Summary
Netflix has now addedThe First Slam Dunkto its vast library. The movie is adapted fromone of the best-selling manga series of all time,Slam Dunk, and is a hidden gem that is sure to enthrall all those who give it a chance. Its production is led by Toei Animation (ofOne Piece,DragonBall, andSailor Moonfame) and DandeLion Animation Studio (Pingu in the City,Poketoon). This stellar production team is led by the creator of the manga, Takehiko Inoue, who wrote and directed the film.
The First Slam Dunkhad its theatrical release on December 3rd, 2022, andbecame an instant hit. The film reached number one at the box office in Japan, grossing $112 million dollars, the highest gross for a domestic film in 2023.
The success in Japan was quickly replicated globally, with Inoue’s movie becoming the highest-grossing anime film of all time in South Korea, and even surpassing blockbusters likeBarbieandOppenheimerwhen it was released in Chile.
Slam Dunk’s Movie Proves It’s Still The King of Sports Anime - Review
The First Slam Dunk has finally been released in the West, and its amazing directing and story prove why Slam Dunk has stood the test of time.
The First Slam Dunk Is An Absolute Masterpiece Every Anime Fan Should Watch
Inoue’s Work Remains Absolutely Impeccable
Almost thirty years afterSlam Dunkdebuted as an animein 1993, igniting a nationwide passion for basketball,The First Slam Dunkfollows in the steps of the hit show. The movie revolves around the final basketball game covered in the manga, the clash between Ryota’s Shohokku High and the reigning basketball champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. The protagonist, Miyagi Ryota, the Shohoku High basketball team’s point guard, has to overcome his older brother’s death. Hurt by the grief, Ryota struggles to fulfill his late brother’s dream of becoming a great basketball player.
Fans who loveSlam Dunkmay want to read Inoue’s other basketball manga,Real,about a group of characters playing wheel-chair basketball.
The film explores the hurdles of grief and the importance of community through these times. It is a sports movie permeated by the essence of a coming-of-age story. Ryota’s struggles and hardships start as a manifestation of the weight of his brother’s legacy, that of a golden child, and his doubts about whether he can live up to it. They don’t, however, end there. His journey is that of a seventeen-year-old kid who is fighting to forge his own identity. He is seen struggling with self-worth and the search for purpose, themes that are universally human.
Slam Dunk Is A Venerated Franchise For Good Reason
And The First Slam Dunk Only Continues That Legacy
Inoue is known for his perfectionism with the samurai mangaVagabond, and inSlam Dunkhe perfectly combines technical and artistic elements to bring the emotional underbelly of his characters to life. Through masterful use of action sequences and slow motion, the final game is adapted to explore the intensity of the characters' passion for the game they play, while revealing what is going on within them. The combination of CGI and Inoue’s hand-drawn animation creates an artful visual medium through which perfectly frames the inner life of these young athletes.
Beyond the awards it won, beyond the cultural impact of the manga, beyond Inoue’s artistry, as a stand-alone piece,The First Slam Dunkis a thrilling, moving, relatable, and heart-pounding story that should be on everyone’s watchlist.
The First Slam Dunkcombines thrilling action with a character-driven narrative, intertwining the two and framing them within the context of the biggest game of these young men’s lives. This story is for everyone. Even those who have already seen the anime are in for original never-seen-before flashbacks, new sequences, and a new epilogue.
This movie released on Netflix on August 25, expanding its reach and making it available to many potential new fans. Given its incredible pedigree,The First Slam Dunkis sure to beone of the best anime on Netflix. Beyond the awards it won, beyond the cultural impact of the manga, beyond Inoue’s artistry, as a stand-alone piece,The First Slam Dunkis a thrilling, moving, relatable, and heart-pounding story that should be on everyone’s watchlist.
Slam Dunk
Cast
Slam Dunk is a Japanese anime series based on the manga by Takehiko Inoue. The show follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent high school student who joins the basketball team to impress a girl. Over time, Hanamichi discovers a genuine love for the sport and works with his teammates to improve their skills and aim for the national championship. The series is widely praised for its character development and realistic depiction of basketball.
