Anime is ever growing in popularity, to the point where the original TV series are now transforming into hit live-action projects. Look at the long-running One Piece, for example. Meanwhile, hit manga series are transforming from page to screen, such as the inspiring and relentlessly entertaining Blue Giant, which hits select theaters this week. Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100, Death Parade), Blue Giant will touch the hearts of young musicians everywhere — and anyone daring enough to dream, for that matter. Featuring electrifying musical performances and a dynamite jazz soundtrack, Blue Giant is a must-see for cinephiles of all shapes and sizes.
An Ode to ‘Passionate and Intense’ Jazz
“Blue giant” is term coined for stars in space that burn so hot that their perceived color turns from red to blue. The aspiring “shining star” here is Dai (voiced by Yûki Yamada), a young basketball player whose life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz music at a local club. From there, his ball-playing days are over as he packs up and heads for Tokyo. There is no formal education here; Dai merely picks up the tenor saxophone and starts practicing non-stop, determined to be that bright star on the music scene.
But it’s easier said than done, as the expression goes. Dai must do manual labor during the daytime to make ends meet in expensive Tokyo while crashing with his friend, Tamada (Amane Okayama). But Dai is extremely likable thanks to his determination and good heart, making for one of the many reasons Blue Giant succeeds as a film (and manga, while we’re at it). It’s that charm that helps Dai win over a local bartender named Akiko-san, who refers him to a live music joint. Why? Well, for starters, she is amazed that Dai can associate the music she plays at her establishment with the weather. “I love jazz because it’s passionate and intense,” Dai also says at one point.
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It’s at this other music joint, though, where Dai meets a talented musician named Yukinori (Shôtarô Mamiya), who plays a variety of instruments, including the piano. Yukinori seems like your typical bigheaded musician at first, but eventually he agrees to join a three-piece jazz band with Dai and Tamada, who becomes increasingly interested in the drums. They’re all just 18 years of age but full of palpable ambition that just jumps off the screen at you. Their band name is JASS, and after overcoming a rough first performance, they start to make waves around town.
Interestingly, Blue Giant incorporates flash-forward scenes, as each of the three bandmates (now older in age) look back on this pivotal time in sort of talking-head documentary fashion, which is a neat device we’re seeing more and more of these days in film. But even cooler are the actual performance sequences, as JASS takes stages across city. Their sound is unique to the point where someone starts calling it “tomorrow’s jazz” at one point in the story. The rush you get can certainly be compared Pixar’s Oscar-winning feature Soul. And the rhythmic cuts between each character as they wail away is prime music-video quality that never fails to entertain, especially during Yukinori’s piano solos. Some of the songs they jam seem to go on forever — but in a good way, not in the kind of “my butt is falling asleep” kind of way.
Heartfelt and Endearing
GKIDS
But let’s not forget that this is a compelling story, meaning the main trio certain face hardships along the way, even while enjoying success on multiple levels. They have a rival band named Act, which is perpetually trying to take the spotlight away from JASS. Then, the ever-talented Yukinori gets juicy offers to play with other, more prominent bands, causing rifts within JASS. Tragedy even strikes at one point, leaving one of the bandmates severely injured.
This is another part of Blue Giant where its heart really shines through, as the other two contemplate what to do and how to continue on without the third leg of their tripod. It’s a heartfelt dynamic reminiscent of past sports films like Remember the Titans, with the team’s captain Gary. That’s not to say Blue Giant isn’t a unique story of its own, subverting our expectations about plot direction and turning music into a universal story about following your heart, no matter the circumstances.
I myself played a couple years of saxophone back in the day, but then dropped it foolishly in pursuit of other hobbies. I sure wish I hadn’t, as Blue Giant opens anime and film lovers up to a whole new world of creativity. Dare to dream!
From GKIDS, Blue Giant is playing in select theaters Oct. 8 and 9.
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