Review of "Sora no Momotaro": A new adventure and a moving story

All-round review and recommendation of Momotaro in the Sky

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

November 1931

■Frequencies

16 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Chuzo Aochi

■ Director

Momotaro in the Sky

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

On a peaceful island near the Antarctic, a fierce eagle suddenly appears and attacks penguins and albatrosses. After much commotion, the representative of the island asks Momotaro to get rid of the eagle. Momotaro gladly accepts, and accompanied by a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, he bravely boards his plane to get rid of the eagle. On the way, he fills up with gas on the back of a giant turtle, and when the whale rises again, he successfully refuels at a special gas station on the back of a whale. They finally arrive at Antarctica. The eagle suddenly attacks the plane, and a huge aerial battle ensues. However, he is no match for Momotaro, the number one in Japan, and is captured. Momotaro's plane heads back to his homeland, Japan, with the eagle hanging from it.

■Explanation

Inspired by Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, the film is a story that reflects the latest technology and adventurous spirit of the time. When the film was released in 1931, long-distance airplane flight was still a new technology and a dream for most people. Against this backdrop, the story of Momotaro getting in an airplane to slay a fierce eagle must have deeply moved and excited viewers. Additionally, the scenes in the story of refueling on the backs of giant turtles and whales are praised as ideas that went beyond the technological limitations of the time.

■ Main staff

Original story and adaptation by Chuzo Aoji, illustration by Yasuji Murata, musical accompaniment by the Japan Victor Orchestra

■Detailed evaluation

"Momotaro in the Sky" is a Japanese animated film released in 1931, and is one of the most iconic works of its time. While based on the traditional story of Momotaro, the film provided a fresh surprise to audiences by incorporating the new technology of airplanes. Below, we will provide a detailed evaluation of various aspects of this film.

Story and Themes

The story of "Momotaro in the Sky" begins with an attack by a fierce eagle on a peaceful island near the Antarctic. The representative of the island asks Momotaro to get rid of the eagle, and Momotaro departs by plane with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. On the way, Momotaro refuels on the backs of a giant turtle and a whale as he heads to Antarctica, and finally captures the eagle. This is a story about adventure and courage.

The theme of this work reflects the social situation of the time. In the 1930s, Japan was undergoing rapid modernization and Westernization, and there was a need to combine traditional values ​​with new technology. "Momotaro in the Sky" was set against the backdrop of this era, and by incorporating the new element of an airplane into the traditional story of Momotaro, it could be said to have presented new values ​​to the audience.

character

Momotaro is portrayed as a brave protagonist with a strong sense of justice. He readily accepts the task of slaying the eagle, and viewers are moved by the sight of him embarking on an adventure with his companions. The dog, monkey, and pheasant are also portrayed as distinctive characters, each playing an important role in supporting Momotaro's adventure. The eagle is also portrayed as a powerful enemy, and the confrontation scene between them builds up excitement for the climax of the work.

Animation Technology

"Momotaro in the Sky" was produced in 1931, making full use of the animation technology available. With the technology of the time, it was difficult to realistically depict airplane movements and aerial combat scenes, but this work skillfully expresses them. In particular, the scenes in which airplanes refuel on the backs of giant turtles and whales are highly regarded as ideas that not only make a visual impact, but also surpass the technical limitations of the time. The technical skills of Yasuji Murata, who was in charge of the illustrations, are also highly praised, and the movements and expressions of the characters he draws left a strong impression on viewers.

music

The music by the Japan Victor Orchestra, which was in charge of the musical accompaniment, plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The music was chosen to suit the story's theme of adventure and courage, and it has the effect of evoking the emotions of the viewer. The musical accompaniment, which made full use of the musical technology of the time, also contributed to the perfection of the work.

■Recommendation details

"Momotaro in the Sky" is an animated film from 1931 that symbolizes its era, providing viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. In particular, the story, which incorporates the new technology of airplanes, reflects the social situation of the time and presents viewers with new values. The individuality of the characters, animation techniques, and music have also been highly praised, making it a work of high quality overall.

The reasons why I recommend this work are as follows:

Historical value

"Momotaro in the Sky" is a 1931 animated film that symbolizes the era and has great historical value. It allows viewers to understand the social situation and technological advances of the time. It is also praised for presenting new values ​​to viewers by incorporating a new element, an airplane, into the traditional story of Momotaro.

Entertainment

"Momotaro in the Sky" is a story about adventure and courage that moves and excites viewers. In particular, the scenes in which the plane refuels on the backs of a giant turtle and a whale, and the aerial battle between Momotaro and a fierce eagle, make a strong visual impact and stir the emotions of the viewers. The individuality of the characters, animation techniques, and music have also been highly praised, making this a highly entertaining work overall.

Educational value

"Momotaro in the Sky" also has educational value in teaching viewers courage and a sense of justice. Momotaro's eagerness to take on the task of slaying the eagle and his adventure with his friends not only moves viewers, but also teaches them the importance of courage and a sense of justice. The introduction of a new element, an airplane, into the traditional story of Momotaro has also been praised for presenting new values ​​to viewers.

■ Summary

"Momotaro in the Sky" is an animated film from 1931 that is a symbol of its era, providing viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. In particular, the story, which incorporates the new technology of airplanes, reflects the social situation of the time and presents viewers with new values. The individuality of the characters, animation techniques, and music have also been highly praised, making this a highly polished work overall. This work combines historical, entertainment, and educational value, and is highly recommended for viewers.