We continue our series of reviews chronicling all of the (non-Studio Ghibli) animated films distributed by GKIDS Films — some of the most original and breathtakingly beautiful animated films from around the world — and how they hold up for a young American audience.

The entire retrospective is found here, and this time we’ve got…

Ride Your Wave (2019):
Masaaki Yuasa, director

What’s it about?

From director Masaaki Yuasa (The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl; Lu Over the Wall), Ride Your Wave focuses on the budding relationship between college student and avid surfer Hinako and young firefighter Minato.

Outgoing Hinako moves to a seaside town for school… and the waves. After her apartment building catches on fire (because people were setting off illegal fireworks), she’s rescued – in a most dramatic fashion – by Minato, and the two hit it off almost immediately.

The first half of the movie follows their relationship as they quickly become inseparable and share a mutual love for a particular song they sing at every opportunity. (Truly. There’s a romantic montage sequence that’s backed by them singing the entire song.)

Then, just as suddenly as it began, it’s all over. As he’s out surfing by himself, Minato races into the ocean to save someone who’s drowning… only to drown himself. Hinako is obviously devastated, and the second half of the movie follows her denial and emotional recovery.

What makes things… interesting is that Hinako can now see Minato in every body of water – from a glass of drinking water to the ocean – and singing “their song” brings him to life. But she’s not just seeing a ghostly image; it’s really Minato. Just… no one  else can see him. This obviously complicates things and prevents her from truly moving on with her life.

What are the cultures at play? And how about the languages?

The film is set in modern-day seaside Japan, but the love story (and the grief) at the center of the film is more or less universal. There isn’t really a cultural barrier to overcome here; the two main characters are a firefighter and a surfer.

Ride Your Wave is available in its original Japanese and an English dub. Both are serviceable, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend one over the other. Normally, I opt for the original language, but something just felt… off about the voices in this. I switched to English about halfway through and ended up feeling incredibly meh about both versions.

Will my kids like it? Is there anything objectionable for young kids?

There’s nothing objectionable or inappropriate for little kids, but I’m not sure young kids are going to really enjoy Ride Your Wave. The scenes of Hinako and Minato surfing are fun and well done, but the story primarily follows Hinako as she grieves, comes to terms with incredible loss, and learns how to move on.

Young kinds will also likely be confused by the appearance of Minato after he dies. Is he a ghost? Is he real? Why does Hinako see him? Why does no one seem to care that Hinako is running around town with and talking to a giant inflatable dolphin? If Minato is just a figment of Hinako’s imagination, then why can he affect the real world and keep creating, frankly, totally unbelievable events occur around her? There are no easy answers to these questions.

If you want to watch an animated film that deals with grief in a far more sensitive and kid-friendly way, I heartily recommend Okko’s Inn.

Will I like it?

The character designs in Ride Your Wave are… interesting. I’m not sure what creative decisions led to the look, but most of the characters have giraffe-like necks with teeny-tiny heads perched on top beefy bodies. The exception is Hinako, who spends a good portion of the movie in a bikini and is very skinny. But she still has a long neck and tiny head. I won’t lie; I found the character designs hella distracting.

I also couldn’t really connect to the story or characters. Hinako’s story is supposed to be heartwrenching, and I know several scenes were  intended to be tearjerkers (including one at the very end that is the result of a ridiculously well-timed coincidence that is, honestly, not at all believable). But I just couldn’t bring myself to care about her or the grief she was feeling. I think it was because the “supernatural” elements of the plot distracted from any emotional connection I might’ve developed.

I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but the climactic sequence shows Minato saving Hinako’s life (again) in the most unbelievable of circumstances. There’s no explanation for the event other than Minato’s “ghost” is real and can influence the real world, which kind of betrays and undermines Hinako’s personal journey through grief and acceptance.

It also distracted from the “twist” revealed toward the end of the film that might’ve otherwise been a real wow moment.

How can I see it?

GKIDS and Shout! Factory released a Blu-ray edition of the film with a few special features: an interview with producer Eunyoung Choi, animated storyboards, an image gallery, and trailers and TV spots. Also included is a 12-page booklet with art and a letter from the director. The film is also available digitally from most retailers (in both languages).

Final word?

If you’re a fan of Masaaki Yuasa’s other works, then by all means, you’ll likely find a lot to like here. I wouldn’t rank this among the top tier of GKIDS releases, but I also wouldn’t warn anyone against watching it. Ride Your Wave is firmly middle of the road.