Yowamushi Pedal is a sports film that fluidly combines genre elements of comedy and drama. This live-action adaptation is based upon the manga series that has been existing for fifteen years and counting, featuring eighty-six volumes as I'm writing this review. The manga series has also been adapted as anime series with one hundred thirty-seven episodes thus far, television drama and video game. The main issue that I have with anime and manga series is that I don't have the time or motivation to read eighty-six volumes or watch one hundred thirty-seven episodes. Watching this movie right here is thus the best way for me to discover this gigantic universe for two hours and then turn the page to discover something else entirely.
This movie here revolves around timid high school student as well as dedicated anime and manga fan Sakamichi Onoda who discovers his talent for cycling. While initially not being taken seriously by classmates and sportspeople, his resilience, motivation and kindness lead to a positive change as he starts making friends and becomes the most important cyclist in his high school team.
This movie convinces on several levels in my opinion. First and foremost, lead character Sakamichi Onoda represents very positive values that are easy to empathize with. His slow progression at making friends and taking on more responsibilities as an athlete are heartwarming. His struggles and successes are realistic. They focus on genuine emotions rather than ridiculous exaggeration. This hero who doesn't attempt to be one simply behaves like the shy guy next door that you can find all around the world.
Up next, the acting performances are particularly convincing as well. Nagase Ren manages to become one with his role and appears to be very helpful, kind and timid throughout the entire movie. The other characters from his charming crush over his motivated coach to nagging colleagues are also portrayed very decently and without any exaggerations.
Lastly, this film's story convinces with its simplicity that makes this film a recommendation for audiences of any age. The cycling tournament in the last third of the movie is particularly gripping. It features many ups and downs in a spectacular race and values tenacity over cheating which makes watching this movie much more interesting than sitting through real professional cycling tournaments involving despicable cases of doping.
At the end of the day, I may not be able to compare this movie to its original manga series or even its anime series. However, I can tell you that Yowamushi Pedal is an entertaining movie for any audience that mixes comedy and drama combined with the sport of cycling. This movie promotes excellent values such as courage, responsibility and team work that are essential in our real lives. These are the reasons why I would recommend this very good movie that convinces from start to finish and even excels in its final third. I wouldn't actually mind watching a sequel with the same cast for once.
