Zoro now forever has a rival who he can never beat. even when he becomes the greatest swords man in the world in his mind she will be the greatest. the person he was never able to beat. Zoro isn't just fighting for his dream it's their dream.
For Zorro is no excuse to lose or to fight against a woman. Befor Kuina met Zorro, she never train very hard to beat the other students. But she would be ashamed to lose against a boy, so she train harder, always to keep up with Zorro. Mihawk had the same destiny. Shanks and Mihawks fight are legend, but till Shanks losing his arm, Mihawk losing his purpose to get stronger. Mihawk train Zorro, to get his own nemesis. In the manga Zorro was crying for Kuina... He still train harder to become stronger but he give a promise to become the best swordman, what is nearly impossible. He carry the katana from Kuina and also her soul and dream. The Katana also dont broke against Mihawks attack, so also dont her soul/dream. If he become the best swordman, so she also can fullfill her dream. The name Wado ichimonji translate the direct path to harmony. ZORRO missing HER!! That why he often hate Sanji, how he treat a woman.
I really like how later on in the series (including where absolutely nothing happened) Zoro takes on the role of a first mate/vice captain if Luffy has disappeared or out of commission. He takes that role in stride and makes solid decisions. Except decisions that have to do with what direction to go.
That single green hair streak is a great touch. I love how Zoro uses his promise to Kuina as motivation and inner strength. It's tragic, but a powerful driving force to be the greatest swordsman.
In the manga Kuina is said typ have fallen down stairs, this made zoro extremely protective of everyone no matter how strong they are cus he knows how fragile life is, others believe “fell down stairs” meant she unalived herself
I was glad when I watched this the first time that it wasn't a case of Kuina specifically being Zoro's lost love - losing a friend or even a classmate at such a young age can be as much of a trauma as losing your romantic partner. A point that the adaptation doesn't mention is that Sensei isn't just the head of the dojo, he's also Kuina's dad. It would have been such a huge act of trust for him to allow Zoro to carry Kuina's sword - not just because he thinks Zoro's worthy of it, but because it's one of the few pieces he has left of his daughter.
Fantastic video as always! Been loving your One Piece analysis so far! When my wife and I watched this episode she pointed out how in his younger days Zoro was so animated and passionate and angry in how he talked. Like he was the protagonist of his own Shonen anime. Meanwhile Kuina is stoic and brief in her words (at least until she confesses her own insecurities). That’s kind of how Zoro talks in his adulthood, down to even that little touch of gravel (definitely thinking about the “Hey, Haircut.” line). It’s like he’s adopted some of her verbal ticks to keep a part of her with him. The only time we don’t see that is in his duel with Mihawk. You really hit the nail on the head about the anger and focus discussion. He fails back into bad habits , even down to the “shut up and fight” line. Some of his younger and brash self showed up in the fight. And then there’s his lines after he lost. Loud, impassioned, just like his youth. Then after his recovery, he goes back to the focused, and calm voice. It got me on a theory: it isn’t just adopting some traits of hers. He emulates Kuina when he’s in control of his situation. When they’re winning, they’re winning together. When he lost, he was alone as himself and confronting a weakness he hasn’t had to since he was a boy. When he held up her sword and shouted “I’ll never lose again,” I can’t help but feel he’s saying it to her.
Zoro is such a great character, he's my favorite! He seems like the one-tone, cool stoic guy at first but he's so sensitive. I love how he started out as the most reluctant to join, only to become the crew member most loyal to Luffy 💗 When he first accepts, he tells Luffy that he will kill him if he ever gets in the way of his goal. To which Luffy replies "The greatest swordsman, how nice! As the future pirate king's crew, if you can't even achieve that, I'll be disappointed!" It was just a light-hearted joke to let Zoro know he was 100% on board with his goal, but Zoro took it seriously. By the time he fights Mihawk, he's already become so loyal to Luffy that his first thought isn't that he failed to achieve his and Kuina's dream, but that "if I can't become the world's greateast swordsman, you'll be disappointed." 😭
Is it strange that I've read One Piece multiple times, seen the live action multiple times, but never really gave it a full consideration of how philosphical stoicism plays into Zoro's character? In many ways, each Straw Hat has a backstory of tragedy that is unique to them, but each tragedy ends up forming a fundamental part of their character that leads them to being such worthwhile individuals. Watching this helped me epiphanize this, and I can't express how happy I am. I've rewritten this a few times, and this is the most succinct I can be.
Most of Zoro's mindset and even moveset ties closely with Buddhist imagery and philosophy. He clearly is not sold on the non-violence part however lol!
Kuina in his background has a similar effect. He can never become the world's greatest swordsman because technically he never defeated her. He carries the sword she did as his most precious one for eternity. Honestly pretty poetic and sad.
If the one piece live adaptation ever gets to thriller park, I would love to see your interpretation of the leading up to Zoro’s nothing happened reaction.
