Gulliver's Adventures: A Deep Look at the World of Adventure and Lessons

Detailed review and recommendation of Gulliver's Tale

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

December 1950

■Frequencies

11 mins

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Shinpei Yamaguchi

■ Director

Tonokiyo Kuroda, Shigeyuki Ozawa

■ Production

Modern Film Company, Masao Tsukimura Planning, National Tax Agency

■ Story

■Explanation

■ Main staff

■Detailed evaluation

Among the Japanese animation films of the 1950s, "Gulliver's Tale" occupies a particularly unique position. This work deals with a very interesting theme of conveying the importance of paying taxes through the story of Gulliver's struggle in the land of the little people. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and background of this work, as well as the recommended points.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Gulliver's Adventure" is simple, with Gulliver landing in the land of the Little People and struggling to find food. However, crises such as floods and fires occur along the way, and Gulliver is shown overcoming them. This simplicity, in turn, leaves a strong impression on the audience. In particular, the scene in which Gulliver regains his strength after being given food and prevents an accident has a great visual impact.

Animation Technology

Considering the animation technology of the 1950s, "Gulliver's Tale" has a quality that does not feel the limitations of that era. In particular, in the flood and fire scenes, the background movement and use of color are very clever, maximizing the visual effect. Gulliver's movements are also smooth, and the characters' emotional expressions are rich. This can be said to be the result of the technical skills of directors Tonokio Kuroda and Shigeyuki Ozawa, and the efforts of the staff.

Music and Sound

The music was created by Kazuo Kojima and the Tokyo Symphonic Ensemble. The music, especially in scenes that create a sense of tension, plays a role in enhancing the emotions of the viewer. The sound effects are also very realistic, and in scenes of floods and fires, the sounds of flowing water and burning fire are realistically reproduced. These music and sounds further enhance the progression of the story.

Social significance

"Gulliver's Tale" is not just an entertainment piece, but also a promotional video that conveys the importance of paying taxes. Japan in the 1950s was in the midst of post-war reconstruction, a time when the tax payments of each citizen were directly linked to the development of the nation. This work reflects this social background, and appeals to viewers through Gulliver's struggles about the importance of paying taxes. In this respect, "Gulliver's Tale" is more significant than just an animated work.

■ Recommendation points

"Gulliver's Tale" is a highly recommended work for the following reasons:

1. The simplicity and impact of the story

The story is simple, yet visually impactful, making it enjoyable for a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. Through Gulliver's struggles, viewers can learn about the importance of courage and hard work in overcoming difficulties.

2. High-quality animation

Considering the animation technology of the 1950s, "Gulliver's Tale" is of very high quality. In particular, the movement of the background, the use of color, and the movements of the characters bring out the maximum visual effect. This is a very valuable work for learning about the history of animation technology.

3. Music and Sound Effects

Music and sound enhance the progression of the story and play a role in evoking emotions in the viewer. In particular, the music in scenes that create a sense of tension and the sound effects in scenes of floods and fires, combined with the visual effects, improve the quality of the work as a whole.

4. Social Significance

"Gulliver's Tale" is also a promotional video that conveys the importance of paying taxes. Reflecting the social background of Japan in the 1950s, it appeals to viewers about the importance of paying taxes through Gulliver's struggles. In this respect, it is more significant than a mere entertainment piece.

■ Additional information

"Gulliver's Tale" was produced by Kindai Eigasha and Masao Tsukimura, and released as a project of the National Tax Agency. The screenplay was written by Katsushige Toba, the cinematography was by Ichiro Kitamura and Shigeyuki Ozawa, and the music was by Kazuo Kojima and the Tokyo Symphonic Ensemble. Thanks to the efforts of these staff, "Gulliver's Tale" has become one of the most highly regarded animated works of the 1950s.

■ Related works

Other highly acclaimed Japanese animated films from the 1950s, like "Gulliver's Tale," include "Momotaro: The Sea God Soldiers" and "Animal Trains." These films are also characterized by the simplicity of their stories and the high level of animation techniques, and like "Gulliver's Tale," they leave a strong impression on viewers. These films also have social significance and are recognized as works that reflect Japan's post-war reconstruction period.

■How to watch

"Gulliver's Tale" can now be viewed on DVD and online. In particular, it can be viewed on video sharing sites such as YouTube. DVDs and Blu-rays can also be rented or purchased from libraries and stores specializing in animated films. When viewing, please pay attention to the simplicity of the story, the high level of animation technique, the effects of music and sound, and the social significance.

■ Summary

"Gulliver's Tale" occupies a unique position among Japanese animated films of the 1950s. It has many appealing features, including the simplicity and impact of the story, the high level of animation technique, the music and sound effects, and the social significance. For these reasons, "Gulliver's Tale" is a highly recommended work, and I hope many people will watch it.