Give It All

Synopsis

"Give It All" (original title: "がんばっていきまっしょい") is a 1998 Japanese sports drama directed by Itsumichi Isomura that follows the inspiring journey of Atsuko Nakashima, portrayed by Rena Tanaka, a spirited high school girl who joins her school's rowing team for the first time. Set against the backdrop of Japan's competitive rowing scene, the film explores themes of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery as Atsuko and her teammates strive to overcome personal challenges and to unite in pursuit of victory. With a strong emotional core and realistic depiction of adolescent struggles, the film captures the essence of youthful determination and the transformative power of sports.

Cast

• 

  Rena Tanaka

  Etsuko Shinomura

• 

  Mami Shimizu

  Atsuko Nakazaki

• 

  Wakana Chizaki

  Rie Yano

• 

  Kirina Mano

  Taeko Kikuchi

• Emu Hisazumi

  Mayumi Nakaura

• 

  Masatoshi Matsuo

  Dai Sekino

Reviews

Critically, "Give It All" received generally positive feedback, particularly praised for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic portrayal of high school athletics. On IMDb, the movie holds a respectable rating of 7.0/10 based on user reviews, highlighting audience appreciation for its uplifting narrative and strong performances, especially Rena Tanaka's compelling portrayal of the lead character. Reviewers commend the film's ability to blend sports action with emotional depth, providing a nuanced look into the challenges faced by young athletes. While some critics noted that the pacing may feel slow at times, most agree that this allows for deeper character development. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a comprehensive critic score for this film, but user reviews echo its inspirational tone and realistic depiction of teamwork. Metacritic entries are scarce, reflecting the film’s niche appeal outside Japan, yet it remains a beloved classic among fans of Japanese coming-of-age sports dramas.

See also

The Way to the Heart

Digimon Adventure tri. Part 2: Determination

Bad

Kanthaswamy