iseman, and other key characters, form the backbone of the plot. The ancient Greek mythological elements are heavily present, with gods, warriors, and celestial forces battling for control over the world.

One of the film’s strengths is its attempt to faithfully bring the rich mythology of Saint Seiya to life. The Knights, their celestial armor, and their connection to constellations are integral to the story, and the movie does well to visualize the grandeur and spectacle of these elements. The knights are assigned to different zodiac signs, with each sign representing a different warrior’s personality and traits. This sense of cosmology and mythology remains central to the narrative, and the film makes an effort to keep these elements rooted in the original material.

However, while the world-building is ambitious, the film often struggles to strike the right balance between complexity and clarity. For newcomers to Saint Seiya, the mythology can feel overwhelming, as the film assumes a certain level of familiarity with the source material. Those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Saint Seiya universe may find themselves lost in the various allegiances, powers, and celestial dynamics that unfold.

The Characters: Seiya and the Knights

At the core of Knights of the Zodiac is Seiya, portrayed by Mackenyu, who is tasked with filling the shoes of one of anime’s most beloved heroes. Seiya is a reluctant hero with a tough exterior but a heart full of courage and loyalty. Mackenyu, known for his work in Rurouni Kenshin and Pacific Rim: Uprising, brings a sense of youthful energy and determination to the role. He captures Seiya’s brashness and self-doubt, which are central aspects of the character, though at times, his performance can feel somewhat stiff and lacking in the emotional depth required for the character’s growth.

The relationship between Seiya and the goddess Athena, portrayed by Madison Iseman, is key to the story. Athena’s role in the film is a bit more muted compared to Seiya’s, as she is largely relegated to a damsel-in-distress figure for much of the narrative. While Iseman brings an air of vulnerability and empathy to the role, Athena doesn’t have the same dynamic presence as Seiya, which weakens the emotional stakes. There is potential for a strong partnership between the two, but it’s not fully realized in this adaptation.

Other Knights, such as Shiryu, Hyoga, and Ikki, who are integral to the original story, are also introduced, though they don’t receive as much focus in this first film. The setup of the team dynamic is certainly part of the film’s allure, but the characters don’t have enough screen time or development to make a strong impression. While fans of the anime may recognize their personalities, newcomers may struggle to connect with them.

The antagonists of the film, particularly the villainous factions seeking to control Athena, feel somewhat underdeveloped. While the gods and forces of darkness that oppose Seiya and his companions are present, they lack the menacing depth and intrigue that made the anime’s villains so memorable. Their motivations are often simple and generic, reducing their impact on the overall story.

Visuals and Action Sequences

As with any live-action anime adaptation, one of the most anticipated aspects of the film is its visual style, and Knights of the Zodiac does deliver in terms of spectacle. The film boasts some stunning CGI effects, particularly during the battles when the Knights don their powerful armors and engage in high-octane combat. The visual effects team has worked hard to capture the grandeur of the Cloths, which shimmer with celestial energy and allow the warriors to unleash devastating powers. The armors are one of the film’s best assets, and the transformation sequences are visually satisfying, particularly for fans of the anime who have longed to see them in live-action.

The action scenes, especially the fights between the Knights and various foes, are fast-paced and thrilling, though they sometimes feel overly choreographed. The CGI-heavy battles can be fun but lack the physicality and visceral impact of more grounded action scenes. Still, for fans of the anime’s intense, dramatic showdowns, there’s a sense of joy in seeing these battles brought to life, even if the weight of the combat is lost in the digital effects.

The film also makes good use of the mystical and fantastical elements of the original Saint Seiya series. The Knights’ powers, linked to the constellations, are visually striking, and their battles often feel like larger-than-life confrontations between gods and mortals. The mythology is a key driver of the action, and the world itself feels rich in history and intrigue, even if the plot doesn’t always do justice to that complexity.

The Plot and Pacing

The narrative of Knights of the Zodiac follows a fairly typical hero’s journey, with Seiya being thrust into a world of conflict and destiny. However, the pacing of the film can feel uneven at times. The first act of the film is a bit slow as it sets up Seiya’s backstory, his discovery of the Pegasus Cloth, and his reluctant journey into the world of the Knights. Once the action kicks in, the film picks up the pace, but the frequent jumps between plot points can feel jarring. There’s a lack of smooth narrative flow, and the movie sometimes struggles to balance character development with action.

The film attempts to blend the world of ancient mythology with contemporary sensibilities, but it sometimes feels like it doesn’t know whether it wants to be a serious fantasy epic or a popcorn action flick. As a result, the tonal shifts can feel disorienting. The movie has moments of genuine excitement but also falls prey to predictability, with the stakes feeling more generic than urgent. While the plot does have some twists, the story’s structure and emotional resonance aren’t as strong as they could be.

The Reception of the Film

Knights of the Zodiac has received a mixed response from both fans and critics. Long-time fans of the Saint Seiya anime may appreciate the film’s attempt to bring the beloved characters and mythological elements to life, but many have criticized the film for its lack of depth in terms of character development and world-building. The CGI effects, while impressive, sometimes overshadow the emotional stakes of the story, and the film struggles to balance its epic scope with a strong narrative.

For newcomers to the Saint Seiya universe, the film may offer a visually appealing introduction, but the reliance on prior knowledge of the source material might leave many feeling confused or disconnected from the story. The film’s focus on action and spectacle over character-driven storytelling may also alienate those looking for a more nuanced experience.​

Conclusion: A Promising but Flawed Adaptation

Knights of the Zodiac is a visually ambitious but somewhat flawed adaptation of the beloved Saint Seiya anime. The film does a good job of capturing the grandeur and spectacle of the source material, with impressive CGI effects and exciting action sequences. However, it struggles with pacing, character development, and emotional depth, which ultimately limits its impact. While the film may please die-hard fans of Saint Seiya, it may leave others wishing for a more cohesive and meaningful narrative.

For those who are already fans of the Saint Seiya universe, the film is worth checking out for its visuals and action sequences, but it may not be the groundbreaking adaptation fans had hoped for. As an introduction to the Saint Seiya saga, Knights of the Zodiac is an entertaining but imperfect entry that, while exciting in parts, ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to explore the rich mythology and characters of the original series in a more compelling way.