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This 1959 film from Toei Animation was one of several from Taiji Yabushita (here credited as co-director) with Japanese themes, talking animals, and a hero that must prove his worth. Although it is entertaining it can't hide its age, bearing little resemblance to the stylistic mannerisms of today's anime. Oddly this lack makes it seem all the more Japanese. Pre-dating Osamu Tezuka's saucer eyes, perhaps its the oriental almond eyes that make it seem so exotic, not just its age. |
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Better known as The Tale of the White Serpent, this surprisingly beautiful film from 1958 tells the story of a young man who, as a child, treats a white snake with kindness, against the wishes of his family and society. The snake is actually a female spirit who never forgets that kindness. Later the two are re-united and, once again, they must face intolerance and misunderstanding, and make personal sacrifices, before their love can be acknowledged. The animation is very simple by today’s standards and, thankfully, the singing, talking animals aren’t as distracting as you might fear. The snake spirit has a short, impish sidekick – a fish spirit in female form – who could be the template for many a kid sister you see in modern anime; and there is an extended ocean sequence, complete with storm, that Hayao Miyazaki is surely paying homage to in Ponyo. The opening credit sequence, with its gorgeous pencil drawings reminiscent of woodcuts (and unfortunately obscured by the credits), is accompanied by orchestra and soaring, lyrical slide guitar that would do David Gilmour from Pink Floyd proud. |