@@emmanuelcardenas8200 The showrunner did say in an interview that he was looking for a 6 season contract. We'll definitely reach Marineford arc at the least.
for a different layer to how Kuina's story shaped Zoro, she is also a big reason why he and Sanji butt heads a lot. Not only because of their attachment to luffy as wanting to be his second best fight-wise, but also because the different ways they treat women. Sanji was raised with the mentality that women are to be respected, protected, and cared for gently to cater for the natural inequalities they have to men physically - while Zoro was raised besides Kuina, who had such big trauma and stigma over being weaker, and not being treated without difference to men. For context, one of the big reasons Kuina was so defeatist with the fact she is female, its because she is the teacher's daughter, and while she is very passionate about their martial arts AND his best student, because she is a girl she is forbidden to ever inherit the dojo and become a teacher herself. Classic traditionalist mentality of old-school japan (around which Zoro's village is based culturally), no bad feelings between parent and child at play. And because of this, Zoro abhors the idea of treating women any different than how anyone treats man. In respect for Kuina's pain, which she couldn't change. (I'd love to see you make a video around that, if you feel interest in such topics in regards to their dynamic). Its even part of what he yells at her when she is defeating herself on that line, "no woman can beat a man", for in the original, he yells at her not to mock him, because to him that is all excuses - in his own words, if that is true, then when he finally beats her it won't be a fair victory or because of his own training and effort, which will be a disrespect of hers to him. Something that deeply moved her, and helped her start changing those views. In an additional context if youre interested, she died while falling down a set of stairs, after reaching for a tall shelf to get a polishing stone for her sword (which she wanted to sharpen for her training with Zoro). It also is something that is key on why Kuina drives Zoro so deeply, her death proves to him that no matter how strong and skilled one is, death can happen at any moment and for the simplest of reasons. Humans are still very fragile beings. And he in a way wishes to be strong enough that he can protect his allies and loved ones even from nature itself, as he believes on what he preached for Kuina - training and dedication can overcome ANYTHING.
I really love this show but in the scene where Kuina tells him about being a girl and him going to defeat her someday because of that they should have used his line from the anime. Because in the anime he's like "When the day finally comes that I beat you it'll not be because you're a girl. It'll be because I trained hard and earned that victory." And I think that would have made for an even more emotional moment
Failure can help make you better. Every loss or failure helps you learn. It’s like the song I get knocked down but I get back up again. The green streak is great.
Something that adds a bit more weight to Kuina's death from the manga is that she was actually putting the swords away from their duel when she slipped on the stairs and died. He didn't just lose his goal, he also blamed himself immensely.
I really enjoyed this one. My family does a lot of martial arts, and my wife teaches Iaido (traditional Japanese swordsmanship). We regularly use some of the techniques and base teachings with our kids to help them when they are feeling stressed, worried, or have to do something hard. It's a good skill to develop and practice. Also Georgia, do you do a martial art of some sort? A lot of what you said sounds like you do.
Interestingly, that whole everyone gets a trophy thing was pushed by parents because they were living through their kids, and multiple generations have suffered because of it. Most of the kids didn't want the pity trophies, most of them didn't care about competing much at all, they just wanted to play the game with their friends.
12:50 i think it's either on the anime or manga that Kuina's father is actually telling someone that Kuina can't inherit the dojo because her physical prowess will get worse and worse as she ages and Kuina eavesdrop it and that's why she's so sad when she tells that same thing to Zoro.
In the original manga and anime, Kuina is said to have "fallen down the stairs", which caused her death. But I have seen some (who know way more about Japanese culture than I do) explain that it is a phrase that can be used when someone has ended their own life
I love Zorro and I think the reason why is in the anime they dive deeper into his response to the fact he'll beat her simply because he's a man. He says that line of thinking disrespects his hard work and if that is true and he's destined to win simply because of his gender he'll give up sword fighting. I feel like that speaks towards the concept of privilege and how it can impact the outcome. If things are expected simp[ly because of privilege then what's the point of hard work. Take Zorro from the point of her argument he's destined to be better than half the world simply because he's a man. how can that not invalidate his hard work. Then should he ever lose to a women when he's a grown man how can that loss not mean more then if it would be against a man, again against her logic. The older I get the more I resonate with that, if you are privlviged such as wealth or intelligence, etc. Success while expected is not to be rewarded since it's a given, while failure is to be pointed out and exemplified as how could it have happed
I used to get screamed at for offering to pick up an opponent during matches or not going after obvious weak spots the person had during the fights like a non sprained rough foot idk i just never saw the need to DOMINATE it's too much for me to be like that. Things like that got me to despise competition overall in life i don't like breaking people down i want people to leave better then before and it influenced how i competed in martial arts and basketball
Resiliency is my jam. I teach, train and compete in BJJ. Doing hard things definitely helps with that. Also has she trained martial arts before. The way she talks about it makes me think she’s at least done it in the past. Or is this a case of, “if you know the way broadly you will see it in all things”
Kuina’s death gain a bigger meaning in the overall story when we get to half of The grand line. Human life is fragile and life is unfair. Gifted people can be lost in such unfair ways.
@@Flufferz626 hard disagree. Usopp’s resolve to make sure his harmless lies stay lies by stopping a pirate attack was a beautiful test of his character and him having the opportunity to get away from Chew by pretending to be dead reenforced that core trait of wanting to be his best self and to become truly brave.
The pincer attack is an option. But much like any other attack in a fighting discipline, its a give and take. You take a chance to execute and difficult to block attack on both sides. But give yourself up to an attack coming right up the middle. Or being or being dodged and at an disadvantage as you try to reset your arms back into place.
