Chasing Waves is a brand-new docuseries that premiered on January 11, 2023, on Disney+ Hotstar. Directed by Jason Baffa, the series highlights the Japanese surf culture and its significance. Jason Baffa is also the executive producer of the series, along with Sophia Kruz, Christopher G. Cowen, Andrew Fried, Dane Lillegard, Jordan Wynn, and Sarina Roma. Kyle Pahlow is the cinematographer, and William Ryan Fritch and The Gifted give the music.
The documentary features extraordinary pro surfers who share their life experiences and take a deeper dive into their cultural roots. Mahina Maeda, Sara Kohrogi, Shino Matsuda, Hiroto Ohhara, 2021 Olympic Silver Medallist Kanoa Igarashi, Australian-Japanese surfer Connor O’Leary and professional free surfer Yuma Takanuki.
The official Disney+ Hotstar description of the docuseries is as follows:
The series follows multicultural athletes in pursuit of their dreams and showcases what it takes to suceed in international surfing industry.
-Chasing Waves Review Contains No Spoilers-
Surfing was not considered a serious form of competitive sport until its addition to Tokyo Olympics 2020. The entire trajectory of the surfing industry has changed since then, and it is all because of the man working behind the scenes relentlessly, Fernando Aguerre. He is the President of the International Surfing Association (ISA) who has dedicated his entire life to uplifting and putting the sport on the global map. Following the life-changing decision, the cut-throat competition among the surfers commenced.
The docuseries showcased not just the sport but also the people behind it and their struggles. The main premise was to convey the importance of surfing in Japanese culture. The activity holds great importance in the lives of the country’s people. By defying all odds, many have achieved great heights of success and made Japan one of the leading countries in the competitive sport.
Each surfer came from a different cultural background. There was a huge difference in culture between athletes like Hiroto Ohhara and Shino Matsuda, who were born and brought up in Japan, and Kanoa Igarashi, Sara Kohrogi etc., who spent most of their lives in America. Yet they displayed similar love and affection for their home country. The diversity unified them, and each of them built their own identity. Their passion and thirst to win the gold medal for their country is another resembling faction between them.
Also Read: Servant Season 2 Recap: Read All That Happened Before Catching Up With the New Season
Meanwhile, Yuma Takanuki gave us a tour of the humble beginnings of surfing in Japan. The content creator takes us on a ride in his huge truck visiting from place to place to know us where it all started. He visited the person who made the country’s first surfing board, which is an important lesson in history. Along with that, he also shares his life story and experiences relating to the sport. He said he gave up on competitive surfing a while back and adopted free surfing.
The story of Connor O’Leary is extremely inspiring, and it almost feels unreal. He was ranked 101 prior to the open championship in France. With persistence and hard work, the man lifted the trophy by the end of the competition, defeating Kanoa Igarashi. It was incredible to go on a journey with him and watch him ultimately win the title.
Mahina Maeda and Sara Kohrogi, among the few female Japanese surfers, find themselves lost during the competitions. They struggled with their identity, and the constant failures were affecting them. Nevertheless, the athletes eventually became friends and found comfort in each other. It was amazing to witness another side of them which will resonate with the viewers.
Chasing Waves Review: Final Thoughts
Important historical aspects involving the sport are shown in the documentary, which will make the viewers better informed and aware. However, the series was not just about the sport but also about how athletes from different backgrounds came together to win a medal for their country. Regardless of where they are from, they identify themselves as Japanese. Their sacrifices to reach where they are now are inspiring, and they will live with one for days.
The cinematography was top-notch. Every intricate and complex move the athletes make is shown in slow-motion and high-quality footage. The story-telling process is also done seamlessly. The scene shifted to a light-hearted expedition whenever the series got too intense.
Chasing Waves is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Did you watch Chasing Waves yet? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Waiting for Break Point? Here’s All You Need to Know About the Netflix Tennis Documentary
Great movie and beautifully made. Love the director as he is our son!