Review of the manga "Monkey's Big Catch": A perfect balance of monkey adventure and humor

"Monkey's Big Catch": A masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

■Overview of the work

"Osaru no Tairyo" (Big Catch of Monkeys) is a Japanese animated film released in 1934. It was released in theaters and based on an original anime story. The original story was written by Chuzo Aoji and produced by Yokohama Cinema Shokai. This work is known as Yasuji Murata's first full-scale talkie. It was released in January 1934 and is short, with just one episode and 10 minutes, but packed with dense content.

■ Story

Tanuki-ko is fishing by drilling a hole in the frozen lake, but he is unable to catch anything. The monkey starts ice skating on the ice. The monkey lends Tanuki-ko one of his skates. Meanwhile, he hears a noise from the hole where his fishing line is still hanging, so he turns back and pulls the line, and catches a catfish-like king fish. The monster fish glares at them, so they run away in a panic. The monster fish laughs and goes underwater. The monkey gets angry and jumps into the water to get rid of the monster fish. He searches for the monster fish in the water, but the monster fish orders his subordinate fish to fire its machine gun at the monkey. At first, the monkey dodges the fish's bullets like a boxer, but he is finally defeated and runs back to the ice. This time, he gets Tanuki-ko to help him with his favorite idea, and prepares a large basket, a rubber balloon, and an air pump. He dives to the bottom of the water again, puts on a topknot wig and a chanchanko, and speaks a speech to gather the fish. The fish advertise that it is fun to see the sights on land using a rubber balloon. The fish that have been caught want to try seeing the sights on land, so they grab the balloons and rise to the surface of the water one after another. Tanuki-Kou is waiting on the ice, and catches the fish that rise to the surface from one end and puts them in a cage. Finally, he finds the monster fish and chases the monkey to avenge his subordinate, but he pushes an air pump into the monster fish's mouth, filling it with air, which causes it to swell up like a pufferfish and jump out onto the ice. The monkey and Tanuki-Kou are delighted with their big catch, and have the monster fish pull the cage across the ice.

■Explanation

"Monkey's Catch" is known as Yasuji Murata's first true talkie. A talkie is a film with sound, which was an innovative technology at the time. The film holds an important place in the history of Japanese animation and is an example of the evolution of early animation technology and storytelling. The film also received high praise for its music, with the Columbia Orchestra providing the music and conducted by Ryozo Sugita.

■ Main staff

• Illustration: Yasuji Murata
• Music: Columbia Orchestra
• Conductor: Ryozo Sugita

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Monkey's Big Catch" entertains audiences with its unique story and humorous characters. In particular, the interaction between the monkey and the raccoon dog and the fight with the monster fish are depicted visually as very interesting scenes. It is also highly regarded as a sound film that made full use of the technology of the time, and the fusion of music and images is a wonderful success.

This work also holds an important position as one of the early animated films, and had a major influence on later animated works. In particular, the characters of the monkey and the raccoon dog can be said to be the prototypes of the animal characters seen in later Japanese animated works. In addition, the scenes of the fight with the monster fish and the fishing with a rubber balloon are remembered as famous scenes that combined visual impact and humor.

■ Background and historical significance of the work

The year 1934, when "Monkeys' Big Catch" was released, was a time when Japanese animation films were still in their infancy. Animation films of this era had many technical constraints and limited storytelling. However, "Monkeys' Big Catch" overcame these constraints and succeeded in creating a work that was rich in both visuals and audio. It can be said to be the culmination of Yasuji Murata's talent and the efforts of the engineers of the time.

This work also became a catalyst for Japanese animation films to spread around the world. In particular, the scenes of the fight with the monster fish and fishing with a rubber balloon were highly praised overseas, helping to demonstrate the potential of Japanese animation films to the world. This led to Japanese animation films receiving international acclaim and had a major impact on the development of animation films in the future.