Love these so much! The importance of mental health in Oda’s world needs to be talked about more. I will say, if you haven’t already i would still recommend either watching the anime or reading the manga if you find the time. While the skeleton is the same the way events unfold is different enough for it to be a completely different experience, and the emotions you go through on the journey are second to none.
One thing I like a bit of analysis on is the Baratie bar scene between Nami and Zoro, and maybe a bit on how these two handle getting hurt (or avoiding it). The way Zoro was trying to fish backstory from Nami even though they're both hyper guarded people was pretty clever I thought. Also Zoro responding so coldly to Nami's "Because you're my friend, you idiot!" line (when she tried to convince him to not fight Mihawk) and how he just immediately decides that Nami's good for dead for abandoning them after would be very unusual for most people in Zoro's position. It seems like they both try to avoid hurting others similarly by pushing people far and away, even though their scenarios are different. In the former, seems like he's thinking Nami can' t be affected by his possible death if he pushes her away and in the latter, he can't be hurt by Nami leaving if he decides that she's a good-for-nothing, self-serving thief to begin with.
True, even in anime Zoro doesn't attack in different directions with his swords, he always attack in one direction with his swords, maybe because he thinks that it's kinda cheating seems like his multiple swords is not for attacking opponents in multiple direction but just for him to put much of his strength to his swords attack.
I think it represents his mindset perfectly too. He approaches situations directly, and marches straight towards each goal with laser focus. Unless his goal is literally reaching a destination in which case he gets lost instantly. 🤷♂
One of my favorite parts from that flashback is that the dojo master is Kuina's father. Dude was grieving his balls out with the loss of his child, and he still finds it in himself to comfort Zoro. I think that plays well into the resilience thing.
Would really love if Zoro's fight with Mihawk and his vow to Luffy that he's never gonna lose a fight again would be talked about in another Video. Also I wanted to add that a very important part of Zoro's flashback is kinda lost in the live action. Because after Kuina died he began to train way harder than before to a point where it became absolutely excessive and the others in the dojo started to really fear him but were also worried about him.
In the anime during the Arlong Park episodes there was a swordman called Hachi(octopus fishman) who was squaring up against Zoro. During their fight Zoro siad that the reason Hachi lost was due to the "weight of the sword" which he interpreted as the physical weight. However I'd like to think that what Zoro meant was the weight of the promise he carries with himself.
This story is very close to my heart, and your analysis thus far has managed to deepen that love. It’s a lot, but I would love to see you tackle the anime (or manga). Thank you much
As some one who thinks like a gnostic at 644 the highest form of thought is no thought at all when you stop thinking and just do you become more intuitive and will find solutions to what your doing with what you have to do it with. Us the gnostics love the moment and live in the moment because inorder to break from the past or to forge the future it can only be done in the moment
Have you ever trained in a martial art before? Because the way you talk about the experience of training and the mindset that you gain from it sound exactly like a person who has personally experienced it. I have been training in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for 8 years now and I am very passionate about the martial arts. When I explain it to people, I explain in almost the exact same way you are describing it.
I don't know if you'll see this, but you should watch Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. It's an amazing story about survivor's guilt and the elderly losing all their friends and the promise of the next generation.
I have already gone to therapy and I didn't like the therapist she already knew what I didn't tell her. This made me some kind of a hater for therapy, but seeing you making this kind of video null my thoughts on that!!! So thank you!
I think she should look at Sasaki from Record of Ragnarok if she wants to talk about resiliency and losing well, that's his whole deal. As for why a person that uses two swords doesn't attack the way she mentioned is because that isn't how using two swords works. Dual wielding doesn't make you faster, it allows for a back-up defense. Attacking with two weapons is actually slower than attacking with one, as sabre fencing makes incredibly apparent.
Hi Georgia! EDIT - Back from my Zoom meeting. The meaning of the word "resilience": What I would be dead without. = ) Also relatable because I have two katana that I train with, AND I rock climb. Your own martial arts expertise and experience is saturated throughout this, your authoritative analysis. AS to why he was using two swords striking as one? My guess would be he was getting desperate and trying to compensate for inferior skill with power. Remember Inigo Montoya? At the end of his fight with Westley? Lashing out because he was outmatched. MORE EDIT: I LOVE this one! And yo are my hero.
Zoro is interesting in that, unlike the other main characters in the Netflix One Piece show, he's basically the same character we see in the manga and anime, with only a few alterations made to him. Zoro is steadfast in his goals, while also a man of his word. He's kind of scary and often aloof, but he's dependable when danger arises. The only change that I feel compelled to note is how they handled Zoro's backstory. Kuina's doubt that she'll be a great swordfighter going up kind of stems from having a father with sexist views, something that isn't really remarked upon by the narrative in either the manga or the anime, whereas the Netflix show doesn't really show why Kuina believes this. Also, in the manga and anime, they explicitly state that Kuina died from falling down the stairs, whereas the keep it vague in the Netflix show. I kind of prefer both of these changes, since it doesn't make Kuina's father Koushirou look like a sexist jerk, and I always found Kuina dying by falling down the stairs to be a rather undignified death, especially given what characters tend to survive in One Piece. But yeah, Zoro's a cool character, and man can he take a beating. Edit: Also, Kuina in the manga and anime always gloated over her victories against Zoro, saying he'll never beat her (at least as kids), but Netflix Kuina tries to give Zoro advice on how to improve. Of course, it still comes off as condescending and Zoro doesn't want to hear it coming from her, but it doesn't come across as malicious or initially cruel.
