From time to time, we are lucky enough to enjoy anime releases that are not tormented by long waits, which is the case for example of The Boy and the Heron and latest Detective Conan’s news. This, however, does not apply for all the works whose premier release date is announced. A wait can last for well above a year, like happened with Blue Giant which was released in Japan in February last year but will finally be released in the theaters in Spain on the 8th of March via Selecta Vision.
All for the Music
Yuzuru Tachikawa who directed the film also directed that same literal adaptation of the manga. The latter originally made by Shinichi Ishizuka, is 10 volumes long series The Blue Giant. Similarly, this story tells us about Dai Miyamoto a teenager who aspires to become the best jazz musician in the world and moves to Tokyo to seek for a place to start his career.
While Blue Giant does not follow Dai from the start of his story, it does manage to depict his love for the jazz music in the early stages of this career. The film begins with Dai meeting a very skilled pianist Yukinori Sawa. They decide to create a band where Dai’s and Shunji Tamada’s roommate works as the drummer.
In essence, Within the film Blue Giant, we follow the origin story, as well as the storyline that starts right at the action or gradually introduces the viewer to the trio, how the band was created and how it has transformed. It may be two hours long but it still manages to present interwoven tales of drama action with music where each character tries to fight their own battles even in music.
Although it is scarcely about Dai, who has been clearly foretold to be the focus of attention in all subsequent parts, it guarantees that every character’s dreams are heard. It may not be able to provide a precise screen adaptation similar to the manga, which can elaborately develop more, nevertheless it does well as a social-political drama set within the perspective of teenagers chasing after their ambitions.
The picture is engaging and it keeps the viewer on the edge right from the first frame and does not let go till it has finished the story of the trio. Blue Giant is so well done that it moves like a whirlwind, with enough suspense and comedy, spectacular musical numbers and action sequences that take your breath away that most do not comprehend what is happening.
The images in the animations are impressive although sometimes they are a bit lacking. The many Dai and company shots are emotional, and the motion is feverish with the visuals growing more and more complex. This is when the animation house NUT shines. And bad such as exposure to CGI models like in the movie is one of its weaknesses because there had been exciting moments with the characters being ornately drawn and beautifully moving in a jazz world then there is a draught use of action, flat motion of the characters like mannequins.
These inserts can lead you out of the exhilarating, passionate atmosphere that encapsulates Dai’s concerts, yet the film makes up for that with an inherent soundtrack, which is quite essential.Blue Giant is a jazz kon. These musical sections have been focused on mainly because of contributions by famed, hiromi euhara, pianist, Shin ishikawa, drummer and Tomoaki baba on saxophonist.
For jazz lovers, Blue Giant is truly a wonderful present. Even the least devoted fans of jazz might still eat the film up since it offers an exciting plot and stunning graphics that will be sure to put everyone on a high.