
a review by LilFir

a review by LilFir
Blue Giant is a fantastic movie and a great adaptation of the manga. It captures the raw passion and dedication that go into becoming a musician, making it especially relatable for those who have played an instrument. As someone with experience in jazz, I felt deeply connected to the film. The way it portrays the struggles, determination, and excitement of pursuing a dream felt incredibly real. Each character brings something unique to the story, and their dynamics make the journey engaging from start to finish.
One of the biggest strengths of Blue Giant is its animation. The film’s visuals—especially toward the end—are stunning, and certain moments completely pulled me in. The way the film captures the intensity and energy of live jazz performances is truly special. Every time I saw those beautifully animated musical sequences, I felt a surge of excitement, as if I were right there experiencing it alongside the characters. By the time the movie ended, I felt so inspired that I wanted to pick up my instrument and start practicing immediately. Any film that leaves you with that kind of motivation is undeniably powerful.
Beyond its breathtaking animation, the movie also delivers a strong emotional impact. There’s a particular scene that hit me so hard I found myself crying for a solid 5–10 minutes. It’s rare for a film to evoke such deep emotions, but Blue Giant does it exceptionally well, blending its music and storytelling in a way that really resonates.
That said, there are a couple of things that could have been improved. The CGI used during some of the performance scenes felt out of place. It lacked the same fluidity and beauty found in the traditionally animated scenes, which made those moments a bit jarring. If the movie had stuck to regular animation or incorporated more of the stunning visuals used in the finale, it would have been even better.
Another aspect that stood out was the film’s choice of jazz style. The soundtrack leans heavily toward a bright, pop-like jazz sound. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I felt that incorporating a wider variety of jazz styles—especially the deeper, moodier tones often associated with jazz legends—would have made the film feel more authentic. When portraying a character as the next "greatest jazz musician," it’s hard not to compare them to real-world greats, most of whom embody a more traditional jazz sound.
Despite these minor flaws, Blue Giant is a beautiful and inspiring film. Whether you’re a jazz musician, a fan of the genre, or just someone who loves a well-crafted story, it’s definitely worth watching. The combination of powerful music, stunning animation, and heartfelt storytelling makes it an unforgettable experience.
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