One Pound Gospel (1988)
A charming 1988 anime OVA about a gluttonous boxer and the kind-hearted nun who believes in him.
One Pound Gospel - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1ポンドの福音
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Osamu Dezaki
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Action, Animation, Comedy
- Runtime: 50m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Production Companies: OB Planning, Shogakukan, Victor Entertainment, Gallop
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 1 Pound no Fukuin (JP), One-pound Gospel (US), 一磅的福音 (CN)
One Pound Gospel - Plot
Hatanaka Kosaku is a young boxer who has a major flaw, he can't stop eating. That weakness puts him into into heavier weight classes that put him against stronger boxers and even worse, he's prone to throw up when he gets a body blow, which drives potential opponents away. His coach is at his wit's end as he struggles to get this idiot to show some discipline in his training. The matter is complicated when a young nun feeds the "starving" boy after she finds him fainted on the streets during his enforced fast. She learns of her mistake and she tries to help him get ready for a fight, but his weakness for food and the odd relationship they share don't makes things easy.
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One Pound Gospel - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Osamu Dezaki
Main Cast
- Toru Furuya
- Hiromi Tsuru
- Ichiro Nagai
- Kaneto Shiozawa
- Kazumi Tanaka
- Michitaka Kobayashi
- Masaharu Sato
- Michie Tomizawa
- Issei Futamata
Writers
- Hideo Takayashiki
- Tomoko Konparu
Producers
- Akio Wakana
- Isamu Asami
- Isamu Senda
- Ken Usami
One Pound Gospel - FAQs
What is One Pound Gospel about?
One Pound Gospel follows Kosaku Hatanaka, a young boxer whose insatiable appetite keeps sabotaging his career. When a compassionate nun named Sister Angela discovers him passed out during a forced fast, an unlikely bond forms as she tries to help him find the discipline he desperately needs to compete.
Is One Pound Gospel based on a manga?
Yes! One Pound Gospel is adapted from Rumiko Takahashi's manga of the same name. Takahashi is the legendary creator behind Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha, and this OVA brings her charming boxing-and-romance story to life with the signature warmth and humor fans of her work will recognize.
Who directed the One Pound Gospel anime?
The film was directed by Osamu Dezaki, one of anime's most celebrated directors. Dezaki is renowned for his distinctive visual style and his work on classics like Ashita no Joe and Aim for the Ace!, making him a fitting choice for this boxing-themed romantic comedy.
Does One Pound Gospel have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, the film wraps up on a warm and satisfying note. Kosaku's journey toward self-discipline and his tender connection with Sister Angela both reach meaningful conclusions, delivering the heartfelt, feel-good resolution that fans of Rumiko Takahashi's storytelling style tend to love.
Who voices the main characters in One Pound Gospel?
Toru Furuya voices the lovably hopeless boxer Kosaku Hatanaka, while Hiromi Tsuru brings the gentle Sister Angela to life. Both are iconic voice actors in Japanese animation — Furuya is also known as Amuro Ray in Mobile Suit Gundam, and Tsuru voiced Bulma in Dragon Ball Z.
How long is the One Pound Gospel anime film?
The film runs for 50 minutes, making it a compact and breezy watch. As an OVA (original video animation), it tells a complete, self-contained story in that runtime — perfect for an evening when you want something fun and charming without a major time commitment.
What are some anime similar to One Pound Gospel?
If you enjoy One Pound Gospel, you might also like City Hunter: .357 Magnum or City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes for their blend of action and comedy. Clannad: The Motion Picture offers a similar emotional warmth, while Girls und Panzer der Film delivers fun sports-themed animation with great energy.
Is One Pound Gospel worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely, especially for fans of classic late-80s anime or Rumiko Takahashi's work. It's a charming, lighthearted OVA with a genuinely funny premise, expressive animation courtesy of Osamu Dezaki's direction, and an endearing central relationship that gives the story real heart beyond its comedic surface.
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