The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere (2016)

Haru Urara, a Japanese racehorse, became a national icon after enduring a losing streak of epic proportions.

Director:

Mickey Duzyj

Writer:

Mickey Duzyj

1 win & 2 nominations.

Storyline

Haru Urara, a Japanese racehorse, became a national icon after enduring a losing streak of epic proportions.

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Genres:

Documentary | Animation | Short | Biography | Sport

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User Reviews

Nicely presented curio, even if it doesn't totally connect to the bigger picture

This documentary is the story of Haru Urara, a Japanese racehorse who endured the longest losing streak. Nothing of note perhaps, but at the time the racecourse owners were looking for stories and ways to promote their course, and sent out the story to media outlets. Quickly it got traction, probably due to the difficulties in the country meaning people connected to the story of a consistent loser who doesn't give up. As Hara Urara continued to fail, her support increased.

This short film links to a new Netflix show, and this is what brought it to my attention. It is not a brilliant film or story, but it is nicely presented and uses animation well to fill in footage blanks. The talking head contributions are cheery and happy to talk, but the film doesn't quite manage to inject drama into the telling, or rather it doesn't manage to connect the horse to the bigger picture that saw it win the hearts of the nation. It still manages to be breezy and engaging on one level, but this gap is a weakness because this national feeling is the story more than the specifics of the horse itself. The short is still worth a look though, because it is a nicely presented little curio.

Details

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

January 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Shining Star of Losers Everywhere

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

19 min

Color:

Color