SweetBlue

I’ll provide a brief review. First, regarding the plot there is nothing new here. It follows the generic, typical formula of Japanese films about a sports club featuring a rookie team striving to win a championship in a classic "zero-to-hero" narrative (similar to (Chihayafuru). The story is highly predictable, however, what makes the film engaging is its blend of slice-of-life elements, comedy, and a touch of drama. The viewing experience flew by before I knew it, the movie was already nearing its end.

I watched this movie without checking the cast list beforehand—aside from knowing Yui Aragaki was in it and was surprised to find so many famous actors and actresses. It features Hayato Sano from when he was just 19, Anne Nakamura (whose total screen time is under two minutes), and even Yu Aoi as a Chinese restaurant waitress. You’ll spot plenty of familiar faces, and the acting across the board is excellent.

As for the music and soundtrack, I found them merely average neither great nor bad. Despite the nearly two-hour runtime, the movie doesn't feel long at all. Overall, it’s a lighthearted film that’s easy to enjoy whether you're watching with friends or on your own without requiring much heavy thinking.

Available on JFF Theater (APAC) until January 2027: https://id.jff.jpf.go.jp/movie/mixed-doubles/