"Frog is Frog" review: An anime with a unique perspective and deep themes

"The Frog is the Frog" - Deep insight and review of the 1929 animated film

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

February 1929

■Frequencies

15 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Chuzo Aochi

■ Director

Illustration by Yasuji Murata

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

In this story about a monkey house at the zoo, a mischievous baby monkey picks up a cigar that a visitor has discarded, and in his pride, smokes it like a human. Eventually, he becomes dizzy. When the baby monkey comes to its senses, the mother monkey tells it the Aesop's fable "The Frog and the Cow," teaching it that frogs are frogs and monkeys are monkeys, and that it is not okay to imitate humans.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 198

■Explanation

This film was recommended by the Ministry of Education of the Mainichi Shimbun. It won first place in the "Showa 4 Outstanding School Films Recommended Works, Manga Section" educational film competition run by the All Japan Katsue Educational Research Association, sponsored by the Mainichi Shimbun. It also won the Minister of Education Award.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 198

■ Main staff

Original story and adaptation by Chuzo Aoji, illustration by Yasuji Murata

"A Frog is a Frog" - Historical Background and Creative Intentions

Released in February 1929, "Frog is Frog" was a groundbreaking work in the Japanese animation film industry at the time, and its role as an educational film played a major role in this regard. The film was produced by Yokohama Cinema Shokai, with a story and screenplay by Chuzo Aochi and illustrations by Yasuji Murata. In just 15 minutes, it succeeds in conveying a profound message through a simple story of a baby monkey smoking a cigar.

This work was created in the early Showa era, a time when Japan was still searching for a balance between education and entertainment with the shadow of war looming. "Frog is Frog" was recognized as a film recommended by the Ministry of Education of the Mainichi Shimbun, won first place in the "Showa 4 Outstanding School Films Recommended Works - Manga Section" of the Educational Film Competition, and received the Minister of Education Award, among other high acclaim. This shows that it was a work that combined educational value and entertainment, which was what society was looking for at the time.

Story details and themes

The story of "Frog is Frog" is set in the monkey house at the zoo. A mischievous baby monkey picks up a cigar that a visitor has discarded, and begins to smoke it in a proud manner, imitating humans. However, he becomes intoxicated by the cigar smoke and becomes dizzy. This scene depicts the baby monkey's innocence and curiosity, and evokes sympathy from the audience.

After the baby monkey wakes up, the mother monkey tells him Aesop's fable "The Frog and the Cow." The frog is jealous of the size of the cow and tries to grow bigger, but ends up exploding. Through this story, the mother monkey teaches her baby that "frogs are frogs, monkeys are monkeys, and they should not imitate humans." This message shows the importance of recognizing one's own existence and the danger of trying to imitate others too much.

The story contains an educational theme that encourages children to have a positive attitude towards themselves and to understand others. It also reflects the social situation at the time, and appeals to people who tend to lose sight of their own value under the influence of war, by teaching them the importance of valuing their individuality.

Animation Techniques and Expressions

"Frog is Frog" was produced using the animation technology of 1929. At the time, hand-drawn animation was the norm, and Yasuji Murata's drawings were especially praised. The expressions and movements of the baby monkey were very important in helping the viewer empathize with the character, and Yasuji Murata was successful in this regard.

In addition, the detailed depictions, such as the cigar smoke and the zoo background, are superb, enhancing the visual appeal. In particular, the scene in which the baby monkey is enveloped in cigar smoke has a strong visual impact and effectively conveys the baby monkey's drunken state. These technical details add depth to the story and also serve to capture the viewer's interest.

Social impact and evaluation

"Frog is Frog" was not only highly acclaimed as an educational film, but was also widely supported by general audiences. Its educational value for children was particularly recognized, and it was used in school education. In addition, the theme, which reflected the social situation of the time, resonated with many adults, providing an opportunity for them to reexamine their own values.

This work can be said to be a pioneer in successfully fusing education and entertainment in the world of Japanese animation in the early Showa period. It had a major impact on the development of Japanese animation thereafter, and built the foundation for the animation culture that continues to this day.

Work evaluation and recommendation

"Frog is a Frog" is a highly acclaimed animated film from 1929, and its educational value and entertainment value remain strong even today. In particular, the themes of fostering self-esteem in children and encouraging understanding of others resonate as important messages in modern society.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this film:

• Educational value : Stories that teach children self-esteem and understanding of others are useful in school and at home.
• Entertainment : The baby monkey's antics and the mother monkey's moralizing tales will entertain and provide insight to your audience.
• Historical value : As a pioneer of Japanese animation films in the early Showa period, its techniques and themes laid the foundation for today's animation culture.
• Social impact : The theme reflected the social situation at the time, providing an opportunity for people to reexamine their own values ​​and resonating with many people.

"Frog is Frog" is a work that succeeds in conveying a profound message in a short 15-minute play, and embodies the fusion of education and entertainment. Please take this opportunity to reexamine your own values ​​and deepen your understanding of others.