Run with the Wind: Season 1, Episode 5 - The Ones Not Chosen (2018)

The episode begins with the aftermath of the previous race, where the team is still grappling with the emotional fallout of their performance. The focus shifts to the character of Kakeru, who is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and the pressure of being a leader. He reflects on his past and the choices he made that led him to this point, feeling the weight of his responsibilities.

As the team gathers for practice, they are met with a new challenge: the upcoming selection for the Hakone Ekiden, a prestigious relay marathon. The atmosphere is tense as each member of the team is acutely aware that not everyone will be chosen to participate. This creates a palpable sense of anxiety and competition among the runners, particularly for Kakeru, who feels the need to prove himself.

During practice, the team engages in a series of grueling training sessions. The physical strain is evident as they push their limits, but the emotional stakes are even higher. Each character's internal struggles come to the forefront, revealing their fears of being left out or not being good enough. The camaraderie among the team members is tested as they confront their insecurities and the reality of the selection process.

As the day of the selection approaches, the team members begin to discuss their hopes and fears. They share personal stories that reveal their motivations for running and what it means to them. This deepens their bonds but also heightens the tension as they realize that only a few will be chosen to represent the team. Kakeru, in particular, feels the pressure mounting as he grapples with his own doubts about his abilities.

On the day of the selection, the team gathers to hear the coach's decisions. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and anxiety. As the coach announces the names of those who will be participating, the reactions are mixed. Some members are elated, while others are devastated. Kakeru's name is called, but he notices the disappointment in the eyes of his teammates who were not selected.

The episode culminates in a poignant moment where the team reflects on the selections. Those who were not chosen express their feelings of rejection and sadness, while Kakeru tries to reassure them. He emphasizes the importance of their journey together, regardless of the outcome. This moment highlights the emotional weight of the decisions made and the impact they have on the team's dynamics.

In the final scenes, the team prepares for the upcoming race, but the emotional scars of the selection process linger. Kakeru, now more determined than ever, resolves to lead the team with renewed vigor, while those not chosen begin to find their own paths forward, supporting each other in their shared love for running. The episode ends on a note of hope and resilience, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.

In the ending of "Run with the Wind," episode 5 titled "The Ones Not Chosen," the focus is on the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters as they confront their pasts and the choices that have shaped their lives. The episode culminates in a poignant moment where the characters reflect on their aspirations and the bonds they have formed through running.

As the episode concludes, the main characters, particularly Kakeru and Haiji, grapple with their feelings of inadequacy and the weight of their decisions. The episode ends on a note of hope and determination, as they resolve to continue pursuing their dreams, despite the challenges ahead.

The episode opens with a somber atmosphere as the characters deal with the aftermath of the recent race. Kakeru, still haunted by his past failures, struggles with feelings of isolation. He watches his teammates, who are also grappling with their own insecurities, as they prepare for the next steps in their running journey. The tension is palpable, and the weight of unchosen paths looms over them.

In a series of flashbacks, we see glimpses of each character's past, revealing the reasons behind their current motivations. Kakeru's memories are particularly vivid, showcasing his earlier passion for running and the pressures that led to his emotional withdrawal. The audience witnesses his internal conflict as he battles with the fear of failure and the desire to connect with his teammates.

As the present-day narrative unfolds, Haiji takes on a leadership role, encouraging the group to confront their fears and embrace their shared goal of participating in the Hakone Ekiden. He organizes a training session, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support. The camaraderie among the group begins to strengthen, as they share their vulnerabilities and encourage one another.

During a pivotal scene, Kakeru finally opens up about his struggles, revealing the deep-seated fears that have held him back. His teammates listen intently, and the atmosphere shifts from one of tension to understanding. This moment of vulnerability fosters a deeper bond among the group, highlighting the theme of connection and the importance of facing one's demons together.

As the episode progresses, the characters engage in a series of training runs, each pushing their limits while also supporting one another. The physical exertion serves as a metaphor for their emotional journeys, as they learn to trust in themselves and each other. The visuals of the group running through scenic landscapes symbolize their growth and determination.

The climax of the episode occurs during a particularly challenging training run, where Kakeru faces a moment of crisis. He falters, but with the encouragement of his teammates, he finds the strength to push through. This scene encapsulates the essence of the episode, showcasing the power of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.

As the episode draws to a close, the characters gather to reflect on their progress. They acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead but express a renewed sense of purpose. Kakeru, in particular, feels a shift within himself, as he begins to embrace the idea of running not just as a solitary pursuit but as a shared journey with his friends.

The final moments of the episode leave the audience with a sense of hope. Each character, including Kakeru and Haiji, is poised to continue their journey, ready to face whatever obstacles may come their way. The bonds they have formed through their struggles serve as a foundation for their future endeavors, reinforcing the message that while the path may be fraught with challenges, they are not alone in their pursuit of their dreams.

In "The Ones Not Chosen," the fifth episode of "Run with the Wind," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character development throughout the episode, emphasizing the emotional struggles and growth of the characters involved in the running team.

In episode 5, the characters face various physical and emotional challenges during their training for the Hakone Ekiden. They struggle with their stamina and endurance, particularly as they push themselves to run longer distances. Additionally, the pressure of competition and the fear of not being chosen for the team weigh heavily on them, leading to moments of self-doubt and frustration.

Kakeru's influence on the team dynamics is significant in this episode. His intense dedication and competitive spirit inspire some of the other runners, but it also creates tension among those who feel overshadowed by his talent. Kakeru's internal struggles with his past and his desire to prove himself add complexity to his interactions with the team, particularly with Haiji, who is trying to maintain morale.

The flashbacks in this episode provide crucial context for understanding the motivations of the characters. They reveal the reasons behind their current struggles and aspirations, showcasing moments of failure and determination that shape their identities. These glimpses into their pasts deepen the audience's emotional connection to the characters, highlighting their vulnerabilities and the stakes of their journey.

The theme of being 'chosen' or 'not chosen' is explored through the characters' anxieties about their roles in the team. As they train, the fear of not being selected for the Hakone Ekiden looms large, leading to feelings of inadequacy and competition among them. This theme is particularly poignant for characters like Kakeru and Yuki, who grapple with their self-worth in relation to their athletic abilities.

Haiji plays a crucial role in motivating the team throughout episode 5. He encourages them to push through their physical limits and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. His unwavering belief in their potential serves as a source of inspiration, even as he himself deals with the pressure of leading the group. Haiji's passion for running and his desire to see everyone succeed create a supportive atmosphere, despite the underlying tensions.

"Run with the Wind," particularly in episode 5 titled "The Ones Not Chosen," is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some themes and scenes that may be sensitive for younger viewers or those who are particularly sensitive.

1. Emotional Struggles: The episode delves into the internal conflicts and emotional struggles of the characters, including feelings of inadequacy and rejection, which may be heavy for some viewers.

2. Themes of Competition: There are discussions around competition and the pressure to succeed, which could resonate with children who may feel similar pressures in their own lives.

3. Character Backstories: Some characters reveal their past experiences of being overlooked or not chosen, which may evoke feelings of sadness or empathy.

4. Friendship Dynamics: The episode explores complex friendships and the feelings of jealousy or disappointment that can arise, which might be difficult for younger viewers to process.

Overall, while the episode addresses serious themes, it does so in a way that is thoughtful and ultimately uplifting, making it suitable for a family audience with some guidance.