Blue Giant

Dai, an 18-year-old natural talent who has just moved to the heart of Tokyo, sets out to realise his dream of becoming a jazz saxophonist. He runs into his old friend Shunji, who has a budding interest in playing the drums, and Yukinori, a skilled pianist of the same age who has been practising for years. This surprising trio forms a band and begins to learn what it takes to be jazz musicians. The journey to success is not easy, and the personalities and skills of the young adults collide. Still, everything is held together by their desire to express themselves through jazz. Through stylised animation, the film succeeds particularly well in visualising this self-expression. The successful jazz pianist and composer Hiromi also ensures that the music keeps up with the animation. Based on the hit manga by Shinichi Ishizuka.

Juho Lipponen

The Japanese focus at Espoo Ciné IFF is supported by Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation.