Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira
Score
8.8 / 10

Type Movie (1 eps)
Status Finished Airing
Aired May 24, 2024
Studios CygamesPictures
Genres

Uma Musume Shin Jidai: A Deep Dive Into Animes Next Big Thing!

Original Title: Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira

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Why Watch It?

  • Spotlights compelling new generation Uma Musume
  • Stunning, high-budget race animation
  • Explores complex themes of genius rivalry and legacy

Why Skip It?

  • Requires significant prior franchise familiarity
  • Pacing can feel condensed for multiple character arcs
  • More dramatic and less slice-of-life than TV seasons

Our Review

Written by AnimeReview Team
Forget everything you thought you knew about sports anime, because *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira* isn't just a race; it's a thunderous charge straight into your heart! From the moment I saw the first frames, I was utterly captivated by the vibrant world of horse girls and their electrifying pursuit of greatness. What hooked me instantly was the sheer energy and passion radiating from the screen, particularly through the eyes of our protagonist, Jungle Pocket. Witnessing her initial awe and then the burning spark of ambition after Fuji Kiseki’s tremendous victory, I knew I was in for a special ride. This movie doesn't just tell a story; it makes you *feel* the dream, the adrenaline, and the unyielding spirit of competition.

The story highlights in this movie are nothing short of spectacular, following Jungle Pocket’s journey from a raw talent in freestyle racing to a formidable competitor aiming for the pinnacle of the Twinkle Series. Her path is anything but smooth, and that’s where the true magic lies. I was on the edge of my seat during her first G1 race against the incredibly intelligent and eccentric Agnes Tachyon. The immediate realization of the "enormous gap in their abilities" wasn't a defeat; it was the fiery crucible that forged Jungle Pocket's unwavering resolve. Her determination to seek revenge and claim the Triple Crown Classic title became my obsession right alongside hers. The movie perfectly captures the unpredictable, high-stakes nature of horse racing, making every stride, every turn, and every close finish a pulse-pounding experience.

Speaking of characters, Jungle Pocket and Agnes Tachyon are simply phenomenal, forming a rivalry that feels both deeply personal and epically grand. Jungle Pocket’s self-confidence and relentless drive are infectious; I found myself cheering for her with every fiber of my being, especially as she pushed past her limits time and again. Agnes Tachyon, on the other hand, is a brilliant counterpoint – her quiet intensity and strategic mind make her a truly formidable rival, not just physically but intellectually. Their dynamic elevates the entire narrative, showing that true competition isn't just about winning, but about pushing each other to achieve heights neither could reach alone. Even the glimpses of other established racers added a rich tapestry to this world of elite athletes.

CygamesPictures truly outdid themselves with the animation quality. Every single frame of *Shin Jidai no Tobira* is a visual feast! The races themselves are a masterclass in dynamic action, with fluid camera movements that put you right in the heart of the thundering hooves. The character designs are expressive and detailed, conveying a wide range of emotions, from fierce determination to heartbreaking disappointment. But it’s the sense of speed, the wind whipping through their manes, and the sheer power of the horse girls as they sprint down the track that absolutely blew me away. The dazzling effects and vibrant colors during crucial moments perfectly amplify the intensity, making each race feel like a monumental event.

And then there's the soundtrack – oh, the soundtrack! It's an absolute triumph that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the *Uma Musume* universe. The music during the races is an epic symphony of tension and triumph, building with every stride and crescendoing into a powerful emotional release at the finish line. I swear my heart was pounding in perfect sync with the beat during the most intense moments. Beyond the races, the more reflective and character-driven pieces added incredible depth, allowing me to fully immerse myself in Jungle Pocket's internal struggles and triumphs. The score isn't just background noise; it's an active participant in telling the story, elevating every dramatic peak and every quiet moment of resolve.

What truly makes *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira* so special is how it transcends the typical sports anime. It’s a story about ambition, about challenging perceived limits, and about the profound connections forged through fierce competition. It’s about the joy of the pursuit, the agony of defeat, and the sheer exhilaration of a hard-earned victory. This movie beautifully blends the high-stakes world of racing with genuine character development and emotional depth, reminding us that true strength comes not just from talent, but from an unyielding spirit and the courage to chase a dream, no matter how daunting. It's a celebration of passion and the relentless drive to become the very best version of oneself.

If you’re looking for an anime that will grip you from start to finish, fill you with adrenaline, and leave you with a profound sense of inspiration, then you absolutely *must* watch *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira*. This movie is a champion in its own right, delivering an unforgettable experience that will have you cheering, gasping, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.

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Synopsis

As a huge fan of the Uma Musume universe, I'm always thrilled to see new stories emerge from this vibrant world of horse girls, and let me tell you, *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira* looks absolutely fantastic! This new chapter plunges us back into the exhilarating high-stakes realm of the Twinkle Series, where every horse girl dreams of leaving her hoofprints on history. We're introduced to Jungle Pocket, a runner who, up until now, has mostly dabbled in the less formal freestyle circuits. But everything changes for her when she witnesses the sheer, undeniable power and grace of Fuji Kiseki's monumental victory on the grandest stage. I imagine that moment, the roar of the crowd, the flash of victory, igniting an unshakeable fire within Pocket, transforming a casual runner into a serious contender with a dream as vast as the racetrack itself.

What I immediately love about Jungle Pocket is her sheer, unwavering self-confidence. It's not arrogance, but a deep-seated belief in her own potential, and it's utterly infectious. We see her leverage this inner strength to quickly climb the ranks, accumulating a string of impressive victories that pave her way to higher-level races. It's incredibly inspiring to watch an underdog, or perhaps, a fresh talent, burst onto the scene with such conviction and make a name for herself so rapidly. This isn't just about raw speed; I think it's about the mental game, the heart of a champion already beating strong within her, pushing her past every finish line.

But as any fan knows, the path to greatness is never smooth. Jungle Pocket's journey takes a pivotal turn when she finally enters her first G1 race – the ultimate proving ground. Here, she crosses paths with another incredibly promising rising star: Agnes Tachyon. Tachyon is presented as this fascinating blend of brilliant intellect and charming eccentricity, a truly formidable opponent. I can only imagine the intensity of that race as these two powerhouses clash. It's during this encounter that Jungle Pocket experiences a humbling realization – the enormous, almost daunting gap in their current abilities. However, instead of deterring her, this moment of perceived defeat only fuels her resolve, forging a new, burning desire for revenge.

This isn't just about one race; it's about setting the stage for an epic rivalry. Jungle Pocket, now with an even clearer vision, resolves to challenge Tachyon directly for the coveted Triple Crown Classic title in the following year. Here in *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira*, the stage is set for a truly personal and high-stakes battle. We know that the world of horse racing is famously unpredictable, filled with twists and turns that can make or break a runner. Despite the immense challenges ahead, Pocket is absolutely determined to not only overcome Tachyon but also to herald the beginning of a brand-new era in the sport, stamping her legacy on the future.

If you're looking for an anime that delivers heart-pounding races, emotionally resonant character arcs, and a truly inspiring tale of ambition and rivalry, then I wholeheartedly recommend diving into *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira*. It’s a story about finding your passion, facing your limits, and pushing beyond them with unwavering spirit, all wrapped in the gorgeous animation and catchy songs we’ve come to expect from the Uma Musume franchise. This looks like it will be an incredible ride, full of triumphs, setbacks, and the kind of fierce determination that makes you want to cheer from the sidelines. You absolutely don't want to miss seeing Jungle Pocket chase her dream and challenge the very best.

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