An outstanding opening, followed by mixed success.

Normally, I wouldn't be caught dead watching a 3 hour movie about sports. But for Ichikawa, I make an exception. I was kind of dreading it, but I got sucked in. Ichikawa infuses this movie with lots of style. Each sequence is different, and the choices he makes are surprising and excellent. A few parts drag, but most of it is really nice, even moving at times. Although it tends to highlight Japan's triumphs, it's fairly even-handed.

The pacing is a little imperfect, dragging at times and flying by at others. Other than that it's a surprisingly captivating film with stunning images and real insight into the human condition. The marathon section especially is a real highlight.