Logo What's After the Movie
In a quiet seaside town, Hinako experiences the joys of love and the pain of loss. She develops a passionate relationship with Minato, a brave firefighter, but tragedy unexpectedly tears them apart. Through the power of a shared song, a unique connection forms, allowing them to find a way to reunite and navigate the complexities of life, loss, and enduring love.

In a quiet seaside town, Hinako experiences the joys of love and the pain of loss. She develops a passionate relationship with Minato, a brave firefighter, but tragedy unexpectedly tears them apart. Through the power of a shared song, a unique connection forms, allowing them to find a way to reunite and navigate the complexities of life, loss, and enduring love.

Does Ride Your Wave have end credit scenes?

No!

Ride Your Wave does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Ride Your Wave

Explore the complete cast of Ride Your Wave, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Ride Your Wave

See how Ride Your Wave is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Ride Your Wave stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

82

In Ride Your Wave, visual artistry and emotional depth form its primary strengths. Critics and users frequently note the film’s distinctive aesthetic flourish and its heartfelt exploration of grief and romance, while some point to its conventional narrative structure and episodic pacing as limitations. The blend of mature thematic focus with imaginative visual sequences provides a consistently engaging experience despite occasional predictability. Overall, the film leaves a lasting impression through its cohesive interplay of craft and emotional resonance.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Ride Your Wave

85
Echo Score

Art & Craft

When it comes to art and craft, Ride Your Wave showcases a distinctive visual aesthetic. The film’s use of water as a dynamic motif and its bold color application create a cohesive and imaginative design language. The editing supports fluid transitions between scenes. Overall, the art direction and production design consistently enrich the viewing experience.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of character and emotion, the film delivers relatable and nuanced portrayals. The protagonist exhibits strengths and vulnerabilities, fostering genuine emotional resonance, and the chemistry between leads grounds the romantic arc. While some critics note limited depth in secondary figures, the principal cast maintains a coherent emotional journey. Overall, character development remains a compelling element.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

When assessing story and flow, Ride Your Wave presents a heartfelt narrative with occasional predictability. The pacing alternates between reflective moments of grief and surges of action, though some find the midsection episodic. The plot engages through its mature thematic concerns, even as originality falls into familiar romantic drama conventions. Overall, the story sustains emotional engagement despite structural simplicity.

85
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film excels with a cohesive visual style and immersive sound design. The soundtrack complements the emotional tone, while the color palette and animation fluidity emphasize the thematic motif of water. Some viewers note limited novelty in musical cues, but the audiovisual presentation largely enhances the film’s atmosphere. Overall, sensory elements remain a standout.

75
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When considering rewatch factor, Ride Your Wave offers enduring emotional appeal that rewards subsequent viewings. The interplay of thematic depth and visual motifs reveals subtle nuances on repeat, although its predictable storyline may lessen the element of surprise. The film’s sincere exploration of grief and love retains impact over time. Overall, its lasting resonance invites at least one revisit.

Metacritic

65

Metascore

8.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

93%

TOMATOMETER

review

83%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

76

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.6

From 530 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.00/5

From 3 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Ride Your Wave Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Ride Your Wave with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Ride Your Wave Quiz: Test your knowledge of the emotional journey in 'Ride Your Wave' and the connection between love and loss.

What is Hinako's primary passion in the film?

Awards & Nominations for Ride Your Wave

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Ride Your Wave, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Ride Your Wave and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


48th Annie Awards 2021

Nomination

Best Animated Feature — Independent

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Ride Your Wave

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Ride Your Wave, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


19-year-old Hinako Mukaimizu moves to a picturesque coastal town with dreams of college and a passion for surfing, not giving much thought to her future. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when a fireworks display inadvertently sets her apartment building ablaze. In her moment of need, she is rescued by Minato Hinageshi, a 21-year-old firefighter renowned for his unwavering sense of justice. Captivated by his formidable nature, Hinako finds herself drawn to him as they share time together, especially when Minato teaches her how to surf.

Minato, who has a special belief that the best surfing waves come after Christmas, chooses to go surfing alone the following day. Tragically, he attempts to save a jetskier and loses his life in the process. Overwhelmed by grief, Hinako opts to move away from the beach, trying to escape the memories. One fateful day, she discovers that every time she sings “Brand New Story,” a song that holds significant meaning for both of them, Minato’s spirit appears to her in the water. While no one else can see him, they resume their connection, spending cherished time together even in public.

Yet, Minato grapples with the painful realization of his situation. He becomes aware of his inability to physically be with Hinako, especially when his colleague Wasabi Kawamura makes his feelings for her known. In a heartfelt moment, Minato encourages Hinako to move forward with her life, a suggestion she initially rejects. As the story unfolds, Hinako ends up feeling too dependent on him, especially when she prevents his spirit from finding peace in the afterlife.

When visiting Minato’s home to pay her respects, she converses with his sister Yōko Hinageshi, who reveals the inspiration behind Minato’s choice to become a firefighter. In a surprising turn, Hinako learns that she had saved Minato from drowning in their childhood. Unlocking Minato’s phone, she discovers a drafted message urging her to “ride her own wave.” This revelation propels her to enroll in a lifeguard training course, a step she hopes will help her regain independence.

Meanwhile, Yōko explores her own relationship with Wasabi, who had motivated her to continue her studies after facing bullying. At work, Yōko overhears a plot by the same group responsible for the fireworks incident, as they prepare to repeat their actions near an abandoned building with a notable Christmas tree. Together, Hinako and Yōko track the group to gather evidence, but things take a dangerous turn as the fireworks ignite the structure, trapping them inside.

In a climactic moment, Hinako calls upon Minato’s spirit for help. Responding to her need, he conjures a wave of water to extinguish the flames, allowing them to escape safely on a backboard. After sharing poignant farewells with Hinako, Yōko, and Wasabi, Minato’s spirit ascends peacefully to heaven.

As Christmas approaches the following year, Hinako, Yōko, and Wasabi—who are now a couple—gather at Chiba Port Tower to celebrate Hinako’s achievement of lifeguard certification. While Yōko and Wasabi leave, Hinako sings to a fountain, but Minato does not materialize. She discovers a heartfelt message he had prepared for her the prior year inscribed on the tower, leading her to a moment of emotional release. Undeterred, she continues her commitment to lifeguarding and surfing, embodying the message of living her own life fully.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Ride Your Wave

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Ride Your Wave. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Ride Your Wave - UK Premiere at Scotland Loves Anime 2019 film festival

Ride Your Wave (2019) - Cast Greeting / Official Trailer 30s

Eunyoung Choi: Developing Talent at Science SARU

Eunyoung Choi: On the Animation Process

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


firefighterf ratedtitle written by femalefemale writerfemale screenwritersurfingfemale surferfirefightingstudentseafiremanriding a bicyclefireworksillegal fireworksfirerescue from firerescued from a firelovebeachomelettecamping stovefemale wears a swimsuitdeathsingingflashbacklittle girlrescue from drowninganime animationsurfersurfboardbuilding firefire alarmstairwellwetsuitlearning to surfchildhood flashbackchristmascafedumbwaiterfalling in lovedeath of boyfriendtrain stationgrieffemale nudityfemale rear nudity

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.