■Character Analysis

The main characters in "Monkey's Big Catch" are the monkey and Tanuki-kun. The monkey is portrayed as a curious and imaginative character, and he plays an active role in various scenes, such as fighting a monster fish and fishing with a rubber balloon. Meanwhile, Tanuki-kun is the monkey's partner and plays a role in supporting the monkey's ideas. The story unfolds as the two cooperate with each other to defeat the monster fish and achieve a big catch.

The monster fish is also depicted as the antagonist of the story, playing an important role as the one who corners the monkey and Tanuki-ko. The design of the monster fish has a strong visual impact and leaves a strong impression on the audience. The fish subordinates of the monster fish are also depicted as humorous characters, adding color to the story.

■Music and Sound

The music for "Monkey's Big Catch" was provided by the Columbia Orchestra, conducted by Ryozo Sugita. The music plays an important role in creating tension and humor in line with the development of the story. In particular, the music heightens the tension in the battle scene with the monster fish, drawing the audience in. Also, the humorous music in the fishing scene using rubber balloons adds to the atmosphere of the story.

In terms of sound, the film is also highly regarded as a sound-equipped film that made full use of the technology of the time, and the characters' voices and sound effects enrich the story. In particular, the laughter of the monster fish and the sound of the fish's machine gun, combined with the visual impact, leave a strong impression on the audience.

■ Visual expression

The visual expression of "Monkey's Big Catch" was drawn by Yasuji Murata, and is characterized by beautiful animation that makes full use of the technology of the time. In particular, the scenes on the ice and underwater have a strong visual impact and are effective in drawing the audience in. In addition, the movements and expressions of the characters are depicted with a sense of humor, enriching the story.

In addition, the design of the monstrous fish and the scene of fishing with a rubber balloon have a strong visual impact and leave a strong impression on the audience. These scenes had a major influence on later animation works and are examples of the evolution of visual expression.

■Influence and evaluation of the work

"Monkey's Great Catch" occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films, and had a great influence on later animation works. In particular, the characters of the monkey and the raccoon dog can be said to be the prototypes of the animal characters seen in later Japanese animation works. In addition, the scene where the monster fish is fought and the fishing scene using a rubber balloon are remembered as famous scenes that combine visual impact and humor.

This work is highly regarded as one of the earliest animated films, and as a film with sound that made full use of the technology of the time. The fusion of music and images is also a great success, drawing the audience in. As a result, "Monkey's Catch" helped to show the world the potential of Japanese animation films, and had a major impact on the development of later animation films.

■ Recommendations and how to watch

"Monkey's Great Catch" is a masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation, and is a work rich in both visuals and audio. In particular, the humorous exchanges between the monkey and the raccoon dog characters, and the battle with the monster fish are sure to entertain audiences. It is also highly regarded as a sound film that made full use of the technology of the time, and the fusion of music and images is a wonderful success.

This work also holds an important position as one of the early animated films, and had a major influence on later animated works. In particular, the characters of the monkey and the raccoon dog can be said to be the prototypes of the animal characters seen in later Japanese animated works. In addition, the scenes of the fight with the monster fish and the fishing with a rubber balloon are remembered as famous scenes that combined visual impact and humor.

There are several ways to watch "Monkey's Big Catch."

• Screenings at cinemas: The film may be screened at some cinemas and animation film festivals. For the latest screening information, please check the official website or the cinema's official website.
• Videos and DVDs: Some videos and DVDs are available for purchase online or at bookstores.
• Streaming services: It may be available on some streaming services. Please check the official website of each streaming service for the latest distribution information.

"Monkeys' Great Catch" is a masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation films, and is a work that is rich in both visuals and audio. In particular, the humorous exchanges between the monkey and the raccoon dog characters, as well as the fight with the monster fish, are sure to entertain audiences. It is also highly regarded as a film with sound that made full use of the technology of the time, and the fusion of music and images is a brilliant success. As a result, "Monkeys' Great Catch" helped to show the world the potential of Japanese animation films, and had a major impact on the development of later animation films. Please watch this work and experience the history and appeal of Japanese animation films.