The First Slam Dunk 灌籃高手 (best sports movie ever made) Review

/ mintvolcano
The First Slam Dunk (2022), directed by Japanese writer and artist Takehiko Inoue is a new animated film based on the manga and television series Slam Dunk might not seem like an art film but it is! This movie is so moving, well-executed, and enjoyable in every facet that not to call it high art is impossible. Even though it's a sports movie and based on a Japanese comic the First Slam Dunk doesn't take any shortcuts or feel formulaic. Some people look down on Japanese anime (specifically shonen anime) but the First Slam Dunk deserves praise as cinema with a capital C! It's a movie that feels fresh and exciting and I haven't stopped thinking about it. THIS MOVIE IS A MUST-SEE!
Watch my review of the original series here: • I Watched all of Slam ...
The Mint Volcano channel will be uploading more review of Taiwanese cinema, films, movies, Netflix shows as well as reviews of films from other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, China, Japan and more. The purpose of this channel is for media criticism and appreciation of cinema and Taiwanese cinema in particular. We hope people from all over the world will seek out these movies and share them with their friends.
Nick is a writer / director who has been living in Taiwan for 11 years you can find his work at:
Website: nickvaky.com​​​
Vimeo: vimeo.com/user...
Instagram: @Nickvaky
Luke is a cinematographer and photographer from Taiwan you can find him at:
Website: lukeliu.tw/​​​
Facebook: @LukeLiuPhoto
Instagram: @Lonfom

[@MintVolcano]

Upon the recommendations of everyone in the comments, I went back and watched the entire series! Check out the review of that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJvbhqh_rdxnnbc

[@Belbecat]

Please read the manga, it's so much better than the anime...

[@Uまいた]

イノウエタケヒコはアニメよりも漫画がおすすめ！

[@hokaturki121]

Without watching the anime or reading the manga, it's hard to understand the impact of Sakuragi and Rukawa passing to each other in order to win the game. And them then high five each other, iconic scene

[@MintVolcano]

Yeah I watched the series after, then that made so much more sense

[@Vavayalaaaaa]

I read the Manga in the 90s, it is still my favorite comic panel of all time. I still get the chills when I re-read Slam Dunk now

[@iw2751]

But there are scenes depicting them as rivals, one sided rivalry, in the movie.

[@ephpro9653]

What surprised me the most is that I've never read the manga nor watch the anime series, I just knew the existence of the title, I went in to the movie with 0 nostalgia impact, and it moved me so much, absolutely love the movie. And after the movie, I wanted to read the entire manga series.

[@MintVolcano]

My experience exactly! I was brought to the movie by people who read the comic and wasn’t expecting anything since I didn’t know much about Slam Dunk and it totally blew me away

[@ephpro9653]

@@MintVolcano I personally really in love with the 2D/3D mixture art style of the movie, it breathe new life to the franchise while not losing the identity of the original. The art style is still very much Takehiko Inoue. It blew me away from start to finish, and I see this as a new form of animated feature, it's been a long time where classic 2D and the modern 3D art dominated the market, so this is definitely a welcome addition.

[@chomrajpatanasorn1854]

When you finish the manga, you are going to want to watch this again ❤

[@recanadian]

@@ephpro9653 the creator Takehiko Inoue spent decades to explore technology just to find the correct motions for showing the basketball moves naturally. For fans like us who have been waiting this for 20 years, and that's how long he has been doing til he found the right way to make the motion smoothly.

[@pourquoipa5]

Do it! The manga is amazing! And once you've read it you'll probably appreciate a whole bunch of stuff in the movie even more because it's straight from the manga (or added to it so you discover more of the characters' story). They had to cut out quite a bit of other characters' struggle to keep the lens on Ryota but the match has way more going on than what the movie says (believe it or not!)

[@patricioescobedo735]

Slam Dunk premiere here in Chile on tv on the late 90s early 2000s. Cinemas were PACKED with late 30s millenials that grew up on this anime when this movie premiere. And the theater experience was only comparable to a Marvel movie; we were watching a basketball game.

[@MintVolcano]

Best movie theater movie of the last 20 years

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

As a Current Basketball Coach and growing up playing the game I love I was surprised how on point the basic fundamentals of the game were! even the little minuit details were all on point! They are wearing the Jordan 1s the ASIC TBF ,Jordan 5s and the Converse Conquest! Crazy how meticulously designed all the players were they even had CREASE on the jersey in the right spots 😅

[@jeremylu2628]

The main character team is represent the 90s Chicago bulls. The opponent is the San Antonio spurs. The game was a national tournament of Japan high school. Their opponent were a 3 peat champions. That team can beat college players. With number 9 Player have Michael Jordan basketball moves. The whole game was epic in the comics. Finally this movie completed the dream of bring this match to anime movie. Oscar-winning type of a movie. The main character of this movie does not get these much story line in the comics. The comic talks more about his 4 other teammates story lines. So this movie kind of fill in the blank for that. Very well out together movie.

