The First Slam Dunk (2022)
Sports dramas is one of the most consistently popular genres in anime and manga in Japan. It hasn't always translated to popularity in the west, but in their home market they have continued to thrive. From the obvious sports (football, baseball, tennis) to the more obscure (kabadi), you name a sport there's an anime about it. One of the most popular sports series of the 1990's was Slam Dunk. As you might have guessed from the title, the manga and anime followed the exploits of a High School basketball team. The manga ran from 1990-1996 and was written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. The series was also adapted into an anime television series which aired from 1993-1996. Some three decades later, the series has been adapted into The First Slam Dunk, a feature film based on the original manga.
The First Slam Dunk is written and directed by the original manga author Takehiko Inoue. It was produced by Toei Animation and DandeLion Animation Studios. It was released in Japan in December of 2022, going on to become the sixth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. It was awarded the Animation Of The Year award at the 2023 Japan Academy Prizes.
The film switches protagonist from the manga and TV anime, and focuses on Ryota Miyagi, the Point Guard of the Shohoku High School's basketball team. It concentrates on one single pivotal game for the team, while flashing back to the past life of Miyagi. Miyagi had an older brother, who loved to play basketball. But when his brother was killed in an accident at sea, he becomes singularly focused on following in his footsteps. Ryota and his teammates face off against their toughest opponents yet, the Inter-High-School champions Sannoh Kogyo High School. The movie is an adaptation of the climatic match as depicted in the manga, with new flashbacks and an epilogue, revolving around Miyagi.
The first thing that stands out about The First Slam Dunk is just how good it looks. It looks amazingly fresh for something based on a thirty year-old manga. The animation style combines 3D CG and 2D animation to dazzling effect. We've seen movies and series attempt to do this before, but honestly this is probably the best application of what is often called 'cel shading' that I've ever seen. With a muted colour palette, simple backgrounds and strong lines, it really does feel like the manga has come to life. The effect is one of the most authentic manga adaptations ever seen in anime.
The animation style really lends itself to the action. Thanks to the combined use of motion capture and talented animators, the on-court action is slick, smooth and thrilling.
The flashback sequences are animated primarily in 2D. These sequences depict the younger years of Miyagi and help explain where his love of basketball comes from. The story is very moving and makes Miyagi a very sympathetic character. It's easy to imagine the effect of the loss of a loved one, especially at such a young age.
The backstory helps add extra drama to the basketball too. Stakes are added when you realise just how much it means to him to win or lose. It becomes more than just a game.
Sports movies live or die on their action sequences. Whatever else they do, what's the point if the sports sequences don't work? Luckily, the basketball sequences are excellent. Fast paced, exciting and enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, the game sequences are brilliantly executed. The animation style is just perfect to bring it to life. And this is coming from a sports-sceptic basketball Luddite. I can't speak for how a big b-ball fan would react.
As a drama, it works really well too. Sure, it perhaps would have been interesting to learn more about other players on the team (or even their opponents), but then you wouldn't get to know Miyagi so well. It would probably require a whole TV series to pull that off!
Despite being adapted from the end of a long-running manga, you don't need any preexisting knowledge to enjoy this. It's designed to be enjoyed by newcomers as much as by long-time fans, so no need to worry there. You also don't need to know anything about basketball, or particularly like it.
If you want to know just why sports anime is popular, then The First Slam Dunk is an example of just why. It demonstrates that at its very best, the genre can provide compelling and relatable human drama mixed with exhilarating sports action - and the innate drama that brings- to make for a hugely satisfying watch.
UK and Ireland: Win The First Slam Dunk on 4K/Blu-Ray
IN A NUTSHELL: The First Slam Dunk is full of fast and furious action, dazzling animation and compelling drama.
★★★★☆
