Passing the Reins (2025)

"The Royal Family" is an epic drama of dreams, hope, and legacy about horse racing and the people dedicated to the sport. This drama is crafted so intentionally to center the horses and the beauty of the sport through top-notch cinematography and grand storytelling. The cast obviously is a who's who of talented actors with Tsumabuki Satoshi and Sato Koichi really setting the tone with their characters' relationship and growth. No character is wasted in this story - everyone is vital, critical, and adds to a narrative that grabs the audience and really doesn't let go. Though I'm not at all a fan of the sport, watching this drama felt like watching a love letter to horse racing and my emotions were completely swept up into it all. I sobbed after nearly every horse race, the anticipation and adrenaline running through me thanks to the superb acting that brought each race to life. As with dramas like this one, a story of team perseverance always becomes a story about chosen family brought together by a shared goal and dream and watching that struggle and growth as they came together was fantastic. Highly recommend this drama if you appreciate a well-written drama (it's not unique, but it is very strong!) that will take you though a beautiful human (and horse!) story with an amazing emotional journey.

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