[@GoatLuffy_97]

As someone who watched the anime then finished up the story in the manga, this film was excellent. Seeing the iconic final match finally animated was thrilling and moving. Also anchoring the story in Miyagi's pov instead of Sakuragi's was a gamble that paid off in my opinion. I'm so thankful to Inoue for bringing his iconic series back and to get the closure it deserved.

[@pourquoipa5]

Anchoring the story in Miyagi's POV probably looks like a gamble to most mortals but if you're the creator and an incredible storyteller to boot, you can probably tell a story from anyone's perspective and make the audience cry. Inoue has done so much in creating compelling characters even in the opposing teams he could probably turn anything into a tearjerker (eg. a feature length film on Shoyo's Fujima or Ryonan's Sendoh).

[@studio500]

I watched this twice at the theater and cried the whole way. So good. The story is masterful, visuals are stunning and versatile, and the music perfectly enhances the emotion. All Hollywood writers should watch this and understand how well this is written. Highly recommended 🏀👍🏀👍🏀👍😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😊

[@MintVolcano]

Agree! Best movie theater experience I’ve had in so long, it was a reminder of what I love about movies, a great great film!

[@Belbecat]

Slam Dunk makes me so emotional, the fact that someone who had not known the original material can get so emotional over just the movie just proves that Inoue has done it again wow

[@MintVolcano]

He’s a great artist and it’s a really well done work :)

[@emerentiaw2533]

I’ve been waiting for this movie for more than 10 years, and it comes out spectacular, above my expectation. Slam Dunk is my personal all time favorite manga/anime series & the decision to change the main character from Sakuragi to Ryota is a wise risky choice. It turns out very successful since the movie can stand as an individual movie, so that general audience can relate more to this movie itself w/o watching the main series. Funfact this movie just got ‘The Animation of The Year’ from Japan Academy Prize 2023 (a very prestigious Japanese award like the Oscars of Japan) & it becomes the 5th highest grossing Japanese film of all time ($ 260M and still ongoing)

[@MintVolcano]

Amazing! Thanks for the facts!

[@mamimumemo-hm7ct]

man, I'm crying at your cry break lol I watched this movie with no expactation, I only knew briefly the story but never read the manga nor watch the anime. Never thought I would cry in the cinema, not only tearing up but like, ugly crying 😂😂 the technique used is 3D motion picture but the director fixed the drawing one by one, that's also the unique part of this movie, it's not really a pure 3D but also not typical 2D animation.

[@MintVolcano]

I know! I had no idea this movie was gonna make me lose it 😂

[@GeenoGab]

Dude, I love this movie and I've seen all the reviews on this movie, even Chris Stuckmann reviewed this, but personally I found your review of this movie to be the best because you tackled the very aspect that made this movie good in the first place, the emotional dynamic between Ryota and his mother. Bravo man, just subscribed to your channel.

[@MintVolcano]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. This immediately became one of my all time favorite films so I’m glad you felt the same way about it.

[@thedude3065]

the fact that Inoue himself directed this I'm just glad to see he's not doing nothing while he's off of Vagabond

[@Nellielle007]

Love how in depth you have covered on survivor guilt, not many have said much in that regards but focus more on the game and animation (which is understandable). I think "overcoming" is really the core of this entire movie. Some people complained about the amount of flashbacks thinking it disturbs the flow (of the game) and I think otherwise. I think they gave the movie meanings. So that the movie isn't just being a continuation of the incomplete anime series, or simply being an adaptation of the original manga, but a movie that stands on its own.

[@MintVolcano]

I would agree. The game is cool and fun and you need that balance to propel the story forward but it’s the flashbacks that elevate this movie to really being meaningful and special. The insight this movie has into loss and overcoming it, that is what is unique and interesting to me and why I loved it so much

[@pourquoipa5]

I grew up with the series. Love the manga (have it in both Chinese and Japanese), love the anime, and just watched the movie for the first time today. The thing is, now that I'm a.mother myself, this movie hit on some levels that I couldn't have appreciated in my student days. Beyond thankful that Inoue-sensei got to steer the ship on this epic story

[@user-v5z5j]

I'm Japanese. I didn't know much about original work until I saw THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, but I've seen this movie for 12 times in theater. (now I've already seen the manga and the anime.) I was very impressed by that film and wanted to know what people around the world thought about it, which led me to this video! I thought you had a amazing thoughts of this film than I did having seen it a dozen times! I only understand about 20% of what you are saying because my English is horrible. I'm going to try my best to study English in order to understand your impression! Thanks for making this video. (I wrote this with a DeepL to correct it.Please let me know if there are any mistakes in my English.)

[@MintVolcano]

Nice job with the comment! Your English is not bad! So glad you found this review and enjoyed it 😊 and I keep hearing the same things about this film whether you know the comic or not it’s an amazing experience in the theater 😁

[@JedCrisostomo-m9o]

Akagi- Patrick Ewing Sakuragi- Dennis Rodman Rukawa- Michael Jordan Mitsui- Reggie Miller Ryuota- Isaiah Thomas

[@hayatojp1249]

Chris Struckman chose this as his best movie of the year and brought me here

[@MrLocoSuave]

Anime is no regular cartoon, it is and it has always being about what they are looking to tell the audience no matter the age... that's why people trying to compare it with regular shows, like almost anything from around the world, gets themselves really in a shock for how different the themes and tones they set.

[@feasoroftorts]

I'm a HUGE Slam Dunk fan (both anime and manga). This movie was everything I wanted and hoped for. The movie was simply excellent. Thank you for this movie! The animation style is an immaculate balance between the anime and the manga. There is a delicate and satisfying blend between the original source material and new stories. As a non-pro basketball player to whom ball is life, the animated movement and action are so realistic. The movie also had a perfect mix of humor, action, emotion, and sport. I cannot believe it's been 30 years since the original anime and manga. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I'm excited to watch it again next week!!!

[@jjstarrprod]

Heeey, I'm a fellow director currently living in Taiwan (although I actually work in animation) and I just discovered your channel through this review. Great analysis ! It was not only informational, but also very heartfelt ^^ I especially appreciated your part on the survivor's guilt. It's true that it is something we don't see much in sports movies and definitely helps this one to stand out. I actually saw this movie in Jan-february, already, nd was already baffled by it. A bit miffed I missed it in IMAX, though, but now that it's coming back onscreen in Taiwan, thanks to the international screenings, I just had to go an rewatch it and goddamn, it's just as good as the first time ! To me, since I work in 2D hand drawn animation, this movie is nothing short than pure wizardry. It's CG, but the rendering looks so close to Inoue's manga art that I feel cel shading (that CG rendering to emulate hand drawn look, with various degree of success) is really getting there. Looking forward to him maybe using thatsame technique and create a movie that would cap off his other magnum opus, Vagabond (which, manga readers have been waiting its conclusion for almost a decade, now).

[@MintVolcano]

Thanks for watching the video. Glad you liked it :) feel free to send over some of your animation work I’d love to check it out

[@Mourne84]

When the movie comes out on blu ray you bet ill be the first to get my hands on it. Watched it yesterday at the theatre, it is such a beautiful masterpiece.

[@fmjs5146]

Thanks for this heartfelt review. As a long time fan I've wondered whether it was possible to come into this movie cold and enjoy it. Really happy that it resonates with you and you could appreciate its craftsmanship. Inoue-sensei said he wanted it to feel new to fans by retelling that iconic match through Ryota's eyes, and the added backstory he gave Ryota shows a maturity and poignancy beyond the original series from decades ago. I'm sure Inoue-sensei would be happy that new viewers are able to bond with his characters. As a note, I was worried when they announced it would be in 3D, but all my misgivings dropped away in the cinema. The character design is actually very similar to the final chapters of the manga. Furthermore 3D allowed them to capture accurate movements on the court and really show off the dynamism. Taking off rose coloured nostalgia glasses, the 90s anime quality hasn't aged well, though it was pretty good for back in the day. Here's hoping more new fans connect with this film through your review, thank you again!

[@MintVolcano]

Thanks for the comment! Really happy that you liked the review, it’s super interesting to hear from all the long time fans of the anime in the comments

[@QuynhNguyen-gp4ti]

I appreciate the review and unfortunately I have to agree with Sonia as a fan of the manga. I welcome the change in protagonist (Sakuragi is the MAIN protagonist of the entire series) and I appreciated Miyagi (Ryota)'s family storyline, but because the Sannoh match (the match being adapted) is mostly about Sakuragi, Rukawa (#11) and Mitsui (#14), which include a fair amount of focus on Akagi (#4), Miyagi was the member who has the least spotlight in the source material, thus when it cut to the game, they have to be faithful to the source material (as much as they could because they cut A TON of moments to make wave for Miyagi's POV) and refocus to other members. That's being said, I really enjoyed the movie and I cried a ton after Sakuragi got injured. It's really hard not to cry when you read the Sannoh match so I'm glad they deliver the emotions really well in the movie. But I really recommend you read the manga, the journey of every member of the team and how the team goes from underdog to beating the strongest team in the nation is very touching and Inoue's passion for basketball is very present (keep in mind this manga was written in 1992, basketball wasn't that popular in Japan yet) and I cried almost every match, he delivered emotion REALLY well. Also if you don't mind piracy, read Piercing also, a oneshot by Inoue which is the basis of Miyagi's backstory in the movie.

[@gin5an]

Slam dunk mean so much to me i love the manga so much for i long time this series is the first thing in my life that made tears because of happiness and watching this movie gave me the same emotions when i read it long time ago and i went to watch the movie for a second time because i couldn't get enough of it i love slam dunk.

[@nazkie]

I watched this movie 2x. Its sooooo good. Ryota was never my fave character in the manga/anime. But this movie have me a new perspective on his character. This movie was so well done.

[@recanadian]

If you haven't read the comics but already made you cried, then you REALLY should read the comic and see how classic this comic is about, AND then watch the movie again. And you will realize all the back stories and Easter eggs showing in this films that related to the stories of the comics, this film is so much more than what you think it is.

[@MintVolcano]

New video coming soon 😊

[@scoobychau]

The movie is now on Disney+ and Netflix in Asia... so the hype might be back once again. btw, the opposing team.. is base on a REAL team in Japan high School. Same jersey same color and Same hair cut. as for NBA reference, beside Rodman, there is Jordan, and Robinson, the no.9 on the other team is Penny Hardaway. I agree, this is a master pcs. and thanks for your review. I come back looking for this after a 2nd view on Netflix.

[@lvhakola]

I'm just here for the cry break

[@MintVolcano]

This movie hits hard

[@thestarkster9940]

@@MintVolcano Watched it twice in the theatre, cried both times. Ryota's backstory wasn't in the original manga/series, so you can imagine it hits even harder for us long-time fans.

[@MintVolcano]

@@thestarkster9940 I can imagine, I knew I was gonna cry right at the first scene, I could just feel it

[@vincentdomondon2402]

Man you watch the whole anime and read the manga you'll enjoy it even more.

[@adnakiel]

Shohoku team is based in the Chicago Bulls. Sakuragi is Rodman, Rukawa is M. Jordan, Mitsui is Kukoc, Akagi is Weningtong and Miyagi is Steve Kerr

[@micahlevy9210]

Great review! I have read the manga many many times and I just finally saw "The First Slam Dunk" and I just had to see reviews. Just one thing tho, the movie was based on the 2nd round match for Shohoku where top 32 teams are left, not the national finals match, although the opposing team was the best team in the nation and the defending champions. Shohoku was not a seeded team. You should really read the manga! It's awesome beyond words can describe. Than watch the movie again! It will be thousand times better!

[@angrydevs]

Dude, you just freakin upsell the movie.. Now I can't wait to watch it more...

[@MintVolcano]

It’s an amazing film, let me know if it lives up to expectations

[@Alliesalasvesely]

I just finished watching and wow 😭❤️ BEAUTIFUL movie!! Now in my all time favs .. the last bit had me in edge and the raw emotion they were able to portray was so intensely beautiful .

[@Alliesalasvesely]

I’m sorry I should have led my last comment with your review is why I went to go see the movie! I have no history of this anime so no idea what to expect and no regrets at all then I came back to your review once I finished! Emotional for sure! Thank you!

[@MintVolcano]

That’s so cool to hear! I’m glad I inspired you to check out the film!

[@shielam.1635]

i really loved your in-depth review. i grew up watching slamdunk in the philippines dubbed in Filipino. just saw the movie last Fri (Jul28) here in the US. it was so good! sorry to mention this but just fyi. the glare on your glasses is kinda distracting.

[@MrXabungle]

Across The Spider-Verse has pure Sakuragi-style humor throughout

[@mike13y]

In the anime Sakuragi is high school gangster that joined the basketball team because he has a crush on the Goliath sister.

[@Idkanythingatm]

The fact that someone who doesn’t even watch anime enjoyed the movie proofs that its the goat of sports anime manga

[@jeremylu2628]

This movie should and winning an Oscar!!!! My childhood

[@KenTeranova412]

I want to share my review 🙏 (pardon my english) First of all... Slam Dunk franchise is a life changer for me.. My love of Basketball, and My key illustration artsyles came from Inoue Sensei's Slam Dunk.. Wow! The first slam dunk is a 30 years of payoff, since this franchise hiatus from televison and theaters. On top of it, we've been delivered a very epic and beautiful feature film in every aspect, the right portion of storytelling, and basketball animation that feel so lively. The CGI and 2D Animation is combined beautifully, and very eye pleasing. If i remember the original anime, the voice acting is 85 percent sound exatcly the same, only sakuragi that feels different, but it doesn't matter, their performances is top notch 👌. The soundtrack, the music, SO EPIC, i feel the adrenaline rush. on the other hand, i start listening to other 10-Feet albums 😅. The main character change from Sakuragi to Ryota is part of Inoue Sensei perfect exploration to build a storytelling that can be accepted by both sides (Old time fans, and Newbies). Ryota is the only character who didn't have much background stories in manga and anime. And i really don't have problem with it, in fact that i'm Sakuragi big fan. The other characters also get a very right portion of stories and it sustain throughout the movie, and somehow, Sakuragi still feels like he's the main character. Nostlagia let it be the nostalgia, we already know the whole story anyway.. I can't imagine if this movie is 100% the same as the manga's, the newbies will confused by it. If theres any panel from the manga that didn't make it to the movie, that shows some reaction and moment from a character, all we got to do is just accept with an open heart... i believe Inoue sensei sorted it wisely.. Its an artwork, we can't please everyone.. I also think that this is part of the film business, thats why inoue packed it that way, so that the movie feels like new to both the newcomers and the old fans, in hope that the newcomers will love slam dunk franchise after it. My words, to the old fans, if you can't move on, from the old anime graphics, we'll be like stucked in the past, which is not relevant to the market these days. And that old anime, Inoue Sensei have some problems too back then. Let the manga and anime became the greatest masterpiece legacy, and we embrace this movie as a new standalone masterpiece in the box office. If theres any problem with the cut to flashback scenes, i feel like theres nothing wasted here, because those flashback stories never been in manga before. And that kind of storytelling is also told in the manga, one of the japanese filmmaking style also, and to build a deep emotional story. I can say that this is type of maturity of art vision that Inoue Sensei does in this movie masterpiece, i hope the fans understand this much as we also grew with Slam Dunk history. Don't do much complain, if this movie doesn't match with the manga 100%, "the scene should exist" bla bla, we should be grateful.. remember, this movie never been in Inoue Sensei's mind, He's been proposed many times but he rejected it.. Overall, its 9/10, please watch it on theaters, the vibe will rushing through your souls, i guaranteed, still the best sports anime of all time 👌 much love from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@MintVolcano]

Thanks for the long review :) it gives a lot of information and context for people new to the series

[@KenTeranova412]

@@MintVolcano Thank you very much!, you're welcome 🙏 it's an honor to review this masterpiece 👍⛹️

[@superpanda3857]

You fucking talk too much

[@siekensou77]

the series and this movie included uses many things from irl basketball such as shaq crashing the table or scottie pippen injuring his back, etc. shohoku is designed off chicago bulls and other things

[@chilenorioca]

I haven't seen yet but i know I'm gonna enjoy it as a kid, I'm from Chile 40 years old and I follow the anime since I had 13 and it made me had the will to stop been lazy and violent gang boy and become a basquetball player and good student.. nowadays life bring me to Brazil to teach basquetball to kids from Favelas.. Thanks to basquetball and slamdunk anime all the guys who bullied me at school for been fat now respect me because I give all myself on the court and I beat them playing.. nowadays they become my best friends.. I'll make my kids from bball camp in Rio to watch this movie as homework I promise

[@MintVolcano]

This is such a great story! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@infanteloco]

You feel very emotional on this movie without seing the animated series (this movie continues the series where they left it) now imagine your feelings multiplied by 2 or 3 for the ones who see the series and read the manga, the main character always was Sakuragi. Just in this movie they focuses on Ryota Miyagi.

[@MintVolcano]

I went back and watched the whole series and will make a follow up video very soon :)

[@sgt.krakatoa1093]

@@MintVolcanocant wait

[@limchingcheang9062]

I watched 5 times already. Please watch it, very nice!

[@jwiggins1112]

Going to see this tomorrow evening! Cant wait!! Hope we get physical copies of this as well as Godzilla Minus One! My dad passed 3 years ago & my best friend 2 years ago...& movies about family or real genuine heartfelt stories hit me harder than ever. Gotta make sure to bring a couple tissues with me lol. Great Review & I appreciate your vulnerability & honest opinion!

[@Fuzzyputsee]

Great review! Hope the first SlamDunk be available in cinema worldwide

[@MintVolcano]

Thanks! I agree I really want everyone to be able to see this movie!

