Blue Giant (2023)

18-year-old Dai [Yuki Yamada] moves to Tokyo in the hope of becoming the best jazz saxophonist in the world. He is given shelter by his old friend Tamada [Amane Okayama] and practices under a bridge day in and day out. During a visit to a jazz café, he notices pianist Sawabe [Shôtarô Mamiya], whom he manages to persuade to rehearse with him. Tamada, who has never played a drum kit before, will focus on percussion for the time being. The aim is to perform in jazz club 'So Blue', but to achieve this each band member must overcome the necessary personal obstacles. The three band members symbolize the three qualities that every musician should have. Dai stands for ambition, Sawabe for craftsmanship and technique and Tamada for perseverance and the pure pleasure of playing. Jazz haters should ignore this and Tachikawa tries too hard to influence the viewer's emotions, but the musical score by jazz innovator Hiromi Huera is extraordinary and makes this a feast for the ears, especially for connoisseurs of the genre.

Translated from Dutch · View original

I found the film quite boring, well-behaved even. Long-winded too, because what exactly is happening...? 3 young guys form a jazz band and eventually become successful. That's about it. No sex, drugs and rock n roll, no arguing... only after 90 minutes something dramatic happens, the accident otherwise pretty standard manga animation, except at the end.

In addition to the Jazz event, there is a muzak-like soundtrack, which is cringeworthy, especially next to the good Jazz sessions.

We are left with a few beautiful music scenes, especially the one at the end is worth watching. Then my neighbor at the back has long been in dreamland. 🫠

Translated from Dutch · View original

How thin can a story be? And how naive?

This film shamelessly shows it with some childish animation.

However, the jazz performances are getting better and better (fitting in with the story) and so is the animation.

With a thrilling ending as a finale.

Translated from Dutch · View original