God I wish you could do a video on Trafalgar Law, but unfortunately his story is very very far into One Piece's original story as well as spreads throughout 😭
A little surprised you did your analysis of Zoro without a single mention of his fight with Mihawk (or, indeed, without mentioning anything from the present of the story aside from the well). The analyses of the other characters so far felt like they went further. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how your analysis of Usopp goes.
Kuina's dad really failed as a father. I understand that's just how he grew up but limiting your daughter by teaching her she can't defeat a man is insane considering the female powerhouses he definitely knows of.
It is damn important not to give up and to keep getting better, but you are seriously underestimating the discrepancy between men and women. What Kuina says isn't exactly true, but it's close: A strongwoman can beat many men, but a strong man can beat ALL women. The ceiling for fighting ability is just so much lower for women
You missed the point of what Zoro was doing there, you took away the exact wrong thing from him saying to train every day. He heard her say that she'll quit and he doesn't want that, as for all his bluster and anger at her beating him, he idolises Kuina as no one is as graceful, as skilled and as intelligent with the sword as she is. He sees her as an impossible goal to overcome, they're the same age yet she is many times his better in skill with the blade and for that impossible goal to tell him that she's not amazing is enough for him to tell her how he sees her. And Kuina equally sees Zoro as amazing, not having the raw talent she has but the dedication and drive to be better, to get better and because she's been taught a faulty assumption she's willing to look at the eventual end goal of how great strong and powerful Zoro will be when Puberty kicks in and he develops muscles and grows larger than her - as what she's been taught is that strength is the most important thing. So when Zoro states that they'll train every day, what he's saying is that even if he does get stronger, Kuina will learn how to counter that and get better herself and even if that's true and he never surpasses her, she will become the greatest swordsman on earth and he will still idolise her and see her as his goa to overcome. then she falls down the stairs and its all over for her.
i was actually amazed that this series had some correlation with reality, like that blue hair knowing that she can win him now but not when he grows up purely because biological advantages.
Georgia I love all your videos. PLEASE CONSIDER reviewing FRIEREN Beyond Journey’s End. It’s a beautiful emotionally resonating Anime with each episode masterfully pulling at your heart strings. Each episode with one or two powerful psychological lessons. You’d be able to really provide an empathetic and intellectual insights that would just be delightful to hear. PLEASE CONSIDER REVIEWING - Frieren
🎗 givewell.org/georgia Get your $100 donation matched with Givewell!
Have you practiced martial arts? you had a lot of good insights into the meaning of training in them.
I highly recommend the manga.
Zoro now forever has a rival who he can never beat. even when he becomes the greatest swords man in the world in his mind she will be the greatest. the person he was never able to beat. Zoro isn't just fighting for his dream it's their dream.
This is so beautiful written, thank you for your comment.
He is going to become the worlds greatest swordsman for them both 😭😭😭
For Zorro is no excuse to lose or to fight against a woman. Befor Kuina met Zorro, she never train very hard to beat the other students. But she would be ashamed to lose against a boy, so she train harder, always to keep up with Zorro. Mihawk had the same destiny. Shanks and Mihawks fight are legend, but till Shanks losing his arm, Mihawk losing his purpose to get stronger. Mihawk train Zorro, to get his own nemesis. In the manga Zorro was crying for Kuina... He still train harder to become stronger but he give a promise to become the best swordman, what is nearly impossible. He carry the katana from Kuina and also her soul and dream. The Katana also dont broke against Mihawks attack, so also dont her soul/dream. If he become the best swordman, so she also can fullfill her dream. The name Wado ichimonji translate the direct path to harmony. ZORRO missing HER!! That why he often hate Sanji, how he treat a woman.
That's why beating Mihawk is the second best thing and even more plausible
@ductranviet3148 it's why half joke that zoro's eternal love/soulmate is kuina
It’s crazy to think one piece is getting such a great exposure from critical thinkers and experts that can explain and appreciate one piece .
Even crazier that the Live Action adaptation is great enough to carry the same themes and messages across mediums, even with so many changes.
If you like Zoro, you're gonna love it when nothing happened
Best comment I’ve ever read, nice foreshadowing.
@@Amine-ex3zzWhat foreshadowing? Nothing happens
@@blackcatpirates8134 Great one 😂 I like that
I really like how later on in the series (including where absolutely nothing happened) Zoro takes on the role of a first mate/vice captain if Luffy has disappeared or out of commission. He takes that role in stride and makes solid decisions. Except decisions that have to do with what direction to go.
I understood that reference
That single green hair streak is a great touch. I love how Zoro uses his promise to Kuina as motivation and inner strength. It's tragic, but a powerful driving force to be the greatest swordsman.
Thank you so much for the support and yes it is poignant
In the manga Kuina is said typ have fallen down stairs, this made zoro extremely protective of everyone no matter how strong they are cus he knows how fragile life is, others believe “fell down stairs” meant she unalived herself
It is a Japanese phrase .
