Since the release of the first film in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, in 2003, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has garnered a substantial following in Japan. Although this film has not received particularly favorable reviews from critics, it has been well-received by the general audience. On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, the Tomatometer rating is 30%, while the Popcornmeter rating is 60%. (As of August 2025)
The fifth film in the series, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” which was a box office success, chronicles the adventures of Jack and his crew.
Familiar characters and new characters
Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, remains as charming as ever in the fifth installment, with his familiar unchanged persona. Barbossa also appears, and Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann briefly return, sparking buzz among series fans.
The film introduces new faces: Henry, the son of Will and Elizabeth, and Carina, an astronomer mistaken for a witch. Salazar, the ghostly antagonist, debuts as well. Henry and Carina, while reminiscent of Will and Elizabeth, bring a new dynamic due to their age.
A movie with attraction-like appeal
The movie succeeds because it feels like a fun ride, focusing on eye-catching visuals rather than complicated stories or relationships. Its main goal is to give viewers a good time.
For example, the opening bank robbery with Jack is exciting and really grabs your attention, even if it doesn’t add much to the story. The guillotine scene feels like a wild amusement park ride, and the battle with Salazar uses cool effects to keep things interesting. The big showdown on the shattered sea is especially memorable, highlighting the movie’s emphasis on visual spectacle.
Another enjoyable element of the series is the guest appearances of legendary musicians, a tradition that has been a part of the series. In this film, Paul McCartney appears as Jack, a pirate who is exceptionally talented at singing. This scene alone is a major highlight of the film, and as a standalone story, it can be said that this film pursued the appeal of being an immersive cinematic experience.
A film packed with legends of the sea
In the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, I felt that the film packed multiple sea legends into its narrative. Perhaps because the previous film was based on a novel, it featured many real-life characters, as well as legendary creatures such as mermaids. Among them, the appearance of the legendary pirate Blackbeard felt necessary for a series about pirates.
This time, the story draws on famous legends, such as Poseidon’s Trident and the Bermuda Triangle. Most people are already familiar with these, so while they fit the theme, they didn’t feel particularly new to me. Some parts even reminded me of the Percy Jackson series.
Was the curse of the previous films lifted?
This film tells a story that can be described as a return to the series’ origins. However, there were many scenes that felt familiar. Particularly impressive is the story of the young protagonist, Henry, and the heroine, Carina. Their adventures are reminiscent of Will and Elizabeth in the first film.
Henry’s quest to break his father’s curse mirrors Will’s story in the first film, making it feel familiar rather than fresh. Barbossa’s shifting allegiance recurs throughout the series, which may seem repetitive.
These elements of legacy and recurring themes are now standard for the series, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Henry’s story of breaking his father’s curse helps link this film back to the original trilogy.
The difficulties unique to the series and the spirit of service to fans
People have loved the Pirates of the Caribbean series for years, so it’s tough to balance new ideas with nods to the older movies.
Some might think it just repeats old stories, while others feel it’s exactly what fans wanted. It really depends on how you see the series.
However, the reunion of Will and Elizabeth depicted in the final scene was a touching moment for many fans of the series, and this ending was perhaps the best gift for fans who had been waiting. But seeing Will and Elizabeth together again at the end was a touching moment for longtime fans. It felt like a great reward for everyone who’s stuck with the series, ike a balance between nostalgia and freshness.
Summary: A fusion of returning to basics and new adventures
Unlike “On Stranger Tides,” this film restores the grand narrative tension of the first trilogy, offering bright, humorous moments that feel like a theme park attraction. The film is easy to enjoy without being overwhelmed and stands out for its entertaining tone.
The movie explores sea legends and big themes, such as family and breaking curses, making it a warm and enjoyable adventure.
