The Vancouver Asahi (2014)

Had the pleasure of watching this movie at a film festival and I am so glad I did. I may be biased when it comes to Japanese baseball movies but when I say this is good, it really is great.

Story is based off a real baseball team during the early 1900s from Vancouver mainly made up of Nisei players who struggle to balance working (twice as hard as the Whites while getting paid much less), baseball and most of all they struggle to win. But Reggie (Reji), the leader figures out a way to be able to beat the "big and strong" Vancouver teams. They get praised for their "brain play" and start to win while fighting the discrimination they receive daily from the White community. I feel the main point this story was trying to point out was that this game that everyone (ok not really) loves can change the minds and hearts and help build a bridge to connect the two communities.

Cast, I was able to recognize some of the actors/actresses used in this movie. Wasn't even the slightest bit disappointed with any of the cast members. I loved Satoshi and Kame's roles. They played their characters well. One being shy and the other being tough around the edges but at the same time gave some needed comic relief at times (along with other actors).
Also never watched Mitsuki Takahata in anything before but her acting was perfect. Her scenes had everyone's attention. Everyone casted was terrific!

Can't remember music too well, besides the upbeat instrumentals during the baseball scenes.

If i could buy this movie now, I would just so I could watch it again. It was a heartfelt movie.
I can't praise this movie enough. If you have a chance to see this while is plays at film festivals, you MUST watch this. It may seem slow in the beginning but it moves along nicely. This is just one of those movies that really makes you rethink things after finishing. Terrific movie & I hope it wins all the awards it deserves.

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