I was glad when I watched this the first time that it wasn't a case of Kuina specifically being Zoro's lost love - losing a friend or even a classmate at such a young age can be as much of a trauma as losing your romantic partner.
A point that the adaptation doesn't mention is that Sensei isn't just the head of the dojo, he's also Kuina's dad. It would have been such a huge act of trust for him to allow Zoro to carry Kuina's sword - not just because he thinks Zoro's worthy of it, but because it's one of the few pieces he has left of his daughter.
It wouldnt make sense at the ages depicted. Even if they were romantically *interested* , as children they are unable to form that bond.
Fantastic video as always! Been loving your One Piece analysis so far!
When my wife and I watched this episode she pointed out how in his younger days Zoro was so animated and passionate and angry in how he talked. Like he was the protagonist of his own Shonen anime. Meanwhile Kuina is stoic and brief in her words (at least until she confesses her own insecurities). That’s kind of how Zoro talks in his adulthood, down to even that little touch of gravel (definitely thinking about the “Hey, Haircut.” line). It’s like he’s adopted some of her verbal ticks to keep a part of her with him.
The only time we don’t see that is in his duel with Mihawk. You really hit the nail on the head about the anger and focus discussion. He fails back into bad habits , even down to the “shut up and fight” line. Some of his younger and brash self showed up in the fight. And then there’s his lines after he lost. Loud, impassioned, just like his youth. Then after his recovery, he goes back to the focused, and calm voice.
It got me on a theory: it isn’t just adopting some traits of hers. He emulates Kuina when he’s in control of his situation. When they’re winning, they’re winning together. When he lost, he was alone as himself and confronting a weakness he hasn’t had to since he was a boy. When he held up her sword and shouted “I’ll never lose again,” I can’t help but feel he’s saying it to her.
Thank you for this = ) so well written and stated
You have put the biggest smile on my face Zoro is my all time favorite One Piece character !
he is a great one and so funny
Zoro is such a great character, he's my favorite! He seems like the one-tone, cool stoic guy at first but he's so sensitive. I love how he started out as the most reluctant to join, only to become the crew member most loyal to Luffy 💗 When he first accepts, he tells Luffy that he will kill him if he ever gets in the way of his goal. To which Luffy replies "The greatest swordsman, how nice! As the future pirate king's crew, if you can't even achieve that, I'll be disappointed!" It was just a light-hearted joke to let Zoro know he was 100% on board with his goal, but Zoro took it seriously. By the time he fights Mihawk, he's already become so loyal to Luffy that his first thought isn't that he failed to achieve his and Kuina's dream, but that "if I can't become the world's greateast swordsman, you'll be disappointed." 😭
“If I Can't Even Protect My Captain's Dream, Then Whatever Ambition I Have Is Nothing But Talk!"
Is it strange that I've read One Piece multiple times, seen the live action multiple times, but never really gave it a full consideration of how philosphical stoicism plays into Zoro's character? In many ways, each Straw Hat has a backstory of tragedy that is unique to them, but each tragedy ends up forming a fundamental part of their character that leads them to being such worthwhile individuals. Watching this helped me epiphanize this, and I can't express how happy I am. I've rewritten this a few times, and this is the most succinct I can be.
Most of Zoro's mindset and even moveset ties closely with Buddhist imagery and philosophy. He clearly is not sold on the non-violence part however lol!
Kuina in his background has a similar effect. He can never become the world's greatest swordsman because technically he never defeated her. He carries the sword she did as his most precious one for eternity.
Honestly pretty poetic and sad.
If the one piece live adaptation ever gets to thriller park, I would love to see your interpretation of the leading up to Zoro’s nothing happened reaction.
The pace they going I would say that would be in season 4 😂
@@emmanuelcardenas82006
@@emmanuelcardenas8200
The showrunner did say in an interview that he was looking for a 6 season contract. We'll definitely reach Marineford arc at the least.
i want to see her Robin backstory/Enies Lobby reaction
It's called Thriller Bark not park.
for a different layer to how Kuina's story shaped Zoro, she is also a big reason why he and Sanji butt heads a lot. Not only because of their attachment to luffy as wanting to be his second best fight-wise, but also because the different ways they treat women. Sanji was raised with the mentality that women are to be respected, protected, and cared for gently to cater for the natural inequalities they have to men physically - while Zoro was raised besides Kuina, who had such big trauma and stigma over being weaker, and not being treated without difference to men.
For context, one of the big reasons Kuina was so defeatist with the fact she is female, its because she is the teacher's daughter, and while she is very passionate about their martial arts AND his best student, because she is a girl she is forbidden to ever inherit the dojo and become a teacher herself. Classic traditionalist mentality of old-school japan (around which Zoro's village is based culturally), no bad feelings between parent and child at play. And because of this, Zoro abhors the idea of treating women any different than how anyone treats man. In respect for Kuina's pain, which she couldn't change. (I'd love to see you make a video around that, if you feel interest in such topics in regards to their dynamic). Its even part of what he yells at her when she is defeating herself on that line, "no woman can beat a man", for in the original, he yells at her not to mock him, because to him that is all excuses - in his own words, if that is true, then when he finally beats her it won't be a fair victory or because of his own training and effort, which will be a disrespect of hers to him. Something that deeply moved her, and helped her start changing those views.
