Latest news with #TakehikoInoue
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix film with perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating has been hailed as 'best ever'
The First Slam Dunk has a perfect review score on Rotten Tomatoes One review for The First Slam Dunk says: "There isn't much more that needs to be said other than you should watch this movie ASAP." This seems to perfectly sum up Takehiko Inoue's animated sports film. The 2022 Japanese film, based on Inoue's Slam Dunk manga series, hit cinemas in Japan in December 2022. Takehiko Inoue not only wrote but also directed the film, which went on to win the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year in 2023. At the global box office, it was nothing short of a sensation, raking in an impressive $279 million worldwide. The First Slam Dunk offers a fresh take on its manga origins by focusing on Ryota Miyagi, the point guard for Shohoku High School's basketball team, whose passion for the sport is ignited by his elder brother, Sota. Ryota, alongside teammates Takenori Akagi, Hanamichi Sakuragi, Kaede Rukawa, and Hisashi Mitsui, confronts the formidable inter-high basketball champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. The film brings to life the manga's intense final game, while weaving in new flashbacks and an epilogue that delves into Ryota's personal journey, reports Surrey Live. The First Slam Dunk has proven to be a commercial juggernaut. According to IMDB, it currently stands as the 12th highest-grossing Japanese film ever and the fifth highest-grossing anime film globally. The First Slam Dunk boasts an impressive 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 99 per cent audience rating, earning it critical acclaim. Critics rave about the film, with one reviewer stating: "Takehiko Inoue's The First Slam Dunk is a sports movie done right, with one of the best climaxes of the year that's guaranteed to leave you fist-pumping the air." Another critic wrote: "The First Slam Dunk is one of the best basketball movies you could ever see. It's a suspenseful and emotionally gripping film that balances a story of achieving sports greatness and coping with grief." Reviewers also commend director Takehiko Inoue's skilful adaptation of his own manga, with one saying: "Heart-pounding and heartrending, first-time director Takehiko Inoue's adaptation of his own manga proves that he has the skills of a pro." Another said: "No movie has so literally reduced basketball to 'just a game', and no movie this side of Hoop Dreams has so ecstatically conveyed why it's also so much more than that." Another viewer wrote: "This movie will make you stand up and cheer. This movie gets what makes basketball great. I was so into the game that I was sweating and my heart racing while I watched. I would say that I was at the edge of my seat the whole time, but that's not true. I actually stood up to cheer and pump my fist as I watched. "I can say all the sports movie review cliché stuff about this film, and it is all true. The music is great, the characters are great, and the story is great. If this movie does not pump you up, you do not have a pulse." Another review said: "One of the greatest movies I've seen in my life. I'm not kidding. Amazing animation, amazing soundtrack, amazing story all amazingly executed. And the best part is that it's a movie for everyone. Even if you don't like anime. Even if you don't like basketball. Even if you don't care about sports. Enough said go watch it!!!" Another viewer wrote: "Animation was incredible, I'm not even a huge fan of basketball but this was such a gripping story I was on the edge of my seat the entire time." And another simply stated: "Like the title says: a total slam dunk."
Irish Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix movie hailed 'one of the greatest ever'
One glowing review for The First Slam Dunk says: "There isn't much more that needs to be said other than you should watch this movie ASAP." This comment may just nail the essence of Takehiko Inoue's animated sports film. The Japanese cinematic venture from 2022 is an adaptation of Inoue's iconic Slam Dunk manga, hitting theatres in Japan during December 2022. Takehiko Inoue no only penned and helmed the project but also scored a win with the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year in 2023. The movie turned out to be an absolute blockbuster, pulling in a whopping $279 million at the worldwide box office. Stepping away from its manga roots, The First Slam Dunk throws the spotlight on Ryota Miyagi – Shohoku High School's basketball team point guard whose love for the game was inherited from his brother Sota, three years his senior. Alongside his teammates - Takenori Akagi, Hanamichi Sakuragi, Kaede Rukawa, and Hisashi Mitsui - Ryota locks horns with top dogs Sannoh Kogyo High School in an epic basketball challenge. The film breathes fresh life into the manga's nail-biting ultimate showdown, sprinkled with new flashbacks and a epilogue honing in on Ryota's journey, reports Surrey Live. By all accounts, The First Slam Dunk didn't just score – it dominated, with IMDB championing it as the 12th highest-grossing Japanese film ever and the fifth all-time anime box office titan. It boasts a flawless 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience approval nearly as high at 99 per cent. A moment from The First Slam Dunk (Image: Netflix) Critics are all praise, with one stating: "Takehiko Inoue's The First Slam Dunk is