Watch Blue Thermal

Blue Thermal is an emotive and picturesque coming-of-age animated film, released in 2022, that takes to the skies to tell a tale of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the wistful pursuit of one's dreams. Directed by Masaki Tachibana and based on the manga of the same name by Kana Ozawa, this gripping Japanese animation combines the aesthetics of flight with the intrinsic struggles and triumphs of university life.

The story is centered around the life of the protagonist, Tamaki Tsuru, voiced by Mayu Hotta, who enters Aonagi University with an ambivalent frame of mind, primarily due to her tumultuous high school years marked by romantic misadventures and the yearning to break free from her past reputation. She has no clear vision for her future or understanding of what she desires from her collegiate life, a relatable feeling for many who are at the crossroads of youth and adulthood.

Tamaki's uninspired daily routine takes an unforeseen detour when she encounters the members of the university's Aviation Club—an eccentric yet passionate group of individuals each with their dreams and shared love for glider planes and soaring the skies. Among these members are the stoic, yet skilled pilot, Daisuke Sorachi, voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki, and the energetic and ever-optimistic Jun Kuramochi, voiced by Junya Enoki, amongst other unique personalities. Together, they drive the narrative with their distinct quirks and ambitions, unveiling the impact of deep-seated passion and dedicated teamwork.

As Tamaki gets unwittingly roped into the club's activities, she finds herself drawn into the world of aviation and the profound beauty it holds. The titular 'Blue Thermal' refers to the thermal lift used by gliders to ascend, which becomes symbolic of Tamaki’s personal growth and emotional uplift throughout the film. Her reluctant steps into the aviation club soon turn into strides of commitment as she discovers the thrill of flight and the pure joy found in the boundless blue skies. The film effectively uses the intricacies and challenges of flying a glider as an extended metaphor for life's numerous obstacles and the exhilaration of overcoming them.

The art and animation of Blue Thermal deserve a noteworthy mention, as the audience is treated to vivid, visually breathtaking sequences of gliders taking flight against the backdrop of expansive horizons and serene landscapes that capture Japan's natural beauty. The color palette is rich and vibrant, invoking a sense of warmth and the rejuvenating essence of youth. The animation does a remarkable job of translating the manga's spirit into dynamic and fluid motion, immersing the audience in the silent poetry of gliding above the world's cares.

Moreover, the film deftly stitches together themes of friendship, romance, and the pursuit of one's aspirations. As Tamaki's story unfolds, viewers witness her transformation from a dispassionate freshman to someone who finds purpose and direction. Blue Thermal excels not only as an exploration of a niche sport but also as a universal narrative on the bittersweet moments that shape our formative years.

The movie's soundscape is as meticulously crafted as its visuals, with the serene silence of the skies punctuated by the rustling winds and the creaking of the aircraft, creating a mesmerizing auditory experience that complements the soaring visuals. It's accompanied by a soundtrack that captures the emotional highs and lows of the narrative, encapsulating the youthful optimism and the occasional melancholy of university life.

Blue Thermal is a heartfelt story that manages to capture the unique time in life when freedom and possibility are at their peak, and yet the uncertainty of the future looms large. It showcases not only how aspirations can be fulfilled in the most unexpected places but also the profound friendships that can come from shared struggles and triumphs. The movie does not shy away from portraying the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence—all while maintaining a lighthearted, feel-good tone that makes the gliding sequences all the more ethereal and enchanting.

At its core, Blue Thermal is an invitation to viewers to take a chance and embrace the unknown, much like how a pilot must trust in the invisible thermal currents to reach new heights. It sends a powerful message about perseverance, the value of new experiences, and the sheer beauty of chasing one’s passion against all odds. For those who have ever felt adrift in life’s journey, Blue Thermal offers a tale of finding direction and empowerment amidst the vastness of the sky, making it a resonant watch for audiences of all ages, particularly those standing on the precipice of their own adventures.

Blue Thermal is a 2023 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.