Sarutobi Sasuke: The appeal and reputation of a youthful ninja tale

"Sarutobi Sasuke": A masterpiece that marks the dawn of Japanese animation

"Sarutobi Sasuke", released on December 25, 1959, occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation films. This film is known as the first CinemaScope feature-length animated film, and despite the typically Japanese subject of a period drama, it received high praise overseas. In particular, winning the Lion of St. Mark (Grand Prix) in the children's film category at the Venice International Film Festival helped animation films establish a stable position in the film industry.

story

The story begins with the adventures of Sarutobi Sasuke, a young boy who lives with his sister Oyu deep in the mountains of Shinano. When Sasuke's friend, a deer, is killed by the sorceress Yashahime, Sasuke decides to train in ninjutsu under Tozawa Hakuunsai, a hermit living on Mount Togakushi. After three years of rigorous training, Sasuke has mastered the secrets of ninjutsu and descends the mountain, where he meets Sanada Yukimura, a young lord of Ueda Castle who is pursuing bandits. The two work together to defeat the bandits, but Sasuke's sister Oyu is taken hostage, and Sasuke is unable to do anything against Yashahime, who has teamed up with the bandits. Just in time, Oyu is saved by Yukimura, and Sasuke and Yashahime face off using their respective techniques.

Commentary

"Boy Sarutobi Sasuke" is an animated film based on the original story by Dan Kazuo. The original story was serialized in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper and captivated many readers. The film was produced by Toei Animation and distributed by Toei. Its Eirin number is 11154, and it is a one-episode film with a length of 83 minutes.

This work was a pioneer in the depiction of a period drama, a typically Japanese theme, in animation, and was highly praised overseas for its high level of completion. Its award at the Venice International Film Festival marked the beginning of animation being recognized as an art form, and had a major impact on the development of later animated films.

cast

The main cast includes Miyazaki Teruo as Sarutobi Sasuke, Sakuramachi Hiroko as Oyu, Nakamura Katsuo as Sanada Yukimura, and many other talented voice actors, including Kishi Akira as Miyoshi Seikai Nyudo, Matsushima Tomoko as Okei-chan, Usuda Kenji as Tozawa Hakuunsai, and Sugiyama Tokuko as Yashahime Omon.

Main Staff

The original story was written by Kazuo Dan, produced by Hiroshi Okawa, planned by Hideyuki Takahashi and Sanae Yamamoto, scripted by Muramatsu Dohei, and directed by Yasuji Yabushita and Akira Daikuhara. The original drawings were by Akira Daikuhara, Hideo Furusawa, Yasuo Otsuka, Koji Mori, and Masao Kumakawa, with art by Seigo Shindo and Reiji Koyama, photography by Haruhisa Otsuka, Mitsuaki Ishikawa, and Akio Yamamoto, editing by Shintaro Miyamoto and Kanjiro Igusa, music by Toru Funamura, and sound by Hisashi Kase and Takeshi Mori.

Main Characters

The main character, Sarutobi Sasuke, is a brave boy who cares for his friends and decides to defeat Yashahime to protect them. After three years of training, he masters ninjutsu and is the central character of the story. His sister, Oyu, is a kind-hearted woman who worries about Sasuke, even though she is afraid of the threat of Yashahime. Sanada Yukimura is the lord of Ueda Castle in Shinano Province, and struggles to defeat bandits, but struggles with Yashahime's magic. Yashahime is an evil sorcerer who was sealed away in the form of a salamander, but over time she has returned to her original form and is wreaking havoc with bandits under her command. Tozawa Hakuunsai is a master of Koga-ryu ninjutsu who lives on Mount Togakushi, and gives Sasuke rigorous training.

Theme songs and music

The theme song was written by Tetsuro Hoshino and Hiroshi Iwase, and includes "Sasuke no Uta" by the Kamitakada Choir, "Oyu no Uta" by Keiko Kujo, "Sangoku no Uta" by Four Coins, and Wagaku by the Tamamo-kai. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Evaluation and impact

"Boy Sarutobi Sasuke" is a work that symbolizes the dawn of Japanese animation films, and was highly praised for its high level of completion and artistic quality. In particular, the award it won overseas led to animation being recognized as a film genre, and had a major impact on the development of animation films in the future. It is also recognized as a pioneering work that depicts a period drama, a typically Japanese subject, in animation.

This work is a masterpiece that exquisitely combines many elements, such as the development of the story, the charm of the characters, and the beauty of the music and art. In particular, the story of Sasuke's growth, the bond between siblings, and friendship and justice have touched many viewers. In addition, the action scenes, such as the confrontation scene with Yashahime and the depiction of ninjutsu, are also impressive, making it a visually appealing work.

Reasons for recommendation

"Boy Sarutobi Sasuke" is an essential work for understanding the history of animation films, and is also important as a pioneer of the animation of period dramas, a theme that is typically Japanese. It is also a masterpiece that exquisitely combines many elements, such as the development of the story, the appeal of the characters, and the beauty of the music and art, and its visual appeal is also a major feature. In particular, the story of Sasuke's growth, the bond between siblings, and the story of friendship and justice have touched many viewers.

This work can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults, and shows the potential of animation films. It is a must-see for fans of period dramas and ninja movies in particular. It is also recommended for those who are interested in the history and artistry of animation films. "Boy Sarutobi Sasuke" is a timeless masterpiece that gives viewers inspiration and courage.