What is it: Free! – Take Your Marks
Free! – Take Your Marks is a Japanese animated film that is part of the popular anime series Free!, known for its themes centered on swimming and friendship between young swimmers. Released in 2017, the film is a direct sequel to Free! – Timeless Medley and serves as an epilogue to the events of the second season of the anime, Free! – Eternal Summer. The story is divided into four segments, each focusing on different characters and their respective journeys after high school graduation. The film is produced by the Kyoto Animation studio, famous for its animation quality and attention to detail, which makes Free! – Take Your Marks a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience.
The first segment, titled “Unmei no Choice!”, follows Haruka Nanase as he prepares to move to Tokyo to attend university. Haruka faces the difficult decision of choosing a new place to live, and the story explores her anxieties and expectations for the future. This segment is particularly meaningful as it shows Haruka's personal growth and his determination to follow his passion for swimming despite the uncertainties that await him. The narrative is enriched with moments of humor and camaraderie, highlighting the strong friendship between the main characters.
In the second segment, “Hitou no Cooling Down!”, Makoto Tachibana, Haruka's longtime friend, is preparing to start his new life as a swimming coach in Tokyo. This segment focuses on Makoto's transition from swimmer to coach and the challenges he faces as he takes on this new responsibility. The story also touches on Makoto's relationship with his new students and how he applies the lessons he's learned over the years to inspire the next generation of swimmers. The narrative is a testament to Makoto's growth as a character and his dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.
The third segment, “Kessoku no Butterfly!”, follows Nagisa Hazuki and Rei Ryugazaki as they try to recruit new members for the Iwatobi High School swimming club. With Haruka and Makoto graduating, the club needs new talent to continue competing. This segment is full of comedic and heartwarming moments as Nagisa and Rei face various obstacles in their quest to find new members. The story highlights the importance of teamwork and perseverance, showing how Nagisa and Rei grow as leaders and friends along the way.
The fourth and final segment, “Tabidachi no Eternal Blue!”, brings together all of the main characters for one last swimming competition before going their separate ways. This segment is a celebration of the friendship and competitive spirit that defines the Free! series. The narrative is full of emotional and nostalgic moments, as the characters reflect on their journeys and prepare for the future. The high-quality animation and immersive soundtrack add to the segment's moving atmosphere, making it a fitting end to the film and an emotional farewell for fans of the series.
Free! – Take Your Marks is more than just an anime film; is an in-depth exploration of the themes of friendship, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams. Each segment offers a unique look at the characters and their respective journeys, providing a rich, multi-faceted experience for viewers. Production by Kyoto Animation studio ensures that each scene is visually stunning, while the well-crafted narrative keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. For fans of Free!, this film is an essential addition to the series, offering satisfying closure to the beloved characters' stories.
