"The Princess of the Moon" review: A fascinating story and deep characters

Princess of the Moon Palace - Tsukinomiya no Oujosama

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

August 1934

■Frequencies

12 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

There was a squirrel town in a beautiful, peaceful flower field. At the outskirts of the town, a cute girl had been living, raised by a kind squirrel grandmother. No one knew where she came from, but everyone loved her. One day, while the grandmother was away, a group of evil frogs living nearby found the girl playing and kidnapped her. The squirrels in the neighboring house saw this and sounded the emergency alarm, and everyone took sticks and hoes and chased the evil frog. On the way, the frogs and squirrels fought fiercely, but the evil frog, who saw that he was no match for the squirrel army, jumped into the pond and asked his minions for help. The group of squirrels quickly made a boat and went to the center of the pond. However, the frog army was stronger on the water, and they suffered a terrible experience. Meanwhile, a wild goose came nearby and asked a duck, who was there, "I am an emissary of the Moon Palace. Have you seen a girl around here?" The duck remembered that the squirrel grandmother was raising a girl and told him. It turns out that the girl is actually the princess of the Moon Palace, and that the rabbit that was her lucky charm dropped her through the clouds while she was not looking. After hearing the story, the wild goose flies to the pond and joins the squirrel army in defeating the frog army and rescuing the princess. He joins the princess and the squirrel army in defeating the frog army and rescuing the princess. Seeing everyone off, the princess and the squirrel grandmother ride on the wild goose's back to the Moon Palace. At the palace, the rabbits are overjoyed at the princess's safe return, and a welcoming party is held for the kindly grandmother.
History of Japanese Animation Films P211

■Explanation

This work is said to be Yasuji Murata's masterpiece of paper-cutting animation. The movements are so smooth, like cel animation, that it's hard to believe they are paper-cutting.

■ Main staff

・Original story and screenplay by Chuzo Aoike ・Illustration by Yasuji Murata ・Music by Toriro Miki and his group, Chizuko Kanda (The notation on page 211 of the History of Japanese Animation Films is as follows, but since it differs from the credit notation in NFC, it is not listed)
Music: Columbia Orchestra, Conductor: Ryozo Sugita)
Commentary by Isoji Sekiya; Song by Hisao Ito and Yukiko Murayama

Princess of the Moon Palace - Detailed review and recommendation of Princess of the Moon Palace

■ Background and historical significance of the work

"The Princess of the Moon Palace," released in 1934, is known as a masterpiece of paper-cutting animation by Yasuji Murata. The film holds an important place in the history of Japanese animation films of its time, and is highly praised for its technical innovation and artistic merit. In particular, paper-cutting animation was extremely advanced for its time, with a smoothness comparable to that of cel animation.

This work was produced by Yokohama Cinema Shokai and was one of the first animated films to be released in theaters. In the 1930s in Japan, animation was still a new medium and in its development stage, so "The Princess of the Moon Palace" was noted as an early example of this. It also had an excellent balance of storytelling and visual expression, and was accepted by a wide range of audiences, from children to adults.

■ Story appeal and character analysis

The story of "The Princess of the Moon Palace" begins with a mysterious girl who lives in a peaceful squirrel town being kidnapped by the evil frog leader. The turn of events that reveals that the girl is in fact the princess of the Moon Palace will leave viewers surprised and moved. The scene where the squirrels rescue the princess with the help of the geese and ducks, showing the importance of friendship and cooperation, is a heartwarming story.

Among the characters, the most memorable is the squirrel grandmother. She is depicted as raising the princess as if she were her own child, showering her with love. The evil frog leader is portrayed as a typical villain, but his comical movements and expressions make the audience laugh. Furthermore, the animal characters, such as the geese and ducks, are also unique, adding color to the story.

■ Technical evaluation

Yasuji Murata's paper-cutting animation is characterized by its smoothness and attention to detail. In particular, the depiction of the characters' movements and backgrounds exceeds the technical standards of the time, and pursues visual beauty. The music, by Toriro Miki and his guru Chizuko Kanda, is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The fusion of music and images deeply moves the viewer.

Additionally, the use of color is excellent, emphasizing the beauty of the flower fields and the moon palace. The color choices effectively convey the story's development and the emotions of the characters, enhancing the visual appeal. The combination of these technical elements makes "The Princess of the Moon Palace" an even more captivating production.

■Cultural influence and evaluation

"The Princess of the Moon Palace" is considered an important work in the history of Japanese animation films of the 1930s. This work had a major impact on the development of later animation films and provided inspiration for many creators. It can also be said to be a symbol of technical innovation, having demonstrated the potential of paper cutting animation.

Culturally, the show is valued not only as entertainment for children, but also as something the whole family can enjoy. The universality of the story and the appeal of the characters have made it a favorite with audiences of all ages. It is also used from an educational perspective as a good teaching material for teaching the importance of friendship and cooperation.

■ Recommendations and how to watch

"The Princess of the Moon Palace" is highly recommended for those who enjoy classic animation films and those who want to experience the beauty of paper-cutting animation. It is also a film that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults, and is perfect for watching with the whole family. This film is available on DVD and online streaming services, so be sure to check it out.

Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding of this work, we recommend that you refer to books on the history of Japanese animation films and related documentaries, which will deepen your knowledge of the background and production process of the work and allow you to enjoy it even more.

■ Related works and recommendation list

If you enjoyed "The Princess of the Moon Palace," we also recommend the following related works, which also have the charm of paper-cutting animation and classic animated films.

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagle" - A paper-cut animation released in 1943. It tells a story about war and is technically highly accomplished.
• "Urashima Taro" - Japan's first full-length animated film, released in 1918. Known as an early work of paper-cutting animation.
• "Lassie" - An American animated film released in 1943. It is characterized by a touching story with animals as the main characters.

Through these films, you will be able to feel the charm and history of classic animated films, and you will also gain a deeper understanding by learning about the background and production process of each film.

■ Summary

"The Princess of the Moon Palace" is a masterpiece of paper-cut animation by Yasuji Murata, released in 1934, and is highly praised for its technical innovation and artistic quality. The charm of the story, the individuality of the characters, and the beauty of the music and colors combine to create a work that deeply moves the viewer. This work is perfect for those who want to enjoy classic animated films or watch with the family, and we highly recommend that you watch it at least once. You can also feel the history and charm of animated films through related works.