The anime film adaptation of Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk manga, titled “The First Slam Dunk,” has been breaking records in both North America and Japan. In its second weekend, Box Office Mojo estimates the film’s earnings at around US$98,710, while The Numbers reported a slightly different figure of US$88,000. The movie secured the 18th spot at the box office during this period.
With a cumulative total of US$1,050,647 according to Box Office Mojo and US$1,033,000 according to The Numbers, the film’s popularity remains clear. In its debut weekend in North America, it earned US$662,211. GKIDS released the film in the United States and Canada with options for both English dub and Japanese audio with English subtitles starting from July 28.
In its native Japan, the film’s success was more than impressive, opening at the top spot in its first weekend, selling 847,000 tickets, and raking in 1,295,808,780 Yen (aroundUS$9.50 million). It also won the Animation of the Year award at the 46th annual Japan Academy Film Prizes, and the producer Toshiyuki Matsui received the general award at the 42nd annual Fujimoto Awards presented by Eiga Engeki Bunka Kyōkai (Film Theater Culture Association).
As of July 23, the film had sold a remarkable cumulative total of 10.33 million tickets, earning 14,900,403,870 yen (around US$105.3 million). This achievement made it the 14th highest-grossing film in Japan’s history and the eighth-highest-grossing anime film in the country. The film is set to conclude its theatrical run in Japan on August 31.
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The First Slam Dunk’s Plot
In the movie, we meet Ryota Miyagi, one of Shohoku high school’s basketball team’s fastest “point guard” and strategic genius. He is the epitome of speed, wit, and composure on the basketball court. Inspired by his older brother’s career as a local basketball star, Miyagi developed a strong love for the sport from his childhood.
Now, he’s in his second year of high school, where he joins the famous Shohoku High School basketball team, and with his teammates, Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui, he trains for the thrilling and highly anticipated Inter-High School National Championship.
His aim? To dethrone the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. Ryota, staying relaxed as a Sunday stroll, outplays his opponents, making him a precious asset to the Shohoku team as they train for the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced.
The Staff
Takehiko Inoue, the creator of “Slam Dunk,” took on a multifaceted role in the film’s production at Toei Animation, personally directing and scripting the project. The character design and animation direction were handled by Yasuyuki Ebara. The technical direction was overseen by Katsuhiko Kitada, Naoki Miyahara, Toshio Ōhashi, and Yū Kamatani.
Daiki Nakazawa led the CG direction, while Yūta Ogura managed CG production. The art direction was handled by Kazuo Ogura, while Yota Tsuruoka and Koji Kasamatsu were in charge of the film’s sound direction.
The Cast
The cast of the anime film includes Ryota Miyagi, voiced by Shugo Nakamura, Hisashi Mitsui, voiced by Jun Kasama, Kaede Rukawa, voiced by Shin’ichiro Kamio, Hanamichi Sakuragi, voiced by Subaru Kimura, and Takenori Akagi voiced by Kenta Miyake.
Other cast members include Haruko Akagi, voiced by Maaya Sakamoto, Kiminobu Kogure, voiced by Ryota Iwasaki, Yohei Mito, voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi; and finally, Nozomi Takamiya, voiced by Masafumi Kobatake.
The First Slam Dunk impacted box offices worldwide. It became the highest-grossing anime film in South Korean history, with earnings of 30.38 million dollars and 3,818,000 tickets sold. To add to its success, it also became the second highest-grossing film of 2023 with 35 million dollars. To say it was successful is an understatement.
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