Cast
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Makoto Kousaka
as Hiromi Oka (voice)
Masako Ikeda
as Reika Ryuuzaki (voice)
Kôji Nakata
as Jin Munakata (voice)
Katsuji Mori
as Takayuki Todou (voice)
Masako Sugaya
as Maki Aikawa (voice)
Gorō Naya
as Chairman Ryûzaki (voice)
Kazuko Yanaga
as Ranko Midorikawa (voice)
Kazuyuki Sogabe
as Takashi Chiba (voice)
Shinji Toyota
as Yû Ozaki (voice)
Gara Takashima
as (voice)
Kazue Komiya
as Kyoko Otowa (voice)
Kyoko Aoi
as (voice)
Seiko Nakano
as (voice)
Hidetoshi Nakamura
as (voice)
Akira Murayama
as (voice)
Crew
Director
- Osamu Dezaki
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Aim for the Ace! examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Osamu Dezaki brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Aim for the Ace! took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Aim for the Ace! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Summer Ghost, which focuses more on action than character development, Aim for the Ace! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia I: Promise and Song of Raiyantsuuri explore similar territory, Aim for the Ace! stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 8, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 28m