In an additional context if youre interested, she died while falling down a set of stairs, after reaching for a tall shelf to get a polishing stone for her sword (which she wanted to sharpen for her training with Zoro). It also is something that is key on why Kuina drives Zoro so deeply, her death proves to him that no matter how strong and skilled one is, death can happen at any moment and for the simplest of reasons. Humans are still very fragile beings. And he in a way wishes to be strong enough that he can protect his allies and loved ones even from nature itself, as he believes on what he preached for Kuina - training and dedication can overcome ANYTHING.
I really love this show but in the scene where Kuina tells him about being a girl and him going to defeat her someday because of that they should have used his line from the anime. Because in the anime he's like "When the day finally comes that I beat you it'll not be because you're a girl. It'll be because I trained hard and earned that victory." And I think that would have made for an even more emotional moment
Failure can help make you better. Every loss or failure helps you learn. It’s like the song I get knocked down but I get back up again. The green streak is great.
yes very true
Something that adds a bit more weight to Kuina's death from the manga is that she was actually putting the swords away from their duel when she slipped on the stairs and died. He didn't just lose his goal, he also blamed himself immensely.
I really enjoyed this one. My family does a lot of martial arts, and my wife teaches Iaido (traditional Japanese swordsmanship). We regularly use some of the techniques and base teachings with our kids to help them when they are feeling stressed, worried, or have to do something hard. It's a good skill to develop and practice.
Also Georgia, do you do a martial art of some sort? A lot of what you said sounds like you do.
She's two time Canadian Jiujitsu champion.
@@ghareebcolt3954 That would definitely do that!
Interestingly, that whole everyone gets a trophy thing was pushed by parents because they were living through their kids, and multiple generations have suffered because of it. Most of the kids didn't want the pity trophies, most of them didn't care about competing much at all, they just wanted to play the game with their friends.
I want to see your analysis of the end of the Marineford arch. Your analysis of Ivonkov and his conversation with Crockoboy would be even better.
My absolute favourite character in One Piece! Love the green streak in your hair!
thanks a slight nod to zoro
It's important to note that in the manga, the sensei who gives Zora her sword is her father, who's now placing all his dreams for her on Zoro.
12:50 i think it's either on the anime or manga that Kuina's father is actually telling someone that Kuina can't inherit the dojo because her physical prowess will get worse and worse as she ages and Kuina eavesdrop it and that's why she's so sad when she tells that same thing to Zoro.
That's only an anime thing.
In the original manga and anime, Kuina is said to have "fallen down the stairs", which caused her death. But I have seen some (who know way more about Japanese culture than I do) explain that it is a phrase that can be used when someone has ended their own life
I have also seen actual Japanese people say that's a myth though
@@everythingandthetardiscons7850 I've seen both being said too, it might be myth, or some generational or areal phrase
I love Zorro and I think the reason why is in the anime they dive deeper into his response to the fact he'll beat her simply because he's a man. He says that line of thinking disrespects his hard work and if that is true and he's destined to win simply because of his gender he'll give up sword fighting. I feel like that speaks towards the concept of privilege and how it can impact the outcome. If things are expected simp[ly because of privilege then what's the point of hard work. Take Zorro from the point of her argument he's destined to be better than half the world simply because he's a man. how can that not invalidate his hard work. Then should he ever lose to a women when he's a grown man how can that loss not mean more then if it would be against a man, again against her logic. The older I get the more I resonate with that, if you are privlviged such as wealth or intelligence, etc. Success while expected is not to be rewarded since it's a given, while failure is to be pointed out and exemplified as how could it have happed
I used to get screamed at for offering to pick up an opponent during matches or not going after obvious weak spots the person had during the fights like a non sprained rough foot idk i just never saw the need to DOMINATE it's too much for me to be like that. Things like that got me to despise competition overall in life i don't like breaking people down i want people to leave better then before and it influenced how i competed in martial arts and basketball
i respect that so much. You are the type of of martial artist and person which we need more of in this world.
Resiliency is my jam. I teach, train and compete in BJJ. Doing hard things definitely helps with that. Also has she trained martial arts before. The way she talks about it makes me think she’s at least done it in the past. Or is this a case of, “if you know the way broadly you will see it in all things”
Kuina’s death gain a bigger meaning in the overall story when we get to half of The grand line. Human life is fragile and life is unfair. Gifted people can be lost in such unfair ways.
As if I can love Zoro anymore then I already do!
I really think you should consider covering the anime version for Usopp at least. His character is done a huge disservice in the live action
This 100%
Usopps's character development mostly shines after they pass the Grand Line.
Slight spoilers? Not really?
Sogeking is peak Usopp.
@@Flufferz626 hard disagree. Usopp’s resolve to make sure his harmless lies stay lies by stopping a pirate attack was a beautiful test of his character and him having the opportunity to get away from Chew by pretending to be dead reenforced that core trait of wanting to be his best self and to become truly brave.
The pincer attack is an option. But much like any other attack in a fighting discipline, its a give and take.
You take a chance to execute and difficult to block attack on both sides.
But give yourself up to an attack coming right up the middle. Or being or being dodged and at an disadvantage as you try to reset your arms back into place.
