Ashita no Joe is considered a classic, and it's pretty clear why even from this abridged movie. Its arc has a very iconic feel, reminiscent of other underdog sports shows as it follows an unrepentant asshole on his path to redemption through hitting other guys in the face. The visuals are limited through most of the run, but there are parts, specifically the more intense fights, that get really intense, emphasizing how the fighters are pressing themselves to their limits. When people aren't fighting, it's slow, but I feel like that's just a consequence of having to cut down a 70 episode series into 2.5 hoursand retaining a lot of critical exposition.

That said, there's not really much to learn from the movie. It rewards Joe for being petulant to a funny, but unhealthy degree, and the moral of the final arc about success not being worth compromising your entire life is more than a little obvious even if it is shown in a really powerful way.