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It doesn’t matter where you are on your musical journey – whether you just picked up an instrument, have been playing casually for years, or are a professional musician. Blue Giant is the anime every musician needs to see.
The story follows Dai Miyamoto, a young man with a burning desire to become the greatest jazz player in the world. He leaves his hometown, moves to Tokyo, and crashes with a friend while working a construction job to make ends meet. Every spare moment, he practices his saxophone relentlessly. Dai forms a band with his friend Tamada Shunji on drums and pianist Yukinori Sawabe, and the film revolves around their pursuit of playing a gig at the most prestigious jazz club in Tokyo, So Blue.
On the surface, the plot might seem simple, especially for musicians who have lived or are living this life. But the beauty of Blue Giant lies in its realistic portrayal of the musical journey. It doesn’t deliver a clichéd message about achieving success through sheer determination. Instead, it explores themes of self-expression, perseverance, and how music transforms people in ways they might not expect.
The Realism of the Music Journey
The film opens with Dai practicing his saxophone in freezing cold weather, determined to become the best jazz musician in the world. Once in Tokyo, he faces the challenges of big city life but never loses focus, finding a place to practice and pouring his heart into every session.
While Dai’s initial character development may feel rushed, as the anime skips deeper backstory and hardships, his drive is palpable. The Blue Giant manga provides more backstory, so if you want to dive deeper, it’s worth checking out. However, the anime’s focus remains on the bigger picture – the music.
One of the most powerful elements of Blue Giant is its soundtrack, composed by renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara. The music is not just background filler; it’s vibrant, energetic, and a central part of the narrative. Even if you’re not a jazz enthusiast, the music will resonate with you. The animation itself is impressive, with vibrant 2D visuals and some 3D models for more complex musical performances.
Relatable Characters for Every Musician
What truly elevates Blue Giant is its character-driven storytelling. Dai, Tamada, and Yukinori represent different mindsets that musicians can deeply relate to, making this anime special and personal.
Dai Miyamoto is the passionate, naive musician who believes in his dreams with unshakable certainty. He’s either going to be the greatest jazz musician in the world, or he’s going to be the greatest jazz musician in the world. There is no failure for him. His attitude may seem idealistic to those who’ve been in the industry for years, but his drive and dedication make him an inspiring figure. He’s constantly practicing, pushing himself physically and mentally, determined to reach his goal.
Yukinori Sawabe, on the other hand, represents the skilled musician who has mastered technique but lost touch with the feeling. He plays perfectly, yet his performances lack emotion and soul. His story is a cautionary tale for musicians who focus solely on technical ability, reminding us that music is not just about playing well – it’s about creating a connection with the audience.
Tamada Shunji is the most relatable of the trio. He’s a former soccer player who takes up drumming to challenge himself and fill the void left by quitting sports. He doesn’t compete with others but strives to improve for his own sake. His personal growth is a key theme in the film, showing that music isn’t just about becoming famous – it’s about evolving as a person and learning discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
The Heart of Blue Giant: Growth, Hard Work, and Fun
At its core, Blue Giant explores the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards of being a musician. It doesn’t shy away from showing the hard work and dedication needed to reach even small milestones. The band's dream isn’t to tour the world or gain millions of fans – it’s simply to play at So Blue, a prestigious jazz club in Tokyo. This humble goal illustrates the importance of perseverance, even for seemingly small victories.
But the film also reminds musicians to have fun along the way. Music, after all, is supposed to be enjoyable. Whether it’s jamming with friends or playing for a crowd, the joy of making music is at the heart of the journey.
Music as a Path to Self-Discovery
What truly makes Blue Giant stand out is its portrayal of how music changes people. The characters aren’t just learning to play their instruments better – they’re growing as individuals. Music challenges them to manage their time, form better habits, and discover what truly matters to them. It teaches them resilience and maturity, both essential qualities in life and music.
For musicians at any stage of their journey, Blue Giant offers a thoughtful, inspiring reflection on the power of music. It shows that while not everyone will become the greatest, the process of growing, learning, and pushing yourself can lead to unexpected rewards.
Conclusion
Blue Giant is an anime that resonates deeply with musicians, showcasing the hardships, joys, and transformative power of music. The film reminds us that music isn’t just about fame or technical mastery – it’s about growth, passion, and finding meaning in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Blue Giant has something valuable to offer. Watch it for the music, the characters, and the life lessons it imparts. So, if you’re a musician, give Blue Giant a watch. You may just find yourself reflecting on your own journey and rediscovering the joy of making music.
When anime utilizes music, it can leave a lasting impression on viewers or even the entire world much like how one anime is responsible for the rise of lo-fi hip-hop. And to hear more about that you can check out this video right here:
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