Author Inoue Takehiko’s “The First Slam Dunk” evokes deep emotions and touches the hearts of viewers through its profound dialogues about friendship, love, and the courage of those who dare to live and pursue their dreams. The film captures these sentiments beautifully.
Coach Anzai Mitsuyoshi: “Is the game over? If the game is really over, it should have ended already.”
Unlike the manga and anime, The First Slam Dunk is told from the perspective of the protagonist Miyagi Ryota, rather than the iconic Sakuragi Hanamichi. The story unfolds during a crucial match between Shohoku and Sannoh, a top 10 national basketball team.
The match is a challenge for the Shohoku team, which faces immense pressure to secure a victory. Currently trailing 59-70, Coach Anzai Mitsuyoshi decides to substitute the talented rookie Sakuragi Hanamichi with Kogure Kiminobu, making it difficult for Hanamichi to accept: “Shouldn’t we just let the rookie play?”
Coach Anzai Mitsuyoshi reiterates: “Is the game over? If the game is really over, it should have ended already.” Even in moments of despair, he remains a source of motivation, inspiring his players and creating a supportive environment for their development. It’s more than just a game; Mitsuyoshi’s words encapsulate his determination: “Those who haven’t made a name for themselves yet, we won’t give up. We will continue to fight until the end.”
Kogure Kiminobu: “Our entire team needs to stay strong and rise up.”
Kogure Kiminobu, the vice-captain of the Shohoku basketball team, is known for his calm demeanor and supportive nature. Although he lacks the innate talent of players like Takenori or Hanamichi, he consistently trains hard and motivates his teammates.
In The First Slam Dunk, Kiminobu spends a significant amount of time on the bench, yet he has to prepare to step on the court in place of Hanamichi. It’s not because he doesn’t want to play, but he understands the importance of teamwork. He encourages his teammates by saying: “Five players on the court must work together against a common opponent. Our entire team needs to stay strong and rise up.”
Akagi Takenori: “Our team doesn’t just share a bond, we are family… I owe everything to my teammates…”
Akagi Takenori is the center of the team, wearing jersey number 4. He is serious about the game and aims high, showing his dedication to basketball. Yet, throughout two years, he only has his teammates in mind, treating them as family rather than just fellow players.
When he meets people like Sakuragi Hanamichi, Mitsui Hisashi, and Miyagi Ryota, Takenori feels he has found teammates who can share his passion for the game. He expresses his gratitude to his teammates:
- “Our team doesn’t just share a bond, we are family.”
- “I owe everything to my teammates…”
- “Thank you, everyone.”
Miyagi Ryota: “I have no intention of quitting until the very last minute.”
Equally determined is Miyagi Ryota, the main character in this film adaptation. He delivers powerful lines that resonate with viewers, especially during the climactic moments of the game. He reflects: “I have no intention of quitting until the very last minute. This is my way of playing basketball, fighting for every moment.”
Ryota’s words echo the sentiments of the author to the audience, especially fans of the Slam Dunk series. Throughout the film, viewers can feel the raw energy of youth, the strength of life, and the valuable life lessons about friendship, emotional connection, solidarity, and love for basketball.
Miyagi Ryota: “In a world filled with uncertainty, basketball has been a lifeline for me.”
The film adaptation The First Slam Dunk takes viewers back to the formative years of Miyagi Ryota. Here, audiences witness the love for basketball that his brother Sota passed down to him. However, Sota tragically passed away at a young age, leaving a significant void in their family.
A particularly poignant moment occurs when Ryota recalls the heartfelt words he wishes to convey to his mother:
“Surely mom hates basketball, right? Because it reminds her of Sota. But despite that… she has never stopped supporting me. During every basketball match, she is always there watching me play.”
“In a world filled with uncertainty, basketball has been a lifeline for me. Please, let me continue playing. Thank you, mom.”
In just a few poignant lines, fans can feel the love between Ryota and his mother, the bond between brothers, and the connection to his family, while also witnessing the boy’s passionate devotion to basketball. For Ryota, basketball is not merely a sport; it is the essence of life itself.
Sakuragi Hanamichi: “When is the golden day for the rookie? The day we conquer the national championship?”
In both the manga and anime adaptations, as well as in the film The First Slam Dunk, Hanamichi serves as the emotional anchor. Although he plays a crucial role in Miyagi Ryota’s story, he never fails to shine in his own right.
In the film, Sakuragi Hanamichi takes a risk during a pivotal moment of the game, showcasing his willingness to put everything on the line for his team. Recognizing the potential danger, Coach Anzai decides to pull Hanamichi from the game to ensure his safety. He understands that basketball is not just about the game; it is a long journey that cannot be defined by a single match.
However, Hanamichi differs in his approach. Initially, his interest in basketball was merely a way to impress Haruko, the sister of team captain Akagi Takenori. Yet, basketball soon became an integral part of his life. Before the decisive moment of Coach Anzai’s decision, he confidently declared: “When is the golden day for the rookie? The day we conquer the national championship?”
For Sakuragi Hanamichi, the thrill of the game is worth any risk, and his journey is filled with memorable lines that resonate deeply throughout the film.
The First Slam Dunk is currently showing in theaters.
