The release of Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi couldn’t have come at a better time. With the current popularity of sports-themed anime and the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, viewers are already fully immersed in the world of football.
The latest film offers a new viewpoint and an opportunity to explore the popular sports anime. Instead of focusing on Yoichi Isagi, the protagonist is now Seishirō Nagi, a talented player in the Blue Lock program who is determined to make it onto the world stage.
Isagi’s path to Japan’s under-20s squad, which involves intense training, is a stark contrast to the one taken by Reo Mikage. Initially disinterested in soccer, Isagi only considers pursuing it when Reo, a passionate and wealthy classmate, recognizes his impressive footwork and persuades him to give it a try.
Blue Lock: The Movie Creates Another Football Icon
In Episode Nagi, we witness his deep dive into a soccer obsession and the complicated dynamic between him and his partner, as only one of them will win the highly desired prize. The stakes are high and actors Bryson Baugus and Kamen Casey thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to further develop their characters.
Despite the fact that Nagi is the titular character of the anime movie, it is Mikage who brings the excitement, particularly in the first half. Disenchanted by his affluent lifestyle, football’s competitive and unpredictable nature provides him with a goal to strive for and a source of excitement.
Mikage and Nagi: A Perfect Pair
The phrase “golden retriever energy”was utilized at the booth to depict Mikage’s aura, which was an accurate portrayal. This stands in stark contrast to Nagi, who speaks softly and avoids physical exertion whenever possible. Despite his perceptive nature, Nagi is often underestimated by others.
Actor Baugus, who plays the role of Nagi, credits English dub director Jonathan Rigg for reminding him that Nagi’s character is not constantly whiny. Instead, he is filled with curiosity and a sense of being disconnected from the world. Nagi wanders through the halls like a ghost, observing and trying to understand the people around him, their motivations, and what makes them who they are.
The duo’s lively and unpredictable dynamic is what makes them challenging adversaries, as their fellow Blue Lock candidates come to realize. The movie encompasses the entirety of the first season, with a specific focus on their trials, providing longtime viewers with a deeper understanding of the team’s lineup and giving new viewers a perfect starting point.
Episode Nagi Gave the Cast a Second Chance
After re-recording certain scenes, Baugus and Casey were both excited about the opportunity to do more takes. They felt empowered to “recontextualize”the show thus far. Casey explains, “Being able to revisit lines from the first season with a deeper understanding of the character and a desire to protect them was incredibly fulfilling. I was eager to take another shot at it.”
“Baugus expresses his regret for not being able to fully incorporate Nagi’s quirks and characteristics in the earlier scenes with him. According to him, this movie was the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Despite being a standout player on the field, Nagi doesn’t initially see the need for much growth, unlike other popular anime protagonists like Isagi from Blue Lock, Tanjiro from Demon Slayer, and Deku from My Hero Academia. However, as the story progresses, Nagi learns the importance of training and improving if he wants to consistently come out on top.
Blue Lock shows talent won’t win everything
According to Baugus, Nagi is a prime example of someone who is naturally talented at something, but it also demonstrates that this talent can lead to success. However, it is important to make your own efforts and discover your own reasons for finding enjoyment in it.
Once Nagi begins to pursue this action, his relationship with Mikage becomes strained. Fans of Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura’s manga will recognize the pivotal moment in the ongoing spin-off, Episode Nagi (which begins in 2022). However, even for those who are familiar with the story, the execution of this moment is emotionally impactful.
Casey reflects on a particularly impactful scene, where he relates to Nagi’s strong desire to pursue his own dream. He acknowledges the determination and stubbornness that can arise when trying to make that dream a reality. However, when Nagi breaks free from Reo’s expectations and creates his own vision, it ultimately leads to their downfall.
An unforgettable betrayal in the world of anime
Casey raves about the opportunity to perform that twist, describing it as “exquisite writing”and “a dream come true”. It’s the type of scene where each person excels; Taku Kishimoto’s screenplay flawlessly adapts the material, Jonathan Rigg grasped the necessary elements in the dub, and Casey expertly captures the emotional nuances.
Baugus, always in Nagi’s corner as he should be, clarifies that Nagi’s actions are not motivated by malice, but rather by curiosity and a desire for a more intimate connection. Regardless of one’s interpretation, the rivalry between Nagi and Mikage has begun and is expected to continue in Blue Lock Season 2 and beyond in the franchise.
Similar to Haikyuu!! and Slam Dunk, Blue Lock continues to expand our understanding of Shonen anime by shifting away from constant battles and towards intense team rivalry. While the stakes remain high, they are no longer as extreme and life-threatening, allowing for a more dramatic and theatrical approach.
Casey describes Blue Lock as a cutthroat environment. It is not about teamwork and crossing the finish line together, but rather about being the sole victor. The creators have thoroughly studied successful athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who do not have equals in their respective sports. Therefore, the question arises: how does one achieve such greatness? What does it require?
Sports Anime: The Evolution of Shonen Concepts
Baugus notes that the ensembles consistently infuse a high level of energy, reminiscent of popular combat-focused franchises.
“According to the speaker, even those who typically have reservations about watching sports shows can still enjoy ones like Haikyuu!! if they are fans of series such as Jujutsu Kaisen or Dragon Ball. Similar to these popular Shonen battle manga, Haikyuu!! features a team of protagonists facing off against a team of antagonists, creating a thrilling and intense atmosphere comparable to the iconic rivalry between Goku and Vegeta.”
In addition to England vs France and Germany vs Spain, there are many other matches that take place during the UEFA Euro 2024. In the film Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi, the focus is on the determination and dedication required for players to compete in these prestigious championships and represent their country on a global stage as part of an exclusive club.
When I inquire about Baugus and Casey’s allegiances, they both declare their support for the USA. However, they mention Japan as their second choice. This leads me to wonder if Blue Lock could potentially inspire the next top striker for either nation. It has the potential to shake up the current hierarchy in the world of soccer.
“According to Baugus, in the next 10 years, Blue Lock’s success may inspire both American and Japanese players to compete against each other in the finals. While we wait for that, we can still enjoy the film, which is more than enough.”
The film Blue Lock: Episode Nagi is currently screening in theaters. For a more in-depth understanding of what’s to come, check out our analysis of the ending. Additionally, stay updated on other upcoming releases with our list of upcoming anime.
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