Nasu: Summer in Andalusia
This film is most notable for being that rare breed of anime - a completely realistic story taking place in the present day, not set in or involving Japan in any way. Instead, it is set in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. I've only briefly visited the area, but if my memory can be trusted the art here accurately captures its landscape. The scenery may be barren, but I find there's a certain rugged beauty to the rolling hills and olive fields.
It also tackles a sport rarely seen not only in anime but in film in general - cycling. Pepe, our protagonist, is a professional cyclist taking part in the Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain) multi-stage race. He is a backup racer, whose role is to support the favored member of his sponsor's team. However, on the day that the race is travelling through his hometown - which happens to be the day of his brother's wedding - he seizes the opportunity to defy his sponsor's expectations and display his strength in front of his family.
While this was produced by Madhouse, the man behind it, Kitaro Kousaka, primarily works for Ghibli (he was the character designer for
Whisper of the Heart), and the characters have that Ghibli look to them.
Aside from a few moments (the wedding dance, for instance) the animation isn't outstanding, but it is solid and does a good job of expressing the speed and exertion that make up the experience of bicycle racing. I especially liked the rougher art in the final push to the finish, appropriate for showing the racers putting out every last ounce of energy they have, and it went a long way towards creating tension as I anxiously waited to see who would end up winning the race.
I say "film", but this is really very short for one, only clocking in at 45 minutes. Perhaps because of that shortness, the characters don't feel fully fleshed-out, even though we do get some motivating backstory for Pepe. His relationship with his family isn't dwelt on enough for me to form a strong emotional connection with him. Not to mention that the direction, while solid, has very little that stands out about it. Thus ultimately I can't say this is strong enough to be memorable, but it is certainly a pleasant watch and a nice change of pace from more typical anime.
