Review of "Monkey Service": A unique world view and charming characters

"Monkey Service": A film that marked the dawn of Japanese animation

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1936

■Frequencies

1 minute

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Masafumi Ito

■ Director

Manzo Miyashita

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

Monkeys and octopuses have long been enemies, and the monkey kingdom is constantly under threat from the unruly octopuses. With no other option but to prioritize national defense, the coast is surrounded by barbed wire, observation towers are erected, and sentries are posted, keeping a strict guard. One night, the octopus army breaks through the defenses, steals the watermelons that the monkeys have been working hard to grow, and escapes. The monkey army is pursued out to sea, and after a great naval battle, the octopus army is annihilated. History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 217

■Explanation

This is the second video of the winning entry in the Educational Promotion Association's prize draw.

■ Main staff

・Adaptation: Chuzo Aoike ・Illustration and direction: Manzo Miyashita

The historical background and significance of "Monkey Service"

"Monkey Service" is a Japanese animated film released in 1936, and despite its short running time, it occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation. This work was produced as a prize-winning entry in a competition run by the Educational Promotion Association, and it reflects the social and cultural background of the time.

The 1930s in Japan was a time of rising militarism, and the public was filled with fear and tension over the prospect of war. Monkey Service depicts the importance of national defense and the power of unity through the allegory of the conflict between monkeys and octopuses. The image of the monkey nation uniting its forces to defend itself against the invasion of the octopus was likely received as a message of courage and unity by the Japanese people at the time.

The film is also an example of the advancement of animation technology. Director Miyashita Manzo uses skillful direction and animation to effectively tell the story within the limited time frame. The naval battle scenes in particular are impressive for their dynamic depiction and camerawork, demonstrating an expressiveness that surpassed the technical standards of the time.

Story and characters of "Monkey Service"

The story of "Monkey Service" revolves around the conflict between monkeys and octopuses. In order to protect their country from the invasion of the octopuses, the monkey kingdom has put in place a strict state of alert, including stringing barbed wire around the coast, setting up observation towers, and posting sentries. However, one night, the octopus army breaks through the defenses and steals the watermelons that the monkeys have painstakingly grown. The monkey army becomes enraged and chases the octopus army out to sea, where they are annihilated after a great naval battle.

The characters in this work are personified monkeys and octopuses, and are depicted to make the most of their respective characteristics. The monkeys symbolize wisdom and unity, while the octopus embodies the threat of an invader. In particular, the monkeys' leadership and unity reflect the values ​​sought by Japanese society at the time.

The production background and staff of "Monkey Service"

"Monkey Service" was produced as a winning entry in a contest organized by the Japan Educational Promotion Association. This contest was part of an effort to popularize and develop animation films in Japan at the time, and many creators participated. "Monkey Service" was one of the most highly acclaimed works, and it is a work that highlights the talent of director Manzo Miyashita.

Manzo Miyashita was a creator who was highly regarded in the animation industry at the time, and his drawings and direction were noticed in many of his works. In "Monkey Service," Chuzo Aochi was in charge of the screenplay, and played a part in the development of the story and the portrayal of the characters. In addition, Yokohama Cinema Shokai, which was in charge of production, was a company that focused on the production of animation films in Japan at the time, and their technical skills and creativity were concentrated in this work.

Evaluation and influence of "Monkey Service"

"Monkey Service" was highly acclaimed when it was released, especially for its story and character portrayal. It was praised for its technical ability to effectively convey a story in a short running time, and for its message that reflected the social situation at the time. This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films, and has influenced creators in later generations.

In particular, the allegory of the conflict between the monkey and the octopus was often featured in later animated works, demonstrating its influence. Miyashita Manzo's drawings and direction had expressive power that exceeded the technical standards of the time, and contributed to the advancement of animation technology in the future. "Monkey Service" is still loved by many fans today as a work that colored the dawn of Japanese animation films.

Recommendations and how to watch "Monkey Service"

"Monkey Service" is an essential work for understanding the history of Japanese animation films, and is highly recommended for fans of animation films and those interested in history. This work has the power to convey a profound message in a short running time, and will surely inspire and inspire the viewer.

Currently, you can watch "Monkey Service" on DVD or through internet streaming services. Internet streaming services in particular provide subtitles and dubbed versions, allowing you to understand the work more deeply. In addition, many related books and materials have been published, and by referring to these while watching the work, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding and be deeply moved.

List of related works and recommendations for "Monkey Service"

After watching "Monkey Service," try exploring the world of Japanese animation films even more by checking out the related works and recommendation list below.

Related Titles

• "Momotaro's Sea Eagle": A Japanese animated film released in 1943. It is a war-themed film that reflects the social situation at the time.
• "The Cloud and the Tulip": A Japanese animated film released in 1943. It depicts the coexistence of nature and humans, and is characterized by its beautiful artwork.
• "Lassie": An American animated film released in 1943. It features anthropomorphic animals and is highly praised for its touching story.

Recommendation List

• "Spirited Away": A Japanese animated film released in 2001. It won an Academy Award for its beautiful drawings and deep storyline.
• "My Neighbor Totoro": A Japanese animated film released in 1988. It depicts the coexistence of humans and nature, and is loved by many fans.
• "Toy Story": An American animated film released in 1995. It is a work that makes full use of CGI technology and is praised for its moving story.

Conclusion

"Monkey Service" is a work that marks the dawn of Japanese animation films, and its appeal can be understood in depth through its historical background and significance, story and characters, production background and staff, evaluation and influence, recommendations and viewing methods, related works and recommendation lists. This work has the power to convey a deep message in a short screening time, and will move and encourage the viewer. Please watch "Monkey Service" and feel its appeal.