Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Road to the Top (Movie)

English

It’s amazing how this franchise keeps improving its animation year after year, and this movie is no exception—it’s a true visual delight. The backgrounds are stunning, this time stepping a bit outside the school setting to showcase new landscapes as the protagonists move forward. The animation during the races, the accompanying music, and the character design/costumes clearly show the effort to be more eye-catching, making everything look super cool and overall fantastic.

That said, narratively it falls a bit short compared to the first two seasons of Pretty Derby. I think the limited runtime didn’t allow enough depth, especially in Admire Vega’s development (after all, this ... was originally an OVA). Even so, it’s still very enjoyable and leaves me excited to see what’s next for this franchise. :3

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Es increíble cómo la animación de esta franquicia sigue mejorando año tras año, y esta película no se queda atrás: es un verdadero deleite visual. Los fondos son maravillosos, esta vez saliendo un poco del entorno escolar para mostrar nuevos paisajes que acompañan el avance de las protagonistas. La animación durante las carreras, la música que las acompaña y el diseño/vestuario de los personajes reflejan claramente el esfuerzo por ser cada vez más llamativos, lo que resulta muy cool y en general bastante genial.

Eso sí, en lo narrativo siento que queda un poco por debajo de lo mostrado en las dos primeras temporadas de Pretty Derby. Considero que estuvieron limitados por el tiempo y no pudieron profundizar lo suficiente, sobre todo en la evolución de Admire Vega (al fin y al cabo, esto originalmente es una OVA). Aun así, no deja de ser disfrutable y me deja con muchas ganas de seguir viendo lo que resta de esta franquicia. :3

In what is the anime's first non-seasonal release, it follows 3 horse girls. Narita Top Road, Admire Vega, & TM Opera O. On a first impression, each offers distinct personalities. For Top Road, she seems to be the class president and one that many of the other girls look up to. Admire is an introvert who, for the most part, is kept to herself. Lastly is Opera, who has a big personality with lots of confidence. As she wins one of the first 3 races in this movie.

Though after the race there is a big focus on Admire Vega. What we learn is that she ... was supposed to be the older sister of twins. Although her younger sister was the one who did not get to live. So now she races for her sister. Though, as we see throughout the film, there is more to her than just racing for her little sister. There are times that this is also punishing herself, as she wins the 2nd race and that little sister's voice says to her, "Was it so fun that you forgot about me." It is at this point in racing that she is now having nightmares that are punishing her for having fun. At that point you wonder what the answer is for Admire. As winning is the goal, but if winning is causing this, what is the solution? As Admire mentions that doctor said there is nothing wrong with her ankle, it is more and more clear that anxiety is what is triggering that pain. For a loner who isolates herself, it is difficult to reach out for help, and we see her just press forward in her races.

Meanwhile, we have Top Road, who, like a lot of the previous protagonists, has aimed for the top of the Twinkle Series since she was young. Of course, losing to Opera in the first race and then Admire in the second race was tough. The issue in the film deals with her trying to push herself too hard, which has her trainer worried if she would be susceptible to burnout. The biggest thing her trainer shows her is all the friends and people she has rooting for her. Yes, there is a concern of not succeeding, but there is a reason they believe, and that is what gets her to keep pushing on. Also, the scene with her helping the younger horse girls was excellent because it shows she is great at leading a group together. It allows her a chance to take a step back and destress, which is important.

Turning back to Opera, she is one who never loses her resolve, even when both Top Road & Admire finished before her in the 2nd race. She realizes that these two have their own issues and even admits Admires is a bigger concern. Rather, her inspiration is what helps them rather than telling them to have confidence in themselves, which would be the wrong approach. When Top Road asks, "Do you ever feel let down?" she gives a clear answer of "Of course not!" . Sometimes the people around us can serve as motivators for us. Great direction where we see Top Road looking up and seeing Opera shining. In which is the confidence she gives to Top Road.

Opera essentially leaves it to Top Road to help Admire. Top Road mentions at the beginning of the movie that Admire is the ideal that she strives for. Of course, even down in her dumps, the message isn't received by Admire. Though Top Road is persistent and leaves a hope for Admire to get through her issues running for her little sister. Great direction in having the light shining on Top Road while Admire is more in the dark. Which is a showcase of their state of mind at the moment.

The final race is the highlight of the movie. As the race starts, Admire is in the red to imply the danger she feels she is in. As she can't lose if it is for her little sister. Though this is her last race of this series, she is only looking at the series of races and not the upcoming races. This combines with her always looking back at the sister she never had and the guilt rather than looking forward. It hits her she enjoys racing with Top Road and Opera. Like what Top Road said to Admire before. For the first time, Admire is out of the dark and is the happiest that she has been in the film.

As the race finishes up, Opera manages to almost catch up to Top Road, but Top Road finally earns the victory. The film does an impressive job of seeing how each of the 3 girls influences and helps the others. Opera is the one who lifts Top Road's spirits, and at the same time, Top Road lifts Admire's spirits. Opera mostly has already gone through a character arc before this film. More time on her would have given it the extra edge, but it did well considering its runtime. Also, Top Road and her trainer's dynamic was great as well. You can tell he really knows her well, and they are a perfect match.

In terms of animation, visuals & music are all standouts. The races are some of the best animated that I have seen in the franchise so far. Top-notch visual direction, as mentioned with Admire, really stands out, and the music takes it up another level.