Blue Giant

Alright, let’s dive into Blue Giant—the 2023 anime film that’s been blowing up the scene. Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa and animated by Studio NUT, this movie is based on the manga series and follows Dai Miyamoto, a young guy from Sendai who’s dead set on becoming the world’s best saxophone player. No formal training? No sheet music skills? No problem. Dai just practices his tenor sax like his life depends on it, and that’s exactly what makes his journey so gripping.

First off, let’s talk about the music. Oh my god, the music! Fans are raving about how it perfectly captures the soul of jazz. One reviewer even said, “The songs themselves were very good but apart from the distinct solos, I felt were very similar. NEW was the best by far tho.” Another commented, “Music was awesome and the inking during the ‘sakugas’ really was striking.” The live performances are where this film shines—they’re energetic, emotional, and feel like a true celebration of the genre. It’s not just background noise; the music is the heart of the story, driving every scene forward.

Now, the animation. Studio NUT took some risks here, blending 2D, rotoscopy, and CGI. Some fans loved the rotoscoped parts, especially during the musical numbers. “Rotoscopy on musicians really made the whole thing more lively, as Jazz should be,” one fan noted. But the CGI? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. “Both CGI and rotoscopy parts didn’t always blend well especially with such colorful inkings,” another pointed out. Some even called the 3D performing scenes “meh” or “horrible,” but hey, when the 2D sakuga hits—like during those intense solos—it’s a total treat. “Every time one of the 3 locked in and we got sakuga for them was such a treat (and this happened very often),” a fan gushed.

The story is a rollercoaster of emotions. Dai’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a jazz prodigy is inspiring, but it’s not without its heartbreaks. The biggest tearjerker? Yuki’s accident. “I cried multiple times especially when poor Yuki got hit by Truck-kun and when he played the piano near the end of the movie I was sobbing 😭,” one fan admitted. Another said, “Ah man… my heart is too weak for anime like these… I hope they’ll keep being good friends forever.” The film doesn’t shy away from tragedy, but it also balances it with moments of humor—like the bathroom scene where Dai and Yuki bond over calloused thumbs. “The part when they meet in the bathroom killed me lmao when they were talking about how big the callous on Dai’s thumb was,” a fan laughed.

Character development is another strong point. Dai, Yuki, and Tamada—their friendship feels real and relatable. Fans are invested in their futures: “Hope Yuki gets to meet that girl from his childhood again to maybe elevate each other once more, and for Tamada to find a more stable band perhaps haha.” Their struggles, dreams, and camaraderie make you care deeply about their journey. Even the supporting characters, like the old lady reminiscing about her past, add layers of emotion to the story.

But it’s not all perfect. Some fans felt the pacing was slow, and the final tragedy with Yuki was unnecessary. “What I didn’t like was the final tragedy, the accident, unnecessary, I think a more realistic development would have been more attractive, with a happy ending for everyone and a new beginning for each one,” one reviewer said. Others thought the story was a bit generic: “It had an interesting and decent development, without many surprises, where talent prevails over the rules!” But overall, the positive feedback far outweighs the negatives.

The film’s emotional impact can’t be overstated. It’s a story about passion, friendship, and chasing your dreams against all odds. “This was an inspiring movie,” a fan declared. Another added, “From the animation to the music, everything about this movie made me want to cry. There was great pacing and parts that made you laugh or giggle. All around, a fantastic movie about finding yourself and appreciating the world of jazz.” It’s the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you want to pick up an instrument or revisit your favorite jazz albums.

In conclusion, Blue Giant is a must-watch for any anime or jazz fan. It’s not without its flaws—some CGI issues and a predictable tragedy—but the music, animation, and heartfelt story more than make up for it. As one fan put it, “Masterpiece, i love JASS.” Whether you’re in it for the music, the emotions, or the stunning visuals, this film delivers. So grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and let Blue Giant take you on a journey you won’t forget.

P.S. If you’re a fan, you might want to check out the manga sequels—fans are already begging for more adaptations! “I hope they adapt the two sequel manga series, we really need more of this ❤️❤️❤️” one excited viewer wrote. Fingers crossed Studio NUT answers the call!