The first half largely focuses on the sappy adult romance between carefree clutz Hinako Mukaimizu and diligent fireman Minato Hinageshi.

While water holds the central theme of the film, Ride You Wave is ultimately about mustering up the courage to do something life-changing, even if things don’t go as well as you’d hope. As the title alludes to, Ride Your Wave follows two young lovers who bond over their shared love of surfing. Like in Yuasa’s previous work, Lu Over the Wall, the sea plays an important role in the plot. Ride Your Wave is just as mesmerizing and fluid as those projects, making it one of Science Saru’s best animated efforts.

The group is mostly known for its work on Devilman Crybaby and the currently airing anime Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, among others. It’s also Masaaki Yuasa’s fourth directorial feature, and employs the talented staff at his animation studio, Science Saru. It follows on the heels of Makoto Shinkai’s successful Weathering With You and precedes the upcoming film Children of the Sea (both released by GKIDS, which is quickly becoming a force for anime releases in North America). Ride Your Wave continues a trend in recent anime films that explore the beautiful grandeur of water - flowing along with the story itself.

Colorful anime soundtrack