Nasu: Summer in Andalusia Review

Nasu: Summer in Andalusia is a short but exciting anime film by Madhouse, directed by Kitarō Kōsaka, who worked on famous movies like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. The film is based on a manga by Iou Kuroda.

It was released on July 26, 2003, and was the first Japanese anime film to be chosen for the Cannes International Film Festival. It also won Best Picture at the Tokyo International Anime Fair in 2004. A sequel, Nasu: A Migratory Bird with Suitcase, came out in 2007.

I found Nasu: Summer in Andalusia to be a delightful watch. The film’s portrayal of the Vuelta a España and the personal stakes for Pepe made it exciting and touching. The high-quality animation and Kōsaka’s direction make the film visually beautiful and emotionally engaging.

Pepe’s determination and the lovely setting of Andalusia create a memorable story. Despite its short length, the film is powerful and leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-watch for anime fans and sports lovers.

The anime stays true to the original manga by Iou Kuroda, effectively conveying the story’s themes and emotions. The adaptation uses the strengths of animation to create a more immersive experience.

Plot

The story follows Pepe Benengeli, a professional cyclist, racing in the Vuelta a España through his hometown in Andalusia, Spain. Pepe faces challenges from his sponsors and deals with the emotional stress of his ex-girlfriend Carmen’s wedding to his brother Ángel, which happens on the same day as an important race stage. Initially a support rider for his team, Pepe overhears that his sponsor plans to fire him after the race. With nothing to lose, he decides to race for himself and try to win.

Characters

Pepe Benengeli is a relatable and strong main character. His brother Ángel and ex-girlfriend Carmen add depth to the story, showing the personal and professional struggles Pepe faces. The characters are well-developed and make the story more engaging.