The First Slam Dunk (Vietnamese title: Cú úp rổ đầu tiên) is one of the most successful anime films of recent times, creating a significant impact not just among its dedicated fanbase, but also among the general audience. It’s not merely a box office hit, but The First Slam Dunk has become a must-watch film this January.
The First “Sports Anime” to Hit the Big Screen
In 1990, the original Slam Dunk manga first appeared in the popular teen magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. Not only did it help solidify the magazine’s reputation, but the manga has since gained immense popularity among anime fans, becoming a classic title in the Weekly Shonen Jump roster.
With its anime adaptation debuting in 1996, many fans were disappointed that this brilliant story didn’t receive a longer continuation like other popular anime/manga franchises from Japan. For nearly three decades, despite no new episodes, Slam Dunk has maintained a strong position in the hearts of fans, especially in the sports genre and the broader M-A (manga-anime) category.
In 2020, when the announcement of a Slam Dunk animated film was made, fans of the series expressed their excitement. Particularly, this film is produced under the supervision of the original creator, Inoue Takehiko, who takes on the roles of director, screenwriter, and producer. Viewers have high expectations for this new Slam Dunk, yet still hope it retains the original spirit and passion of the source material.
When it premiered in Japan at the end of 2023, shortly after the release of Shinkai Makoto’s latest film Suzume, The First Slam Dunk instantly took the number one spot at the box office. The film maintained this impressive position for eight consecutive weeks, even outshining blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water by director James Cameron. The resounding success of this film has sparked discussions about the unique market in Japan that Hollywood blockbusters struggle to penetrate.
Besides Japan, The First Slam Dunk also created a stir in South Korea when it was released in early 2023. Initially, the reception was not overwhelmingly outstanding, but as word-of-mouth spread about its quality, The First Slam Dunk quickly climbed to the top of the box office charts. The film attracted a wide range of audiences, especially men in their 30s and 40s, making it a tough competitor against many other films. Notable South Korean celebrities have also expressed their affection for the film.
A Passionate Basketball Match, Infusing the Spirit of Sports into Everyone
As a well-known brand, many might think The First Slam Dunk is just a film for hardcore fans, while others might find it distant and hard to relate to. However, director Inoue Takehiko has proven otherwise. Even if viewers are unfamiliar with basketball or the original Slam Dunk, they can still enjoy this film.
The First Slam Dunk does not just showcase thrilling new scenes, but it also revisits the iconic match against Sannoh, one of the legendary games adored by Slam Dunk fans. Interspersed within the match are reflections of the characters’ past experiences. This time, the story is told from the perspective of Miyagi Ryota, rather than the well-known protagonist Sakuragi Hanamichi. In the original version, Ryota was not prominently featured, and audiences may not know much about him compared to other standout characters. Choosing this new perspective allows the film to avoid monotony for longtime fans while remaining accessible for newcomers. Viewers don’t necessarily have to watch the previous series to appreciate this new installment.
The choice to depict the match through the perspective of various characters adds depth to the storytelling. It effectively highlights the significant influence of basketball on the lives and aspirations of the Shohoku team members. Each moment of tension is accompanied by emotional nuances that resonate on the court.
One of the most praised aspects of The First Slam Dunk is its sports dialogue. The match between Shohoku and Sannoh feels incredibly real. There’s a sense of urgency, with both teams fiercely competing for every point. The film captures the intensity of basketball, including moments of panic and determination. All these elements contribute to an engaging viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering how Shohoku will fare against Sannoh’s dominant lead.
Another point that makes The First Slam Dunk resonate with viewers is the portrayal of the basketball team’s dynamics. Previously, Slam Dunk left a lasting impression with its realistic depiction of the sport, avoiding overly dramatic moments. In this latest animated film, director Inoue Takehiko seamlessly weaves the journey of transformation through pivotal matches, showcasing the journey of each character from defeat to victory. He has included moments that resonate deeply, allowing both basketball enthusiasts and general audiences to connect with the film.
Visuals and Soundtrack Perfectly Enhance the Experience, Scoring a 10
Upon the release of the first visuals, The First Slam Dunk sparked curiosity due to its distinct animation style compared to previous installments. While fans have long been accustomed to the 2D style characteristic of the film, this latest 3D version offers a fresh perspective, making it feel more vibrant and “alive” compared to the animated series.
However, the choice of 3D animation reflects the creative brilliance of director Inoue Takehiko and his team. This new style contributes significantly to making the action sequences more dynamic and detailed, especially for a sports film like The First Slam Dunk. It allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant world of basketball, enhancing the cinematic experience.
The soundtrack and audio design of The First Slam Dunk have received acclaim from viewers since its premiere. Each musical cue aligns perfectly with the action on screen, enhancing the emotional stakes of pivotal basketball moments. The sound design is expertly crafted, elevating the emotional responses of audiences to the highest levels during intense scenes. The overall sound design serves as a perfect complement to The First Slam Dunk, making it not only enjoyable but also outstanding.
Notably, on the morning of April 14, director and original creator Inoue Takehiko sent a greeting message to Vietnamese audiences on the occasion of the film’s release in Vietnam. On his personal page, he wrote: “Hello Vietnamese fans, how are you? Thank you for always supporting me over the years. I am very happy that today marks the day The First Slam Dunk premieres in Vietnam! Creating something that has never been seen before is both a challenge and a joyful experience for creators. I hope you will enjoy this initial appearance of a Slam Dunk that you have never seen before.”
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95% and an IMDb rating of 8.5, along with high ratings on several review sites in Japan, South Korea, and beyond, The First Slam Dunk is set to provide a fantastic experience for every viewer when it hits theaters this January, breaking new ground for animated films.