a sports movie done right, with one of the best climaxes of the year that's guaranteed to leave you fist-pumping the air." Another said: "The First Slam Dunk is one of the best basketball movies you could ever see. It's a suspenseful and emotionally gripping film that balances a story of achieving sports greatness and coping with grief." Further applause goes to director Takehiko Inoue, with one review saying: "Heart-pounding and heartrending, first-time director Takehiko Inoue's adaptation of his own manga proves that he has the skills of a pro." And another said: "No movie has so literally reduced basketball to 'just a game', and no movie this side of Hoop Dreams has so ecstatically conveyed why it's also so much more than that." Another fan wrote: "This movie will make you stand up and cheer. This movie gets what makes basketball great. I was so into the game that I was sweating and my heart racing while I watched. I would say that I was at the edge of my seat the whole time, but that's not true. I actually stood up to cheer and pump my fist as I watched." "I can say all the sports movie review cliché stuff about this film, and it is all true. The music is great, the characters are great, and the story is great. If this movie does not pump you up, you do not have a pulse." A moment from The First Slam Dunk (Image: Netflix) Another viewer said: "One of the greatest movies I've seen in my life. I'm not kidding. Amazing animation, amazing soundtrack, amazing story all amazingly executed. And the best part is that it's a movie for everyone. Even if you don't like anime. Even if you don't like basketball. Even if you don't care about sports. Enough said go watch it!!!" Another review said: "Animation was incredible, I'm not even a huge fan of basketball but this was such a gripping story I was on the edge of my seat the entire time." Meanwhile, a fellow fan succinctly summed it up: "Like the title says: a total slam dunk." The First Slam Dunk is available to stream on Netflix.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vagabond: The timeless manga masterpiece that deserves an anime
Credits: VIZ Vagabond, the critically acclaimed manga by Takehiko Inoue , stands tall as one of the greatest stories ever told in the samurai genre — and arguably, in all of manga. Based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, the manga adapts the life of Japan's legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi , with breathtaking artwork, deep philosophy, and brutal honesty. Even though it hasn't yet received an anime adaptation , fans across the globe continue to hold out hope. With a story that balances intense swordfights and emotional introspection, Vagabond could redefine anime storytelling if ever brought to screen. A samurai's journey like no other Vagabond begins with a young and hot-blooded Takezō Shinmen, who later takes the name Miyamoto Musashi. After surviving the Battle of Sekigahara, he sets out on a path to become 'invincible under the sun.' But Vagabond isn't just a tale of swordplay and conquest. It's a human story. As Musashi challenges powerful opponents and walks the bloodied path of the sword, he also faces himself — his fears, regrets, and search for meaning. Credits: VIZ The manga masterfully contrasts Musashi's journey with that of Kojirō Sasaki, a deaf-mute swordsman with a natural grace and silent strength. Their parallel development builds toward one of the most anticipated duels in manga history, all while questioning what true strength really means. Takehiko Inoue's art elevates the storytelling to another level. His brushwork, reminiscent of classical Japanese ink paintings, captures stillness and motion with haunting beauty. From detailed battle sequences to quiet moments of reflection, each panel is a work of art — raw, expressive, and timeless. Why an anime adaptation could be historic Credits: VIZ Despite its global success, Vagabond has never been adapted into an anime. Many believe it's because of the manga's complexity, mature tone, and irregular publishing schedule — Inoue has taken multiple hiatuses, and the story remains unfinished as of 2025. But that hasn't stopped the fanbase from growing. The emotional depth, philosophical themes, and rich historical setting make it ideal for a prestige anime series. A faithful anime adaptation could change the way people view action-oriented historical anime. In a time when stories like Vinland Saga and Kingdom have found success, Vagabond could be the next big leap — not just as a samurai epic, but as a profound visual meditation on life, war, and peace. Studios like MAPPA , Ufotable, or even Studio Ghibli (for its mature themes and grounded visuals) would be ideal candidates to bring this tale to life. The legacy of Vagabond Even without an anime, Vagabond has already influenced a generation of artists and storytellers. It isn't just about duels and swords — it's about evolving as a human being. Musashi's journey from an angry youth to a mindful warrior is something readers across cultures connect with. Credits: VIZ The manga's ability to blend action, art, and introspection makes it one of the few titles that feels both epic and deeply personal. It's the kind of story that lingers in your thoughts long after you've put it down. And if it ever comes to screens, it could become one of the most important anime of its time. Until then, Vagabond remains a quiet giant — a reminder that some of the most powerful stories are the ones still waiting to be told.
