Review and recommendation of "Yuan" for its profound theme and beautiful visuals

"En": A masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

1. Overview of the Work

"Maru" is a Japanese animated film released in 1932 that is highly regarded for its historical significance and artistic merit. The film was produced at the dawn of animation and represents the culmination of the technology and creativity of the time. Below, we will take a deeper look at the details of "Maru" and its appeal.

2. Public Information

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1932

■ Director

Seitaro Kitayama

■ Production

Osaka Daily Newspaper Company

3. Story

The story of "Circle" is simple, yet contains a profound message. The story begins with a boy finding a mysterious "Circle" in the forest. This "Circle" is depicted as a symbol of the boy's growth and overcoming various aspects of life. Through the "Circle", the boy learns universal themes such as friendship, love, and courage.

The story development reflects the social background of the time, particularly depicting the state of mind of people during the transition from Taisho democracy to the Showa era. The lessons the boy learns through "En" evoke deep emotion and empathy in the viewer.

4. Characters

The characters in "En" are simple in design, yet rich in individuality, and they make a strong impression on viewers. The protagonist, a boy, is portrayed as pure and curious, and viewers empathize with him as he grows. The animals and nature spirits he encounters in the forest also play an important role in enriching the story.

In particular, the scene where the boy finds the "Yen" and all the animals gather together to congratulate him is impressive. This scene symbolizes the coexistence of nature and humans, and leaves a deep impression on the viewer.

5. Animation Technology

"Maru" uses incredible animation techniques considering the historical background of 1932. At the time in Japan, animation production was still in its infancy, and there were many technical limitations. However, Director Kitayama Seitaro and his team at the Osaka Mainichi Shimbun Company managed to maximize the expressive power of the film within the limited technology available.

In particular, the hand-drawn animation is characterized by its smooth movements and detailed depictions. The forest scenery and the movements of the animals are so realistic that they look like live-action images, and they have the power to draw the viewer into the world of the story. In addition, the use of color is also skillful, effectively creating the atmosphere of the story.

6. Music and Sound

The music and sound in "Yen" are also important elements that enhance the work's appeal. Animation with sound was not yet common with the technology at the time, but "Yen" skillfully uses sound effects and music to liven up the story's development.

In particular, the music in the scene where the boy finds "Yuan" leaves a strong impression with its mysterious and beautiful melody. This music touches the hearts of viewers and helps them to understand the theme of the story more deeply. In addition, the natural sounds of the forest and the voices of animals are reproduced with realistic sound effects, enhancing the viewer's immersive feeling.

7. Social Background and Influence

"Maru" is a work that reflects Japanese society in 1932, and by understanding the background, the deeper meaning of the work can be better understood. At the time, Japan was in the transition from Taisho democracy to the Showa era, and society as a whole was in a state of uncertainty. "Maru" was praised as a work that gave hope and courage to those times.

This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation, and had a major influence on subsequent animation works. In particular, works that deal with the theme of the coexistence of humans and nature, and the genre of boy's coming-of-age stories, were strongly influenced by "En."

8. Recognition and Awards

"Maru" was highly praised when it was first released and won numerous awards. In particular, it won the Best Animation Award at the 1932 Japan Film Awards, where it was highly praised for its artistic and technical quality. It also received international acclaim, winning a special award at the Paris Film Festival in 1933.

Even today, "Maru" is considered an essential work in the history of Japanese animation, and is beloved by many researchers and fans. In particular, the film's theme and technical innovation continue to inspire many people.

9. Recommendations and viewing methods

"En" is a masterpiece that combines historical significance and artistic merit, and we highly recommend that you watch it at least once, especially if you are interested in the history and technology of animation, or if you like works that focus on the coexistence of nature and humans.

You can currently purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray. It is also sometimes shown at some movie theaters and animation events, so you might want to take advantage of those opportunities. It may also be available on online streaming services, so be sure to check those out too.

10. Summary

"Maru" is a Japanese animated film released in 1932, and is highly regarded for its historical significance and artistic merit. The film has a wide range of appeal, including a simple yet profound storyline, distinctive characters, astonishing animation techniques, ingenious music and sound, and themes that reflect the social background.

This work occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation and had a major influence on later works. "Maru" continues to be loved by many people even today, and is a work that you should definitely watch at least once to experience its charm. I would especially recommend this work to anyone interested in the coexistence of nature and humans, a boy's coming-of-age story, and the history and technology of animation.