BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI- (2024)

"Nagi" is a bit of a loafer at school. Quite happy to play video games all day only interrupted by the odd nap and food when he absolutely has to. Then he encounters "Reo" - a very wealthy boy with purple hair and purple eyes - who sees in him skills that would make him an excellent addition to their football team. "Nagi" is completely indifferent to this proposal, but his new friend persists and with promises of becoming the best striking partnership the world has ever seen, he manages to induce just the merest hint of fire in "Nagi" - and they become inseparable and unstoppable. This earns them the attention of the Japanese Football Union and both are invited to attended the most competitive football school in the whole nation - the "Blue Lock". It's here that the two - along with a few hundred other aspiring young men - must grow up and learn how to win, lose, play in a team - and this tests their friendship as "Nagi" starts to emerge from the protective and encouraging umbrella of "Reo". Though it's based on a series, this is an enjoyable stand alone film that is quickly paced and written quite poignantly to expose the characters (and us) to some of the difficulties of maturing, making tough choices and getting used to not having everything your own way. At times it's actually quite an emotional animation with plenty to play for and no easy answers.