The First Slam Dunk
An intense, emotionally charged animated sports drama where the echoes of past trauma meet the thunderous rhythm of a high-stakes basketball court, blending nostalgic grit with a visceral, cinematic exploration of brotherhood.
The First Slam Dunk
The First Slam Dunk

THE FIRST SLAM DUNK

"17 years and... 40 minutes."

03 December 2022 Japan 125 min ⭐ 7.8 (497)
Director: Takehiko Inoue
Cast: Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Kenta Miyake, Shinichiro Kamio, Subaru Kimura
Drama Animation Comedy
Grief and Reconciliation Legacy vs. Individual Identity Perseverance (The Spirit of 'Never Give Up') The Psychology of Elite Sports
Box Office: $258,000,000

The First Slam Dunk - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Akirametara, soko de shiai shuryo desu yo. (If you give up, the game is already over.)

— Mitsuyoshi Anzai

Context:

A flashback to a crucial moment in the past that inspires the team to keep pushing against Sannoh.

Meaning:

The ultimate philosophy of the series, emphasizing that defeat only occurs when the will to fight vanishes.
Ikuzo. (Let's go.)

— Ryota Miyagi

Context:

Stated at the start of the match and echoed in his transition to the American college scene.

Meaning:

Signifies Ryota taking command of the team and his own destiny.
Ore wa ima nanda. (I am in my glory moment now.)

— Hanamichi Sakuragi

Context:

Said to Coach Anzai when Hanamichi insists on returning to the court despite a back injury.

Meaning:

A definitive statement of presence and sacrifice, prioritizing the current match over his future health.
Souta no inai sekai de... (In a world without Sota...)

— Ryota Miyagi

Context:

Part of the heart-wrenching letter Ryota writes to his mother before the tournament.

Meaning:

Reveals the depth of Ryota's isolation and his reliance on basketball as his only anchor.