I was over here tearing up when you spoke about promises, because my mom promised me that we would always be a package deal. She died in 2017.
Love these so much! The importance of mental health in Oda’s world needs to be talked about more. I will say, if you haven’t already i would still recommend either watching the anime or reading the manga if you find the time. While the skeleton is the same the way events unfold is different enough for it to be a completely different experience, and the emotions you go through on the journey are second to none.
One thing I like a bit of analysis on is the Baratie bar scene between Nami and Zoro, and maybe a bit on how these two handle getting hurt (or avoiding it).
The way Zoro was trying to fish backstory from Nami even though they're both hyper guarded people was pretty clever I thought. Also Zoro responding so coldly to Nami's "Because you're my friend, you idiot!" line (when she tried to convince him to not fight Mihawk) and how he just immediately decides that Nami's good for dead for abandoning them after would be very unusual for most people in Zoro's position. It seems like they both try to avoid hurting others similarly by pushing people far and away, even though their scenarios are different. In the former, seems like he's thinking Nami can' t be affected by his possible death if he pushes her away and in the latter, he can't be hurt by Nami leaving if he decides that she's a good-for-nothing, self-serving thief to begin with.
True, even in anime Zoro doesn't attack in different directions with his swords, he always attack in one direction with his swords, maybe because he thinks that it's kinda cheating seems like his multiple swords is not for attacking opponents in multiple direction but just for him to put much of his strength to his swords attack.
I think it represents his mindset perfectly too. He approaches situations directly, and marches straight towards each goal with laser focus. Unless his goal is literally reaching a destination in which case he gets lost instantly. 🤷♂
Came for Zoro psychology, confronted hard truths about myself. 10/10 content.
means a lot to me thank you for sharing that
One of my favorite parts from that flashback is that the dojo master is Kuina's father. Dude was grieving his balls out with the loss of his child, and he still finds it in himself to comfort Zoro. I think that plays well into the resilience thing.
Now I really want to see you do this for Zoro with his Mihawk fight!
"Women can't beat men!"
Zoro, a feminist: "That's bullshit"
Would really love if Zoro's fight with Mihawk and his vow to Luffy that he's never gonna lose a fight again would be talked about in another Video. Also I wanted to add that a very important part of Zoro's flashback is kinda lost in the live action. Because after Kuina died he began to train way harder than before to a point where it became absolutely excessive and the others in the dojo started to really fear him but were also worried about him.
I think the show is saving it once we go in Logue town. I'm keeping tight lipped but you know.
Even in the manga, Zoro asked for the sword.
@@ArtBusinesswithNess somehow misremembered that. Edited it out now 😄
In the anime during the Arlong Park episodes there was a swordman called Hachi(octopus fishman) who was squaring up against Zoro.
During their fight Zoro siad that the reason Hachi lost was due to the "weight of the sword" which he interpreted as the physical weight. However I'd like to think that what Zoro meant was the weight of the promise he carries with himself.
This story is very close to my heart, and your analysis thus far has managed to deepen that love. It’s a lot, but I would love to see you tackle the anime (or manga). Thank you much
As some one who thinks like a gnostic at 644 the highest form of thought is no thought at all when you stop thinking and just do you become more intuitive and will find solutions to what your doing with what you have to do it with. Us the gnostics love the moment and live in the moment because inorder to break from the past or to forge the future it can only be done in the moment
Have you ever trained in a martial art before? Because the way you talk about the experience of training and the mindset that you gain from it sound exactly like a person who has personally experienced it. I have been training in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for 8 years now and I am very passionate about the martial arts. When I explain it to people, I explain in almost the exact same way you are describing it.
Zoro is definately very resilient and loyal. I hope live action continue for many seasons so his character will get more developed.
My sisters love this guy...
I don't know if you'll see this, but you should watch Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. It's an amazing story about survivor's guilt and the elderly losing all their friends and the promise of the next generation.
Zoro lacks one skill--a sense of direction.
With enough time, he could find the One Piece by sheer coincidence.
I have already gone to therapy and I didn't like the therapist she already knew what I didn't tell her. This made me some kind of a hater for therapy, but seeing you making this kind of video null my thoughts on that!!! So thank you!
that means so much to me, thank you
I think she should look at Sasaki from Record of Ragnarok if she wants to talk about resiliency and losing well, that's his whole deal.
As for why a person that uses two swords doesn't attack the way she mentioned is because that isn't how using two swords works. Dual wielding doesn't make you faster, it allows for a back-up defense. Attacking with two weapons is actually slower than attacking with one, as sabre fencing makes incredibly apparent.
I heard they changed the story: she was sick(terminal) it wasn just that she was a girl she knew she wouldn live long enough to overcome that hurtle
Hi Georgia! EDIT - Back from my Zoom meeting. The meaning of the word "resilience": What I would be dead without. = ) Also relatable because I have two katana that I train with, AND I rock climb. Your own martial arts expertise and experience is saturated throughout this, your authoritative analysis. AS to why he was using two swords striking as one? My guess would be he was getting desperate and trying to compensate for inferior skill with power. Remember Inigo Montoya? At the end of his fight with Westley? Lashing out because he was outmatched. MORE EDIT: I LOVE this one! And yo are my hero.
