A thorough review of "BLUE GIANT"! A moving anime experience depicting the charm of jazz and the brilliance of youth

"BLUE GIANT" - A masterpiece coming-of-age film depicting the soul of jazz

The film "BLUE GIANT", which was released on February 17, 2023, is based on the manga of the same name by Shinichi Ishizuka and is a moving story about the youth and growth of young people who immerse themselves in the world of jazz. The film was released in theaters and distributed by Toho's Visual Business Division. It is a one-episode, 120-minute film, animated by NUT and produced by the "BLUE GIANT" Film Production Committee.

story

The story of "BLUE GIANT" begins when the protagonist, Dai Miyamoto (nicknamed Dai), moves to Tokyo after graduating from high school and decides to make a living as a jazz saxophonist. Dai is fascinated with jazz and practices every day, but as a beginner, his playing is still immature. However, Dai's passion and hard work attracts people around him, and he meets his friend Sawada, a pianist who is also passionate about jazz. As the two continue to play together and grow, Dai is inspired by jazz giant Sonny Rollins' performance in Japan and resolves to aim for even greater heights.

A genius drummer named Aoki appears before Dai and Sawada. With his participation, the three begin performing together as "JASS." Aoki's overwhelming talent, Dai's passion, and Sawada's technique combine to gradually deepen their playing. However, the path of jazz is tough, and they experience setbacks and conflicts. Still, will they continue to pursue the soul of jazz and ultimately find their own music?

character

Dai Miyamoto - Saxophone player. Fascinated by jazz, he continues to practice since moving to Tokyo. Although he is a beginner, his passion has the power to attract those around him.

Sawada - Pianist. He is passionate about jazz just like Dai and supports Dai on the technical side. The two of them form "JASS" and grow together.

Aoki - Drummer. He is a genius, but feels lonely because of his talent. He meets Dai and Sawada and discovers new possibilities by joining "JASS".

Animation and Music

The animation of "BLUE GIANT" is vividly drawn with jazz performance scenes by NUT's careful drawing and realistic expression. In particular, the scene where Dai plays the saxophone visually conveys his emotions and growth, and has the power to draw the audience in. In addition, the music is performed by real jazz musicians, enhancing the realism of the story. In the scene of Sonny Rollins' performance in Japan, his actual performance is incorporated, bringing out the charm of jazz to the fullest.

Director and author

Director Yuzuru Tachikawa has succeeded in faithfully portraying the youth and passion for music that is found in the original manga. The original author, Shinichi Ishizuka, has a deep understanding of the world of jazz, and his knowledge and love for it are reflected in the manga. The film faithfully retains the essence of the original work while taking advantage of the expressive power that only film can provide.

Recognition and Awards

"BLUE GIANT" received high praise from many critics after its release. It was especially praised for the realism of the jazz performance scenes and the storyline that depicts the passion of youth. It was also praised for its brilliant fusion of music and animation, and won numerous film awards. Specifically, it won the Best Animation Film Award at the 47th Japan Academy Prize and the Audience Award at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival, earning it high praise both at home and abroad.

Recommendations and how to watch

"BLUE GIANT" is highly recommended not only for those who are interested in jazz, but also for those who like youth movies and music movies. In particular, those who are passionate about something or who are chasing their dreams will find it relatable and will have a moving experience. In addition, the charm of jazz is carefully depicted in the story so that even beginners can watch it with confidence, as it can be enjoyed even without knowledge of jazz.

After the theatrical release, the film will be available for viewing on DVD or Blu-ray, or on streaming services. The Blu-ray version, which focuses on sound quality, is especially recommended as it allows you to experience the jazz performance more realistically. Also, the official film website and social media sites provide the latest information and information on related events, so it's a good idea to check them out as well.

Related Works and References

The original manga for "BLUE GIANT" was published by Shogakukan and has 10 volumes in total. By reading the original manga, you can learn about episodes and character backgrounds that are not depicted in the movie, allowing you to understand the work more deeply. Also, for those who are interested in jazz, we recommend reading Sonny Rollins' albums and books that explain the history of jazz. Specifically, Sonny Rollins' "Saxophone Colossus" and "The History of Jazz: From Bebop to Fusion," which explains the history of jazz, are useful references.

Conclusion

"BLUE GIANT" is a masterpiece of a youth film that depicts the soul of jazz, and is a work that inspires and encourages the audience. This film depicts the growth and friendship of the three men, Dai, Sawada, and Aoki, and their passion for jazz, and will remind you of the beauty of music and youth. Please watch it in theaters, on DVD, or on streaming services and experience the excitement for yourself.