Blue Giant is a manga series that was such an impulse purchase years ago in my life, and I forgot how much I enjoyed it until having finally watched the movie adaptation. For what it left behind in some depth (obvious cuts to fit 10 volumes into one movie), the music and animation went all out to make up for it. I mean, seriously, the fact that these moments are from a movie about some teens trying to make music is incredible.
The dynamic poses, colors, swapping effortlessly with the (albeit sometimes rough) CG animation and traditional, and even some rotoscoping thrown in there all blew me away. I was worried when the story about shifting the entire culture of a music genre (Jazz in this case) actually has to present the music, that it would fall flat--it does not. Even if you don't like jazz, it seriously draws you in so well. For having extended scenes of pure performance, it was impressive how they made the smallest shifts feel like the largest moments in these characters' lives. And all done by a first time studio!
I have also continued to reaffirm that I don't cry at sad things, but will bawl my eyes out when faced with people trying their hardest. Nothing beats the indomitable human spirit. Go beyond, work with those around you, and smile even when you fail.
Anyways, I recommend! Gkids barely released it in theaters, so give it some love out there. And read the manga if you get the chance!