Filthy Casual for Life

Part of the draw of anime is being able to immerse yourself in different worlds. OVERTAKE! drops the viewer into the world of F4 racing. I am not a racing fan, but I thought it would bring something different to the blog.

SUMMARY

Haruka Asahina is a high school teen racing in Formula 4. He crosses paths with a washed-up photographer, Kouya Madoka, who decides to help Haruka realize his dream and reach the podium. The heat is on, and competition is fierce. Racing for the family-run Komaki Motors team means Haruka must push the car, and himself, to the limits to catch the attention of top teams. Buckle up, it’s time to race!

Crunchyroll

EPISODE SUMMARY

The episode begins with our protagonist, Asahina Haruka, delivering papers in the cold. It flashes to an image of a race car implicating Asahina as the driver. The episode quickly transitions to a vehicle weaving in and out of traffic. Introduced is photographer Madoka Kouya. We’re instantly shown his carefree, and slightly careless, character as he tries to calm Saeko, the driver of the car, down. As they banter back and forth, it appears they have some history. Perhaps romantic.

The episode hints that Saeko finds Madoka work. In this case, she has seemingly got him employment to cover a Super GT event. The audience is given a glimpse into the psyche of Madoka. He looks down at a photo shoot with a model when a scene of a turbulent sea flashes before his eyes. As they arrive at the speedway, Saeko tells Madoka to do his best.

Madoka goes around the event and takes a few pictures.

As he wanders around the paddock, he sees a young man in an interview. He tries to take the driver’s picture. Madoka is visibly shaken and unable to take the picture. The turbulent sea returns. It is obvious Madoka has a mental block when it comes to taking photographs of people.

He continues to wander around the paddock. Madoka hears the sound of music from The Godfather and is almost run over by two teens pushing an F4 car.

Shortly after, Madoka runs into an old friend/client who happens to sponsor an F4 team. Once again, there is an allude to the fact that Madoka only takes pictures of inanimate objects. Madoka is then slowly introduced to the world of F4.

After breaking up a potential fight between a driver for Team Belsorriso and the driver of Komaki Motors, our protagonist Asahina Haruka, Madoka is invited to be a temporary team member of Komaki Motors. There, Madoka learns more about the sport. When it seems like Asahina is going to take the lead and possibly win, his tire blows out. Madoka learns quickly the difference money makes. As Asahina takes off his gear, Madoka sees a heartbroken Asahina. Unable to look away, Madoka takes his picture.

THOUGHTS

I am not a racing fan. Let me get that out there. That being said, I wanted to give this anime a shot. So far, I am not disappointed. The animation is beautiful. So far, the story is compelling. It’s your common underdog tale. In the sport of F4, you have the “haves.” Those that have sponsorships and money. And, you have the “have nots.” Those with very little funding doing their best to make it race-to-race. Another layer is added. Our photographer protagonist that has seemingly lost his ability to do his best. What will be Madoka’s role in Asahina’s driving career? I am actually excited to find out.