High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days

This prequel to the popular "Free!" anime series delves into the early days of Haruka Nanase and his swim team friends during their middle school years. It explores the formation of their bonds, their individual struggles with swimming, and the pivotal moments that shaped their passion for the sport. The story focuses on Haruka's discovery of the joy and challenges of competitive swimming as he navigates middle school relationships and personal growth.

High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days was generally well-received by fans of the original series, who appreciated the deeper dive into the characters' backstories and the continuation of the beloved animation style. Critics often noted its focus on character development and emotional resonance, though some found it to be a slow-paced entry for those unfamiliar with the franchise.

• Praised for its heartwarming portrayal of friendship and personal growth.
• Appreciated for expanding on the backstories of beloved characters.
• Fans enjoyed the continued high-quality animation and emotional depth.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly enjoyed 'High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days,' frequently highlighting the emotional storytelling and the development of the characters' relationships. Many viewers found the film to be a touching and satisfying prequel that effectively captured the spirit of the 'Free!' series.

The film is based on the light novel series 'High Speed!' by Kōji Ōji, which serves as the backstory for the 'Free!' anime.