BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE – EPISODE NAGI
Directed by Shunsuke Ishikawa
Certificate: 12a
☆☆☆☆

PERHAPS Gareth Southgate could take a tip or two from this Japanese piece of anime: Blue Lock is a cult story that follows the trials of Nagi (voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki) as he trains to become a superhero footballer with an eye on making Japan world champions.

With football at its focus, we see inside an intense training programme through the life of talented school boy Nagi.

Nagi might be blessed with talent, but he doesn’t enjoy a superhero’s work ethic.

He loves nothing more than naps and video-games, and his unbothered and lazy attitude lends itself to many humorous lines such as his catchphrase – “sounds like a hassle” – and makes him comically relatable.

But he will find motivation as his journey progresses – provided solely from the recognition of new best friend Reo (voiced by Yuma Uchida), who stumbles upon Nagi’s talent for football, leading to a great friendship. Reo has it all – wealth, intelligence, personality – and yet his true dream is to be the world’s best striker. With multiple dramatic football challenges, the film takes us through journeys of self- discovery, discipline and the pursuit of dreams.

The excitement of competing for success, alongside the trials and tribulations of friendships and teamwork, make for an entertaining and wholesome film. There is a focus on betrayal and the sacrifices made to become a sports star, along with what sports can mean to people, especially Nagi.

While Nagi is not consistently likeable, you can’t help but root for him and hope his friendship with Reo stands the test of Blue Lock. Some characters are harsher than others and their name-calling of favourites Nagi and Reo deem them immediately unlikeable.

With classic Japanese-style animation, there is plenty for the eyes to feast on. It has the feel of Shaolin Soccer, where the game is played for thrills and spills as well as victories.

The rise and fall of the Blue Lock organisation is rapid, and there surprises galore in a plot that rips up the referee’s rule book. A fun exploration of friendships, football and identity ending with hints to the next episode and leaving you keen to see more of the victorious team.

And for anime fans, this is a cup winner.