Review of "The New Monkey and the Crab": A deep dive into a modern take on a classic tale

All-round review and recommendation of New Monkey and Crab Battle - Shinsarukani Gassen

overview

Released in 1939, "The New Monkey and the Crab Battle" is a landmark work in the history of Japanese animation and distributed by the Educational Film Division of Oku Shokai. Directed by Masaoka Kenzo, produced by the Japan Animation Institute and with illustrations by Miyashita Manzo, the film is known as a pioneering attempt to use the new medium of animation to tell a classic folk tale in a short 11-minute film.

story

"The New Monkey and the Crab" is a story based on a classic folktale about the conflict between a monkey and a crab. One day, while the crab is playing by the river, a monkey appears and snatches the persimmon that the crab is holding. The crab becomes angry and vows to take revenge. The crab and his fellow animals try to get revenge on the monkey, but are overwhelmed by the monkey's cunning. However, in the end, thanks to the crab's wisdom and the cooperation of his friends, the monkey is punished. This simple yet moral story teaches children the importance of justice and friendship.

Background

In the 1930s in Japan, animation was still considered a new medium, and "Shin Sarukan Kassen" is considered one of the first attempts at this. The film was made as an educational film, and its purpose was to teach moral lessons to children. Director Kenzo Masaoka used advanced techniques for the time to successfully express the story visually. The skills of the animator Manzo Miyashita were also highly praised, and the characters he draws are still fascinating to watch today.

Technical evaluation

Considering the historical background of 1939, it is clear that "Shin Sarukanigessen" was produced with extremely high technical skill. In particular, the depiction of the characters' movements and facial expressions exceeds the technical standards of the time. Miyashita Manzo's drawings are characterized by their attention to detail, and the emotions of the monkeys and crabs are conveyed through their facial expressions. The backgrounds are also beautifully depicted, with the riverside and forest scenery realistically reproduced. These technical elements greatly enhance the appeal of the work.

Cultural significance

"New Monkey and Crab Battle" has great cultural significance in that it depicts a Japanese folktale in the new medium of animation. Folktales are often passed down orally, but by expressing them visually, this film was able to reach a wider audience. Also, by being produced as an educational film, it was used as a way to convey moral lessons to children. This is one example of the role that animation plays in education and cultural transmission.

Visual appeal

The visual appeal of "New Monkey and Crab Battle" is largely due to the artwork of Miyashita Manzo. The monkey and crab characters are expressive and move naturally, drawing the viewer in. The backgrounds are also beautifully depicted, with the riverside and forest scenery realistically reproduced. These visual elements make the development of the story more vivid and provide visual enjoyment.

Music and Sound

The music and sound effects in "New Monkey and Crab Battle" are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. The music changes in accordance with the development of the story, and plays a role in complementing the visual expression. In addition, sound effects are used effectively, and they succeed in conveying the movements and emotions of the monkeys and crabs more realistically. These music and sound effects contribute to improving the quality of the work as a whole.

Character Analysis

The characters in "New Monkey and Crab Battle" are centered around the monkey and the crab. The monkey is cunning and selfish, and causes conflict in the story by stealing the crab's persimmons. On the other hand, the crab has a strong sense of justice and is courageous enough to stand up to the monkey together with his friends. Each of the crab's friends also has their own unique personality, and they play a role in adding excitement to the story. The portrayal of these characters adds depth both visually and psychologically, enriching the story.

Educational value

"New Monkey and Crab Battle" was made as an educational film, and therefore aims to teach moral lessons to children. Through the story, viewers can learn the importance of justice and friendship, and the courage to stand up against evil. In addition, by expressing a folk tale in the form of animation, it also plays a role in conveying traditional Japanese culture to children. These educational values ​​are important elements that enhance the significance of the work.

Recommendations and ratings

"The New Monkey and the Crab Battle" is a work that has made its mark in the history of animation, and it deserves high praise both technically and culturally. In particular, the visual appeal of Miyashita Manzo's drawings and its educational value make it recommended for a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. Considering the historical background of 1939, the technical skill and expressiveness are astonishing, and it is a work that modern animation enthusiasts should definitely see. The film also has great cultural significance in that it depicts a Japanese folk tale in the form of animation. We hope that viewers will rediscover the charm of traditional Japanese culture and animation through this work.

Related works and recommendations

For those who enjoyed "The New Monkey and Crab Battle," we would also like to recommend the following related works.

• Momotaro series - Another Japanese folk tale depicted in animation. In particular, "Momotaro's Sea Eagle," produced as an educational film before the war, is highly regarded, as is "New Monkey and Crab Battle."
• Urashima Taro - An animated rendition of the classic folk tale, known for its visual expression and educational value.
• Princess Kaguya - A traditional Japanese story told through animation. Featuring beautiful drawings and music, it can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

summary

"Shin Saru Kani Kassen" is a Japanese animation released in 1939 that should be highly praised for its technical ability and cultural significance. The visual appeal of Miyashita Manzo's drawings, its educational value, and its depiction of a Japanese folk tale through animation make it a recommended film for a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. We hope that viewers will rediscover the charm of traditional Japanese culture and animation through this film.