Cast
View AllDaiki Yamashita
as Sakamichi Onoda
Jun Fukushima
as Shokichi Naruko
Kentaro Ito
as Jin Tadokoro
Showtaro Morikubo
as Yusuke Makishima
Hiroki Yasumoto
as Shingo Kinjou
Koji Yusa
as Akira Midosuji
Tomoaki Maeno
as Juichi Fukutomi
Tsubasa Yonaga
as Sangaku Manami
Tetsuya Kakihara
as Jinpachi Todo
Hiroyuki Yoshino
as Yasutomo Arakita
Kohsuke Toriumi
as Shunsuke Imaizumi
Mamoru Miyano
as Shin Yoshimoto
Satoshi Hino
as Hayato Shinkai (voice)
Yoshiyuki Shimozuma
as Ryo Ibitami (voice)
Crew
Director
- Norihiro Naganuma
- Osamu Nabeshima
Producer
- Shinnosuke Wada
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Animation film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Yowamushi Pedal: The Movie distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Norihiro Naganuma 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Yowamushi Pedal: The Movie took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1415 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Yowamushi Pedal: The Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kuroko's Basketball the Movie: Last Game, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Yowamushi Pedal: The Movie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Space Jam and Days of Thunder explore similar territory, Yowamushi Pedal: The Movie 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: August 28, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch

