Based on the award-winning manga series and directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, the film follows the saxophone-playing Dai Miyamoto’s journey to become a great jazz musician.
GKIDS has announced the acquisition all North American distribution rights for the music drama anime Blue Giant, with an anticipated theatrical release later this year. Adapted from Shinichi Ishizuka’s award-winning manga of the same name, the film follows the story of Dai Miyamoto, a former high school basketball player who discovers a love of jazz and dedicates himself to learning the saxophone. Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100, Death Parade, Detective Conan franchise) directs.
In the film, Dai Miyamoto’s life turns upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences.
Blue Giant opened domestically in Japan and earned over 1 billion yen (approx. $7.5 million) at the Japanese box office throughout its run in Japanese theaters. The film played a sneak preview screening at the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this month.
World-renowned virtuoso pianist Hiromi Uehara composed the in-story original music played by Miyamoto and his jazz trio JASS, and additionally plays for the character Yukinori Sawabe. Drummer Shun Ishikawa, of the global hit band Millennium Parade, and saxophonist Tomoaki Baba play for the characters Shunji Tamada and Dai Miyamoto respectively.
The Japanese voice cast includes Amane Okayama; Yuki Yamada; and Shotaro Mamiya. The all-rights North American distribution deal was negotiated between GKIDS and TOHO CO., LTD.
“Blue Giant is a thrilling and moving exploration of what it takes to pursue true artistic and creative excellence,” said GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt. “We are proud to share this special film that captures the spirit of the beloved manga for a new audience, with one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard in years.”
Source: GKIDS
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