Zoro is interesting in that, unlike the other main characters in the Netflix One Piece show, he's basically the same character we see in the manga and anime, with only a few alterations made to him. Zoro is steadfast in his goals, while also a man of his word. He's kind of scary and often aloof, but he's dependable when danger arises. The only change that I feel compelled to note is how they handled Zoro's backstory. Kuina's doubt that she'll be a great swordfighter going up kind of stems from having a father with sexist views, something that isn't really remarked upon by the narrative in either the manga or the anime, whereas the Netflix show doesn't really show why Kuina believes this. Also, in the manga and anime, they explicitly state that Kuina died from falling down the stairs, whereas the keep it vague in the Netflix show. I kind of prefer both of these changes, since it doesn't make Kuina's father Koushirou look like a sexist jerk, and I always found Kuina dying by falling down the stairs to be a rather undignified death, especially given what characters tend to survive in One Piece. But yeah, Zoro's a cool character, and man can he take a beating.
Edit: Also, Kuina in the manga and anime always gloated over her victories against Zoro, saying he'll never beat her (at least as kids), but Netflix Kuina tries to give Zoro advice on how to improve. Of course, it still comes off as condescending and Zoro doesn't want to hear it coming from her, but it doesn't come across as malicious or initially cruel.
9:15 Your average league player losing only because they tilt.
In the manga/anime, Kuina died falling down stairs. The meaninglessness of her death makes it hit harder.
The anime explains how she died in case you are curious.
Can’t wait until you do Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho and Kuwabara too.
Thanks for sharing. Blessings
Lol I take the big L all the time haha I just get up and go again 😅
Impressive! HIGH FIVE!
@@classicslover 🖐✋️🖐✋️
Me too! Do that bro!
@@Rucker1980 COOL! High Five to you as well!
God I wish you could do a video on Trafalgar Law, but unfortunately his story is very very far into One Piece's original story as well as spreads throughout 😭
A little surprised you did your analysis of Zoro without a single mention of his fight with Mihawk (or, indeed, without mentioning anything from the present of the story aside from the well). The analyses of the other characters so far felt like they went further. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how your analysis of Usopp goes.
Can’t wait for you to make more videos on AoT again. 😊
The cross over attack leaves you open. He did on the redhead guy because he was already beaten. A skilled opponent you need more defense *i assume*
Kuina's dad really failed as a father. I understand that's just how he grew up but limiting your daughter by teaching her she can't defeat a man is insane considering the female powerhouses he definitely knows of.
That's not a thing in the manga or the live action that's something added in the anime for some reason.
@@MrSupertallblackman If that's true then I guess they wanted to give a reason for Kuina's belief.
Please do Blue Eye Samurai!!!
happening
I would like your take on the persona games (4 and 5 to be exact)
But she promised me!💔 😢
Zoro⚔️
It is damn important not to give up and to keep getting better, but you are seriously underestimating the discrepancy between men and women.
What Kuina says isn't exactly true, but it's close: A strongwoman can beat many men, but a strong man can beat ALL women. The ceiling for fighting ability is just so much lower for women
You missed the point of what Zoro was doing there, you took away the exact wrong thing from him saying to train every day.
He heard her say that she'll quit and he doesn't want that, as for all his bluster and anger at her beating him, he idolises Kuina as no one is as graceful, as skilled and as intelligent with the sword as she is. He sees her as an impossible goal to overcome, they're the same age yet she is many times his better in skill with the blade and for that impossible goal to tell him that she's not amazing is enough for him to tell her how he sees her.
And Kuina equally sees Zoro as amazing, not having the raw talent she has but the dedication and drive to be better, to get better and because she's been taught a faulty assumption she's willing to look at the eventual end goal of how great strong and powerful Zoro will be when Puberty kicks in and he develops muscles and grows larger than her - as what she's been taught is that strength is the most important thing.
So when Zoro states that they'll train every day, what he's saying is that even if he does get stronger, Kuina will learn how to counter that and get better herself and even if that's true and he never surpasses her, she will become the greatest swordsman on earth and he will still idolise her and see her as his goa to overcome.
then she falls down the stairs and its all over for her.
Can u do a video about spinel from steven universe
😊
!
Zoro is a weird one
i was actually amazed that this series had some correlation with reality, like that blue hair knowing that she can win him now but not when he grows up purely because biological advantages.
In the manga and in the anime is highly implied that Kuina killed herself to force Zoro into fulfilling her dream.
It is not in anyway implied that she killed her in the manga. In the manga it is made very clear it was an accident.
So it was a teenager zoro therapy lol, kind of a clickbait but still interesting.
if you are thinking One Piece and resiliency .... how can you not be talking about Zoro?
Hope Georgia does Pokémon and being Erica
And what’s goin on in Palestine
Zoro is a very cool character
But the actor was very poor unfortunately
Georgia I love all your videos. PLEASE CONSIDER reviewing FRIEREN Beyond Journey’s End. It’s a beautiful emotionally resonating Anime with each episode masterfully pulling at your heart strings. Each episode with one or two powerful psychological lessons. You’d be able to really provide an empathetic and intellectual insights that would just be delightful to hear. PLEASE CONSIDER REVIEWING - Frieren
i will see = )