[@Fuzzyputsee]

@@MintVolcanoi am one of the diehard fans actually. I didint think i will watch more than 3 times tho i like it so much. The truth is i watch over ten times already coz it is really amazing and touching. Not only showing advance Manga technology but also hv great story structure and content.

[@Fuzzyputsee]

Crazy me lol

[@MintVolcano]

@@Fuzzyputsee ten times is impressive

[@jeremykao2]

Yeah all the Shohoku players are based on former NBA players of the 90’s Sakuragi (#10) - Dennis Rodman You pretty much explained it in the video Akagi (#4) - Patrick Ewing Dominant center who was ferocious at blocking shots, also the flattop haircut is without a doubt an homage to the player. Ryota (#7) - Mugsy Bogues While the movie doesn’t, really touch on this aspect of Ryota but in the manga/anime he’s actually a really good defensive point guard that’s good at steals which is pretty much who Mugsy Bogues was in the NBA. Mitsui (#14) - Mitch Richmond In the 90’s Mitch Richmond was one of the best 3 point shooters. He also wore #14 and I believe also wore a left knee brace while he played. Rukawa (#11) - Michael Jordan This might be a reach because in the manga/anime Rukawa doesn’t really have much of large role besides the fact that he’s just super hyper focused on playing basketball. But I think he’s a great one on one player with the ability to score at will, plus given the fact that this all came out in the 90’s it only makes sense that Inoue had Jordan in mind when he created this character. The whole anime actually has many characters and teams based off of 90’s NBA basketball, but that would be a whole separate breakdown.

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

Really on point!! But thought Mitsui was based on Reggie Miller especially the same body build 🤔

[@jeremykao2]

@@TheShahofBaltimore the reason why I don’t think Mitsui is based off of Reggie Miller is because the manga came out around 1992-1993 which around that time Reggie Miller and the Pacers weren’t contenders in the league. Craig Hodges from in the late 80’s/early 90’s was one of the top 3 point shooters in the league as well as won 3 consecutive 3 point contests from 1990-1992. Plus he wore #14 like Mitsui so to me it made more sense he was based off of Hodges. Although I don’t think Inoue ever actually confirmed that any player in the manga/anime is based off of NBA players so it’s very possible these are just coincidences haha

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

@@jeremykao2 he confirmed Rodman and Jordan theory but remember that Miller was drafted in 1986 and was a bucket in college at UCLA as well he also averaged 24 pts in 1989 season 🤔 …Hodges was so lowkey it would be like basing a player off Kyle Korver 🤔

[@jeremykao2]

@@TheShahofBaltimore true Reggie at UCLA was great, but this also assumes college basketball was widely recognized in Japan which to me seems like a stretch (I could be wrong though). As far as I know, in the 80’s and 90’s college basketball only really had significant presence in the US. Craig Hodges and Korver comparison is definitely accurate but in the context of when the manga came out, I would still say Hodges was top 5 in the league for 3PT%. Most of Reggie’s best years were after 1994 which is all after the manga had already came out which is why I have a hard time believing that Inoue had Reggie in mind when creating Hodges.

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

@@jeremykao2 Man now I’m gonna be wondering who his characters based on all day lol …when I get home from work I’ll do more research and get back to you.. it’s been a pleasure

[@MrXabungle]

I kinda hoped for more 2D animation because they looked really beautiful but I think the 3D cel-shading and mocap work kept grounded tone consistent.

[@weilinglee1107]

Really hope Slam Dunk will release in more country.

[@MintVolcano]

I agree this movie needs to be seen in theaters!

[@kushtinickname720]

and it is! I live in Kazakhstan and in a couple weeks, this movie is releasing in my city's cinema

[@lonfom]

Slam Dunk is my favorite comic! Like your review!

[@MintVolcano]

I've never seen the original show but I think I'll have to watch it now

[@thestarkster9940]

@@MintVolcano The original show/series is a fun watch! It's also more comedic and, like most older anime, very slow-paced. But when the game gets going, it's hype!

[@pb14743]

Where can I watch this in the US?! I have been waiting for this for over 20+ years. This is my all time favorite anime/manga. It’s so well executed😢

[@matten_zero]

One of the best sports films ever. Creative and innovative!

