Dan'emon Hanawa's Monster Hunt: A fascinating story and in-depth character exploration

Hanawa Dan'emon: Monster Extermination - Bandan'emon: Bakemono Taiji no Maki

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1935

■Frequencies

10 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Kazumitsu Masuda

■ Director

Yoshitaro Kataoka

■ Production

Japan Manga Film Research Institute

■ Story

During his training as a warrior, Danemon sees a sign in a castle town offering 1,000 ryo of gold to anyone who can defeat a monster, and so he enters an old temple, but falls into the hands of a tanuki disguised as a beautiful woman, becoming dizzy. The tanuki, feeling pleased with themselves, hold a drinking party with the leader of the group, and when Danemon wakes up, he knocks them down with an iron bar and fights one-on-one with the leader, who has disguised himself as Tange Sazen, and finally defeats him, receiving a 1,000 ryo box from the lord.
History of Japanese Animation Films P214

■Explanation

A talkie version was produced in 1939.

■ Main staff

Original story, adaptation and direction: Kazumitsu Masuda Animation director: Yoshitaro Kataoka

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

Hanawa Dan'emon: Monster Extermination is a Japanese animated film released in 1935, and is still highly regarded for its historical value and entertainment value. This work tells the story of Dan'emon, a warrior in training, who enters an old temple in search of 1,000 ryo of gold as a reward for defeating a monster. Although the story is simple, it skillfully depicts Dan'emon's bravery and the tricks of the raccoon dogs.

The appeal of this work lies above all in the character of Dan'emon. He is brave and filled with a sense of justice, and does not succumb to the tricks of the tanuki, ultimately defeating the leader of the tanuki. The portrayal of this character must have deeply moved the audience at the time. In addition, the tricks played by the tanuki and the free-for-all drinking parties add a comical element, making the whole work seem more enjoyable.

Director Yoshitaro Kataoka also worked as animation director on this film, meticulously depicting Danemon's movements and the expressions of the tanuki. In particular, the scene where Danemon mows down the tanuki with an iron bar and the one-on-one fight with the leader of the tanuki are outstanding in their animation techniques. In addition, the storytelling of Masuda Kazumitsu, who wrote the original story, adapted the screenplay, and directed the film, is also superb, skillfully weaving together tension and humor in a short period of time.

This work was made into a talkie version in 1939 and was loved by even more audiences. In the talkie version, the voices of the raccoon dogs and Dan'emon's brave voice were expressed more realistically by adding sound, which increased the appeal of the work.

From a historical perspective, this work is an important early work in Japanese animation and had a major influence on the development of subsequent animation films. In particular, the character of Dan'emon has influenced subsequent animation works and can be considered the prototype of the brave hero.

The first point I would like to recommend is its historical value. As one of the earliest Japanese animated films, it is well worth watching. Dan'emon's bravery and the raccoon dogs' tricks are also entertaining for both children and adults. Furthermore, the drawing techniques and storytelling are not to be missed.

To enjoy this work, first pay attention to the character of Danemon. His bravery and sense of justice will surely impress the audience. Also, don't miss the tricks the tanuki use and the free-for-all drinking parties. Also, pay attention to the drawing techniques and skillful storytelling. Doing so will help you to understand the appeal of this work more deeply.

Lastly, the reasons I recommend this film are its historical value, entertainment value, drawing technique, and skillful storytelling. With these points in mind, I urge you to take a look at this film. I'm sure you'll enjoy Dan'emon's brave battles and the tricks of the raccoon dogs.