Kick-Heart

Kick-Heart was produced by the renowned Japanese studio Production I.G and released in 2013 as a short film. It emerged from an experimental creative period for the studio, serving as a showcase for the distinct directorial voice of Masaaki Yuasa. The project was notably funded through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, marking a significant milestone as one of the first major anime productions to bypass traditional financing models in favor of direct fan support.

The film’s design reflects Yuasa’s signature kinetic, fluid aesthetic, characterized by exaggerated character proportions and a bold, hand-drawn look that departs from standard industry polish. The story follows a professional wrestler who maintains a secret identity as a masked nun, exploring themes of identity and affection. Upon its release, it was praised by critics and animation enthusiasts for its artistic courage and for demonstrating the viability of independent funding within the competitive Japanese animation market.