[@deoncharleyrodriguez8981]

I'm a huge fan on slam dunk because that the first time i take basketball seriously because of sakuragi i always trying to be a king of rebound like sakuragi😂

[@infanteloco]

I think it deserves an oscar nomination to best animated movie but also to best movie like they did with Parasite

[@samf.s.7731]

It would take a lot for A to happen, and B is .. near impossible. Unlike studio Ghibli films, which are distributed by Disney, a film like this is one the academy wouldn't even bother looking at because they're too snooty and pompous... It's too good for that anyway 😊

[@MintVolcano]

I would have to agree :) the Oscar committee is too myopic

[@03e-210a]

As Sonya said, 2D is far more preferred. The 2D hand drawings are unmatched when done right, but they are also so damn expensive. 3D/CGI is.....ok, but it has a pretty bad reputation. However, I am glad they incorporated it well here, so it didn't look funny or weird.

[@Yiyan81]

Great review! I watched it twice at the cinema in Singapore and absolutely loved it , after knowing nothing about it other than the title. There’s so much psychology in the movie it’s really fascinating! Watching the animated series now and desperate to watch the movie again after getting to know the characters more. Even some of the non- basketball team characters are amazing! Physical disc is top of my wish list….provided they release one! 🤞🙏

[@MintVolcano]

I started binging the series too, loved learning about the bench players and the side characters

[@kanninabu]

its really amazing movie .. i love the part when sakuragi injured and the game left 2minute then next screen flash back to ryota family cut the fucking cake

[@littleboi5971]

For me its was superb animation of a CGI and it far realistic compare to other cgi movie. It was worth to watch

[@paoloevolvi582]

A big fan since the 90’s. I would love to watch the movie here in the US; where I can find it?

[@jorbu1423]

Slam dunk is one of my favorite animes, It's Funny, touching and exciting. The real question is when will I be able to watch it?

[@siddharthgaur2205]

Just completed Slam Dunk Manga in order to watch the movie super et😊

[@PeterSolerom]

I used to like watching the anime show as a kid, and I totally loved watching this movie!! makes me wish we get a new Slam Dunk anime show

[@kanninabu]

its really amazing movie .. i love the part when sakuragi injured and the game left 2minute then next screen flash back to ryota family cut the fucking cake

[@Dimaz42]

I just watched it and it's filling the gap between the anime and manga, since the final game was only in manga and wasn't in the anime, so this completes the experience.. though in the epilogue, the players that went to play in the US were a bit different than in manga.. and a tidy bit to those who don't follow the anime (SPOILER): in the end, Shohoku lost in the HS Nationals competition coz of exhaustion and losing Sakuragi to injury from the match with Sannoh, but at the same time they beat the strongest / unbeatable team in the competition, though not in the Finals

[@_Amit_Sunil]

Alternate video title: Man watches first anime backstory

[@MintVolcano]

Support Mint Volcano on Patreon! patreon.com/mintvolcano And let me know what kind of content you want more of!

[@franciscocornelio5776]

I have mixed feelings because I had read the manga, and this match was all about sakuragi and the pain and struggle he went into the last part, it seemed like they made ryota the star, it was good but I liked the original manga feeling the best.

[@CyclingMartialartswithMusic]

Is the humor the same? Cant wait to see Sakuragis antics again. 😂😂😂

[@MintVolcano]

There are some great moments with him acting ridiculous, yeah 😃

[@nelpiero84]

Great movie 🎥 loved it

[@siekensou77]

“cartoons are for kids” is a very western mindset and kinda spoils the animated scene by limiting what can be produced within said medium of storytelling. japan acknowledges it is a storytelling medium and so they embrace using it for many different types of narratives for all sorts of target audiences and target ages.

[@noelgalit3965]

You probably know about this but Takehiko Inoue is the creator of the manga itself.

[@MintVolcano]

Yeah! Very impressive that he was also so skilled at directing this movie! He’s kind of a genius

[@noelgalit3965]

@@MintVolcano I agree! The manga was really cinematic. In the manga, the last few minutes of the game were almost just panels and without dialogue, it was already gripping. When it was translated on screen, I was blown away! That ticking during the fast break? HFS! So yes, a real genius. Was also glad that they gave this movie to Ryota. He's the only one of the five that didn't have a real back story in the manga, anime, or OVAs.

[@noelgalit3965]

@@MintVolcano thank you very much for your review, man! 1st one I saw so far in youtube. :)

[@Nellielle007]

@@MintVolcano I wouldn't call him skilled but instead extremely dedicated into crafting his work. This movie took 10 years to finish and during which including the amount of time he spent learning how to turn manga into cinematography/animation. He himself later said in an interview that if he wasn't being persuaded by the producer and/ knowing how painstaking it is to direct an animation, he most definitely wouldn't have agreed to any of this.

