"Saru Masamune" Review: What is the appeal of this anime that intersects tradition and innovation?

The charm and historical value of Sarumasamune

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

June 1, 1930 - January 1, 0000

■Frequencies

19 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Yasushi Murata

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

A courier rescues a monkey from being shot by a hunter, and the monkey thanks him with a famous sword. The monkey is chased by a wild boar, but is saved by the sword.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 202

■Explanation

It won first place in the "1931 Outstanding Educational Film Recommendations - Manga Section" sponsored by the School Touring Film Association.

■ Main staff

・Original story and adaptation by Chuzo Aoji ・Illustration by Yasuji Murata

The charm and historical value of Sarumasamune

Released in 1930, "Saru Masamune" holds an important place in the history of Japanese animation films. The film was produced by Yokohama Cinema Shokai, directed by Yasuji Murata, and written and adapted by Chuzo Aoji. In just 19 minutes, it has a deep story and beautiful animation.

The story begins when a courier saves a monkey that is about to be shot by a hunter, and as a token of gratitude, the monkey gives him the famous sword "Saru Masamune." This sword later saves the courier from being chased by a wild boar. This simple yet moving story left a deep impression on audiences at the time. This work was also selected as the top recommended educational film of 1931 in the cartoon category, and was highly praised for its artistic quality and educational value.

Background and historical significance

"Saru Masamune" was produced in the early 1930s, when animation films were still in their infancy. Animation at that time was mostly hand-drawn and had many technical limitations. However, Yasuji Murata's skillful drawings and Chuzo Aoji's storytelling allowed this work to overcome these limitations and receive high praise.

The fact that this work was also used as an educational film and was recommended by the School Touring Film Association is an important example of the role of animation in the educational world at the time. Saru Masamune is a work of historical significance in that it demonstrated the possibility of animation being used not just for entertainment but also as a means of education and enlightenment.

Drawing and Art

Yasuji Murata's drawings are extremely sophisticated considering the technical level of the time. In particular, the movements of the monkeys and couriers are realistic, while effectively incorporating manga-like exaggeration. The backgrounds are also beautifully depicted, with the natural scenery carefully drawn in minute detail. These elements combine to create a visually appealing work.

In terms of visual art, the design of the famous sword "Saru Masamune" is impressive. This sword is a central element of the story, and its beauty and strength are visually expressed. In addition, the boar chase scene uses clever camerawork to heighten the tension, drawing the audience into the story.

Music and Sound

The music and sounds in "Saru Masamune" are also important elements that add excitement to the story. Animation with sound was not yet common with the technology at the time, but this work makes effective use of sound effects and music. In particular, the sound effects that heighten the sense of tension in the boar chase scene and the music that symbolizes the courage of the courier who holds the famous sword "Saru Masamune" are impressive. These sound effects, combined with the visual expression, left a strong impression on the audience.

Characters and Storytelling

The characters in this work are simple, yet unique and attractive. In particular, the relationship between the monkey and the courier is an important element that supports the moving story. The scene in which the monkey gives the courier a famous sword as a token of his gratitude is a touching moment for the audience, and symbolizes the themes of the story, "giving back" and "courage." In addition, the depiction of the courier's fear of being chased by a boar and his courage in overcoming it allows the audience to empathize with the story.

Chuzo Aochi's storytelling is simple yet profound. Saru Masamune deals with universal themes of gratitude, courage, and coexistence with nature, and resonates with modern audiences. The power of this storytelling makes this a timeless work.

Evaluation and impact

"Saru Masamune" was highly praised in the Japanese animation film world at the time. In particular, it won first place in the "1931 Excellent Educational Film Recommendation - Manga Section" by the School Touring Film Association, proving its artistic quality and educational value. This work also influenced later animators, becoming an important work that showed the potential of hand-drawn animation.

This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films. Animation in the 1930s still had many technical limitations, but "Saru Masamune" is recognized as a work that overcame those limitations and achieved a high level of artistic quality. The success of this work had a major impact on the development of later animation films.

Sarumasamune from a modern perspective

Even from a modern perspective, Saru Masamune has not lost its charm and value. In particular, the beauty of the hand-drawn animation and the simple yet profound storytelling are comparable to modern animation works. Furthermore, the theme of coexistence with nature and giving back is an important issue in modern society and deeply moves the audience.

Furthermore, this work is an important resource for learning about the history of animation. "Saru Masamune" is a valuable example for understanding the animation technology of the 1930s and the social background of the time. This work is definitely worth seeing for animation enthusiasts and researchers.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Saru Masamune" is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of people because of its historical value and artistic merit. It is a work that should be watched by anyone, especially those who are interested in the history of animation and the beauty of hand-drawn animation. It is also highly recommended for those who sympathize with the theme of coexistence with nature and giving back.

Currently, it is possible to watch it on DVD or through online streaming services. It is also sometimes screened at movie theaters and animation events, so you can take advantage of these opportunities to watch it. Furthermore, if you want to learn about the history of animation and the background to its production, we recommend reading related books and papers. Books such as "History of Japanese Animation Films" contain detailed information about "Saru Masamune", so please refer to them.

Conclusion

"Saru Masamune" occupies an important position in the world of Japanese animation films of the 1930s. Its beautiful drawings and deep storytelling leave a strong impression on modern audiences. It also has great value as an educational film and has had a great influence on later animators. This work is definitely worth seeing, whether you want to learn about the history of animation or enjoy its artistry. Please watch it and experience its charm.