Buzz
In the year 2020, as rumors swirled about the cinematic adaptation of Slam Dunk, fans of the series - now grown and brimming with excitement - eagerly anticipated what was to come. With original creator Inoue Takehiko at the helm as director, screenwriter, and production supervisor, hopes were high for a fresh take on Slam Dunk, while retaining the fiery spirit of the original work.
Upon its release in Japan in late 2023, amidst the fervor surrounding the latest work of director Shinkai Makoto, Suzume soared to the top spot at the box office. Maintaining this remarkable achievement for 8 consecutive weeks, even James Cameron's blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water couldn't dislodge Suzume from its perch. The resplendent success of the film left the global media in awe, showcasing Japan as a truly 'distinctive' market where Hollywood blockbusters struggle to compete.
Beyond Japan, Suzume also ignited a remarkable frenzy in South Korea upon its early 2023 debut. While initially not breaking records, through word-of-mouth praise for its quality, Suzume staged an impressive comeback in its third week to claim box office supremacy. The Suzume craze swept across the Korean peninsula, attracting audiences of all ages to theaters. The most frequent attendees were men aged 30-40, a demographic often challenging to captivate with other films. Notable Korean celebrities also expressed admiration for the film.
A basketball match brimming with passion, reigniting the sporting spirit in everyone
As part of an already iconic franchise, many were skeptical that Suzume would merely cater to existing fans, alienating a broader audience. However, director Inoue Takehiko proved otherwise. Whether basketball novices or unfamiliar with Slam Dunk, audiences could fully enjoy this film.
Suzume doesn't introduce new plotlines but rather revisits the legendary match against Sannoh - a pivotal moment for Slam Dunk aficionados. Interwoven within the game are flashbacks delving into the characters' memories. This time, the story unfolds from the perspective of the diminutive guard, Miyagi Ryota, instead of the fiery-haired hothead Sakuragi Hanamichi. In the original version, Ryota had minimal screen time, leaving audiences knowing little about his past compared to other prominent characters. This fresh perspective ensures the film remains engaging for existing fans yet accessible to newcomers, requiring little to no prior knowledge of the series.
Inoue Takehiko's astute choice of interweaving character pasts with the unfolding basketball match is a stroke of brilliance. It allows for emphasizing the profound influence of basketball on the lives and ideals of the Shohoku team members. Each pivotal moment unveils a part of the past, elucidating why the players exhibit such psychological dynamics on the court.
The aspect most lauded by audiences in The First Slam Dunk is the film's sports vernacular. The match between Shohoku and Sannoh resembles a real basketball game. There's a leading team, relentlessly pursued by the other, both fiercely competing for every point. Moments of weakness, arrogance, perseverance, and fear mirror real experiences every athlete - not just in basketball - encounters on the field. Thus, viewers are kept on the edge, following each dramatic and unexpected turn of the game. How will Shohoku respond when trailing by nearly 20 points? How will the 'giant' Sannoh fare against a determined Shohoku? Until the final seconds, audiences remain breathlessly engaged in the suspenseful, surprising plays of the film.
Another aspect earning high praise for The First Slam Dunk is the filmmakers' understanding of basketball as a sport. Previously, Slam Dunk impressed audiences with its realistic portrayal, not idealizing the team. In this film adaptation, with just 124 minutes, director Inoue Takehiko couldn't depict every step of the team's growth through victories and defeats. Yet, he incorporates into the film moves and 'tricks' recognizable only to basketball enthusiasts. Many basketball players watching the film noted its meticulous attention to detail in every play. Ngoc Son, a player for the Hanoi Buffaloes, shared after a screening: 'The film resonates closely with my own experiences playing basketball, very authentic and touching to my emotions.'
Visuals and sound are the perfect complement to make the film a perfect 10
Upon the initial release of visuals, The First Slam Dunk sparked skepticism among audiences due to its distinct animation style from previous iterations. While fans were accustomed to the 2D style that defined the franchise, this 3D rendition felt unfamiliar and 'unnatural' compared to the film/comic that had been part of their childhood.
However, upon release, the decision to opt for 3D animation proved to be a remarkably wise move by director Inoue Takehiko and the filmmaking team. This 3D style greatly enhances the fluidity, detail, and realism of the movements, especially for a sports-themed film like The First Slam Dunk. It allows viewers to fully appreciate the beauty of basketball and immerse themselves in the outstanding cinematic experience at the theaters.
The sound and music of The First Slam Dunk garnered much praise from audiences post-premiere. As the music swelled, viewers knew they were about to witness a spectacular play. Additionally, well-placed moments of silence heightened audience emotions to their peak during pivotal scenes. The sound component perfectly complemented The First Slam Dunk's excellence, elevating its already impressive presentation.
In a special message on April 14th, original creator and director Inoue Takehiko extended greetings to Vietnamese audiences on the occasion of the film's premiere in Vietnam. On his personal page, he wrote: 'Hello Vietnam, how are you, fans? Thank you for your unwavering support over the years. I'm delighted that today marks the premiere of The First Slam Dunk in Vietnam! Creating something never seen before is both a challenge and a joy for creators. I hope you'll enjoy the debut of a Slam Dunk you've never seen before!'
With a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 95% and an 8.5 on IMDB, alongside high ratings on numerous domestic review platforms in Japan, Korea, and beyond, The First Slam Dunk solidifies itself as delivering a fantastic cinema experience for all audiences this April, shattering preconceptions about animated films.