[@MintVolcano]

@@Nellielle007 well if he wasn’t skilled before he is now 😉

[@dwolf2gaming699]

we understand you brother 😎

[@paolylo]

Not that it's woke, but the movie subtitles (at least in Australia) replaced "Gorilla" with "Goliath" so as not to sound offensive when this was set in the 90's when people back then can take a joke about "looking like an ape" which was clearly defined in the manga and anime.

[@MintVolcano]

Yeah haha I was wondering how that would be handled in other markets

[@techninjabackup249]

When is it releasing in america? Im tired of watching clips on tiktok lol

[@MintVolcano]

I’m not sure if there is a release date set for America

[@yannjodry7917]

Yeah... This could make more (even much more) than let's say Demon slayer... But no big US studio will distribute this movie: it'll be maybe done by a small company or go directly in ... streaming and/or I hope Blu-Ray/4K UHD. That's protectionism, but don't tell anybody about it.

[@MintVolcano]

@@yannjodry7917 that makes sense

[@pablomatos966]

I already cried reading the manga, so probably with the movie it won't be different

[@jietan4424]

To all the reviewer out there whom bothered and watch this movie. Please please watch the anime series for a more comprehensive immersion experience which will further your outlook of 'Slam Dunk' into Japanese manga. I grew up with this series in my teens and started playing basketball like other Asians and loved every bit of this timeless art which kick started anime into western culture. If you think this was moving, wait till you watch the anime series.

[@WushuaiX]

It’s my favorite basketball comic. By the way I also more like 2D 😂

[@Iyalo-cw7eb]

my, i understand where you come from and your prejudices, but calling animation limited compared to film is almost unbelievable. what's funnier is that this is a major point animators bring, how more open animation is to anything, the freedom to illustrate everything, and how working within the barriers of reality and weirdness prevents creativity

[@MintVolcano]

Apologies if I wasn’t clear but my point is actually the same as what your are saying, I was trying to say that some people (myself in the past) felt that animation was limited because it now often utilized to its full potential but this film helped to break down my prejudices because it’s so well done

[@3headedgoat336]

Do they have it in dub too?

[@MintVolcano]

I’m not sure if a dub is available yet

[@TheMemeXp1]

Spoiler alert?

[@felmardemesa5197]

Not san antonio spurs. Its chicago bulls

[@MintVolcano]

The Bulls would be their team, I think the team they are playing is based on the Spurs

[@jordannarisawa7089]

"Ryota" not Ryoto....❤

[@MintVolcano]

😅 thanks 🤙

[@jumbojet3398]

Does anyone know where I can watch?

[@PhrygianTurk]

peak

[@RyuN100]

Iirc Sakuragi came earlier than Rodman

[@MintVolcano]

Slam dunk was written in 1990, Rodman was drafted in 1986 - he was on the pistons at that time but I do still think he was the basis for this character - especially in the new film

[@Uまいた]

映画＞漫画＞＞＞＞アニメ

[@shigewaka]

日本語字幕もお願いします！ Please add Japanese subtitles!

[@craylores6722]

Is there a copy of a dvd?

[@MintVolcano]

It’s still in theaters so it might be a little while before the DVD comes out

[@hamo8208]

灌籃高手：This character is not Japanese, but Chinese.

[@MintVolcano]

That’s right, I watched this film in Taiwan and that’s the Chinese title

[@RynLygAgslio-LonelyAF]

What u mean?The moviee sucks!! Its boring af no intense,the manga 10x better than the movie. The hype,excitement,thrill all gone characters reactions like uzomi, kainan players coach ,reporter they cut it out. Also the comedic part in the manga

[@MintVolcano]

Ok 👍

[@kanninabu]

This is most suck flash back movie ever

[@MintVolcano]

Ok

[@kanninabu]

@@MintVolcano i know you not agree but i really feel so disappointed

[@kanninabu]

@@MintVolcano i bought the ticket for watch the final fight and this movie just show me why ryota mother is sad.. And please explain to me when sakuragi injured and the match left 2 minute but still want flash back to ryota family and cut the fucking cake.. I really dont understand... I love slamdunk so much but this shit really feel so disappointed..

[@MintVolcano]

That’s ok you can have any opinion you want about a film, I enjoy it when people have different opinions than I do, I do kindly request though that you try to keep the comments civil on the page. I know the KZbin comments are a place that many people express themselves in kind of crude ways but I think that’s something we don’t really need to do. After all it’s just a movie. I liked it, you did not, that’s ok 👌

[@kanninabu]

@@MintVolcano honestly i less write comment on English channel , because i cant write a good English to show my opinion.. But this movie really made me so disappointed.. Haix

[@artfulandtricky]

Also loved the movie. Even more than the series