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Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era
Movie

Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era

2024 • Unknown

Woke Score
1
out of 10

Plot

Jungle Pocket, an Umamusume who has been racing tirelessly in pursuit of becoming the greatest, is ready to take on the once-in-a-lifetime Classic Triple Crown series. However, standing in her way are rivals from the same generation, whose talent may even surpass her own.

Overall Series Review

The movie is a high-stakes animated sports drama. The entire narrative focuses on the internal and external struggles of the central Umamusume, Jungle Pocket, as she pursues the objective goal of being the fastest racer in the Classic Triple Crown. Her journey is a classic underdog story where she faces extremely talented rivals and must overcome significant psychological barriers, such as her obsession with a previous rival's speed and her own "fall" in vigor after a major win. The core themes are universal: ambition, determination, and merit. The production is a direct adaptation of a significant period in Japanese horse racing history (the 2000-2001 season), demonstrating a deep respect for the sport and its real-life events, including the wins, losses, and emotional moments of the horses. There is no evidence of the narrative centering on race, gender ideology, or political lecturing; the only focus is on athletic performance and personal growth.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The narrative is entirely focused on meritocracy in racing, judging the characters solely by their talent, effort, and competitive spirit. The characters are Japanese anime girls based on real Japanese racehorses, and there is no emphasis on race, 'whiteness' vilification, or forced diversity. The protagonist and her rivals are measured only by their athletic performance.

Oikophobia1/10

The plot celebrates a specific, highly-regarded aspect of Japanese culture, which is its horse racing history. The movie is a detailed adaptation of the real events of the 2000-2001 Japanese racing season, treating the heritage and sacrifices of the real horses (who are 'reincarnated' as the characters) with respect. There is no indication of hostility toward the home culture or its institutions.

Feminism3/10

The sports setting is exclusive to the Umamusume, who are all female, giving the story a female-dominated, career-focused environment. However, the protagonist, Jungle Pocket, is not an instant 'Mary Sue,' as she struggles with psychological barriers, experiences a 'fall' in vigor, and loses races, meaning her achievements are earned through struggle, not instant perfection. The supporting male character, the Trainer, is a respected mentor figure, not a bumbling or emasculated caricature.

LGBTQ+1/10

The core of the story is sports competition and personal drive. The narrative does not contain any focus on centering alternative sexualities, deconstructing the nuclear family, or lecturing on gender theory. The franchise lore indicates that the female Umamusume can have families with human men, implying a traditional, normative biological structure is the standard within the fantasy world.

Anti-Theism1/10

The central conflict revolves around objective truth—the goal of being the fastest—and overcoming a personal 'specter' or mental block, which aligns with an objective moral law of competition and self-improvement. The story contains no criticism of, or hostility toward, traditional religion or faith, maintaining a neutral spiritual backdrop in favor of a focus on athletic pursuit.