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Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era

A fine action film that really punches above its weight in its action setpieces. For the majority of the feature, the film is a simple and fine journey for a "Uma" (Horse in Japanese) to climb the ranks to become the best. In following Jungle Pocket, it does make a cozy time watching her really try her best and root for her to beat the odds. The surrounding parts are odd, however, as much of the development of her competition and world isn't really explored (spare the main antagonist). As such, most of the weight that isn't directly related to Jungle Pocket's journey feels simple, uninteresting, and at points seeming unnecessary for the journey. Luckily, the film really does flesh out Tachyon, the primary rival to Jungle Pocket, really well to the point of endearment. A perfect foil to her, and watching the utter insanity on display as she pushes the theoretical limits of racing is at times breathtaking. The animation and cinematography during the races are actually great, already grafting into my head how high tension racing could be depicted as. Tight angles, split paneling for reactions, and the on display emotions makes the skin crawl. Certain points feel as though you are watching a fairy tale on display, other times it's as though you are witnessing a grand win that will be history. The races are the reason to catch this movie, especially the Satsuki Sho race. If a sequel ever comes, and if they iron out the issues around making the in-between points of the story more engaging, then I can see it being a really damn good action film. It's already so promising with the action sequences, so I can see it surpassing itself if given the chance.