The appeal and reviews of "Hinomaru Hatanosuke: Defeating the Bandits": A thorough analysis of the adventures of Santa and the bandits

Hinomaru Hatanosuke: Defeating the Bandits (Santa and the Bandits)

■ Public Media

others

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ First appearance date

January 1, 1938

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Story

Hatanosuke, who has gone on a martial arts training, rescues a young samurai whose heirloom sword has been stolen, and sets out to defeat bandits. Along the way, he helps a raccoon dog that has stopped beating its stomach and a mother monkey that has stopped producing milk by giving them medicine. The raccoon dog disguises itself as a merchant to lure out the bandits, and with the help of the animals, Hatanosuke and the boy defeat the bandits and get their sword back.

Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p. 222

■Explanation

This is a promotional film for the popular drug "Wakamoto". Perhaps inspired by Popeye, the bandit character looks just like Bluto. Popeye is spinach, but Hatanosuke gets his strength from drinking "Wakamoto". The year of production is uncertain, so it is an estimate. It was later republished by Corona Eigasha under the title "The Santaro Travel Diary" with the promotional section for "Wakamoto" removed.

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

1. Story and Characters

"Hinomaru Hatanosuke and the Bandits" is an animated film released in 1938, and its story is very simple yet fascinating. The protagonist, Hatanosuke, challenges himself to defeat bandits in order to save a young samurai whose heirloom sword has been stolen during his training. The story has themes of courage and friendship, and is particularly appealing to children.

The character settings are also interesting. Hatanosuke is a warrior with a strong sense of justice who overcomes obstacles using his bravery and wisdom. The raccoon dog and mother monkey he meets along the way also add depth to the story by solving their own problems with Hatanosuke's help and then helping him out later. In particular, the scene where the raccoon dog disguises itself as a merchant is humorous yet strategic.

2. Animation and Visuals

This work reflects the animation techniques of the 1930s, and you can fully experience the charm of hand-drawn animation of the time. In particular, the bandit character resembles Bluto from Popeye, which shows the influence of foreign animation of the time. In addition, the detailed depiction of the backgrounds and animals adds to the atmosphere of the story.

In terms of visuals, Hatanosuke's movements and expressions are very lively, making it a visual treat. In particular, in the scene where he defeats the bandits, he is shown working together with the animals, and their dynamic movements are captivating to the viewer.

3. Music and Sound

Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the appeal of this work. In particular, in the scene where Hatanosuke drinks "Wakamoto" and gains his powers, the sound effects and music change dramatically, further enhancing the visual impact. In the scene where the raccoon dog disguises itself as a merchant, humorous sound effects are used, entertaining the audience.

Overall, music and sound are used skillfully to advance the story and enhance the emotions of the viewer.

4. Historical background and influence

This film was made as a promotional film for the popular drug "Wakamoto." Therefore, "Wakamoto" plays an important role in the story. Just as Popeye gets his strength from eating spinach, the setting in which Hatanosuke gets his strength from drinking "Wakamoto" was thought to be an effective way of appealing the effectiveness of the product to the audience at the time.

This work was later republished by Corona Film Company under the title "The Santaro Travel Diary" and with the promotional parts for "Wakamoto" cut out. This shows that the story itself was appreciated and reused even after it had finished its role as a promotional film.

5. Recommendations and ratings

"Hinomaru Hatanosuke and the Bandits" is a highly valued animated film from the 1930s. With its simple yet captivating story, character development, visuals, music and sound, as well as historical background and influence, this film is an important piece in understanding the history of animated films.

I would especially recommend this film to many people as a story that teaches children the importance of courage and friendship, and as a work that shows the evolution of animation technology. In addition, the character settings, which seem to be influenced by Popeye, and the historical background of the film as a PR campaign for "Wakamoto" are also interesting, making this a must-see for movie fans and animation enthusiasts.

6. Supplementary Information

This film was released in 1938, and so it reflects the social and cultural background of the time. In particular, in prewar Japan, the promotion of the nation's health was a major priority, and it is believed that such a social need was behind the production of a PR film for a popular drug. In addition, the character design, influenced by Popeye, gives a sense of the influence of foreign culture at the time.

Furthermore, this work occupies an important place in the history of animated films. It gives a sense of the evolution of animation technology in the 1930s, and its value continues to be appreciated, with it being reprinted even after its role as a PR film.

7. How to watch and related works

"Hinomaru Hatanosuke: Defeating the Bandits (Santa and the Bandits)" is now available on DVD and online streaming services. Also, check out the related film "Santaro's Travel Diary," also republished by Corona Eigasha. This film is a version that cuts out the promotional parts of "Wakamoto," so you can get a sense of the appeal of the story itself.

Also, if you are interested in the character settings influenced by Popeye, please watch the original Popeye work. By comparing the characters and story of Popeye, you will be able to understand the appeal of this work even more deeply.

8. Summary

"Hinomaru Hatanosuke: Defeating the Bandits (Santa and the Bandits)" is a very valuable animated film from the 1930s. Considering its simple yet fascinating story, character settings, visuals, music and sound, as well as historical background and influence, this film can be said to be an important piece in understanding the history of animated films. In particular, I would like to recommend this film to many people as a story that teaches children the importance of courage and friendship, and as a work that shows the evolution of animation technology. In addition, the character settings that feel the influence of Popeye and the historical background of the promotion of "Wakamoto" are also interesting, making this a must-see for movie fans and animation enthusiasts.