For someone like Tite Kubo, inspiration has always been omnipresent. Bleach takes the best and worst of the world, combining them into one epic masterpiece. From rock music to multiple films and television shows, the impact can be both sublime and active at the same time. One can absorb ideas without even realizing, that is the beauty of art.
Kubo has always been open to the new and popular, indulging himself not just in the most hyped songs but also in movies. While there are many manga and anime that inspire mangakas throughout the world, for Kubo, the case was different. He found himself captivated by not just Zack Snyder’s work but also Guy Ritchie’s. Both of them became huge influences for Kubo later in life.
Tite Kubo Found Inspiration in Zack Snyder and Guy Ritchie
During an interview (via Tumblr), Tite Kubo talked about all the different places he found inspiration in. From rock music to the thrill of different mangas such as Yu Yu Hakusho and Saint Seiya, the mangaka has always been open to new and fresh ideas. Amongst them all, Hollywood also had its contribution in impacting Kubo’s work. In fact, it was Brad Pitt and Gerard Butler’s films that played such a huge role in his works.
Snatch and 300 had a huge influence on me at the time they were screened.
When asked about there being any movies that helped him through inspiration, his answer consisted of Zack Snyder’s 300 and Guy Ritchie’s Snatch. He stated that the films had a huge impact on him when they were released, influencing even his career as a mangaka.
Both those films have been loved and criticized by fans but for Kubo, they stand as great inspirations. Despite their grand success, with Snatch making $83.5 Million (via Box Office Mojo) and 300 making a whopping $456 Million (via Box Office Mojo), both of the films had their own issues lined up.
300 and Its Infinite Streak of Problems
Based on the Battle of Thermopylae, 300 may be one of Zack Snyder’s most successful films but it has its fair share of issues. Filled with a streak of historical inaccuracies, it is more so a fictional piece of work than a historical retelling.
The film received a lot of criticism for the lack of acknowledgment of an array of issues, including the heavy racism. Snyder’s need to stay loyal to the source material kept him from questioning as to where the original comic’s issues were rooted. This came as a big problem not just for the critics but also audiences alike.
The battle between the Greeks and Spartans remains a historical one, but Snyder’s depiction is painted and tainted with an unlikely battle of good vs evil being shown as one filled with racist undertones. As a result, it got thrashed.
300 and Bleach are available to watch on Hulu.
