The Shoemaker and the Elves: A fascinating story and deep insight into the characters

The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs - a puppet film that recreates the charm of Grimm's fairy tales

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Fairy tales

■ Release date

1960

■Frequencies

14 min

■Original Story

Grimm's Fairy Tales

■ Production

・Produced by Gakken Film Division ・Produced by Masaru Furuoka

■ Story

"The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is a puppet film based on a Grimm fairy tale and was released in theaters in 1960. This work tells the heartwarming story of a kind old couple who, while they are sleeping, are given a pair of wonderful shoes by five dwarfs. It is presented in a musical style, making it a work that can be enjoyed visually and aurally.

This film is based on the Grimm fairy tale "The Shoemaker and the Elves," and it expresses the warmth and emotion of the original story in the form of puppet animation. The story begins when the elves start making shoes while a poor elderly shoemaker and his wife are sleeping one night. When the elves find out that the shoemaker and his wife are in trouble, they make shoes to help them. The shoes are of such high quality that the couple is able to sell them and get their lives back on track. The scene where the elves give the shoemaker and his wife new clothes as a token of their gratitude will warm the hearts of the audience.

While this work faithfully reproduces the original Grimm fairy tale, it uses a new method of expression, puppet animation, to create a deeper emotional impact. In particular, the musical-style production, with music flowing in sync with the development of the story, allows the viewer to enjoy both visual beauty and auditory pleasure at the same time. The movements and expressions of the dwarves are also depicted in detail, allowing the audience to empathize with their actions and emotions.

■ Main staff

・Produced by Gakken Film Division ・Producer: Masaru Furuoka ・Planning: Masatsugu Hara, Hideo Yamamoto ・Production manager: Haruo Ito ・Screenplay: Matsue Jinbo ・Director: Matsue Jinbo ・Assistant director: Seiko Arima, Kyoko Nakamura ・Cinematography: Hiroshi Hirai ・Assistant cameraman: Yasuo Kaneko ・Music: Seiichiro Uno

■ Background and significance of production

The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs was produced by Gakken Film Studio and Furuoka Masaru. Gakken Film Studio is committed to producing educational and children's films, and this film was produced as part of that effort. Furuoka Masaru was a director who was active in the postwar Japanese animation world, and his works always aimed to give children dreams and hope.

The background to the production of this work was the economically difficult period that postwar Japan was going through. In the midst of this, the intention seems to have been to give hope to children by depicting a heartwarming story like a Grimm's fairy tale as an animation. In addition, the use of puppet animation technique made it possible to express emotions more realistically, deeply moving the audience.

The significance of "The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is that it faithfully reproduces the original Grimm fairy tale, while using new methods of expression to convey its charm to a wider audience. In particular, the musical-style production can be enjoyed by adults as well as children, making it an ideal production for families to watch together. In addition, the detailed depiction of the dwarfs' movements and expressions allows the audience to empathize with their actions and emotions, making the story more moving.

■ Evaluations and Awards

"The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" was highly praised when it was released. It was especially praised for its faithful reproduction of the original Grimm fairy tale, while using a new form of expression called puppet animation. The musical-style production was also well-received, and it was praised for being enjoyable for adults as well as children.

This work has been shown at many film festivals and won numerous awards. It was especially highly praised for its educational value, being selected as the best work in the educational film category by the Gakken Film Bureau. Masaru Furuoka's talent as a director has also been highly praised, and it is considered one of the most important works in his career.

■ Recommendations and how to watch

"The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is highly recommended for fans of Grimm's fairy tales and those who love animated films. It is especially recommended for parents who want to give their children hope and dreams. It is also recommended for those who enjoy musical-style productions.

This work can now be viewed on DVD and online. In particular, the official website of Gakken Film Division provides detailed information about this work and how to view it. Also, by watching this work together with other works by Masaru Furuoka, you can gain a deeper understanding of his talent as a director.

■ Related works and their appeal

The Grimm fairy tales on which "The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is based contain many other fascinating stories. In particular, "Hansel and Gretel" and "Cinderella" are widely loved by children. These stories have also been made into animated films, recreating the charm of the Grimm fairy tales.

Other works by Masaru Furuoka are also worth checking out. He was active in the postwar Japanese animation world, and gave hope and dreams to many children. His masterpieces, "Momotaro's Sea Eagle" and "The Tale of Princess Kaguya," are particularly well known. These works, like the Grimm fairy tales, are heartwarming and can be enjoyed by adults as well as children.

■ Summary

"The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is a puppet film based on the Grimm fairy tale "The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" and was released in theaters in 1960. This work tells a heartwarming story about five dwarfs who make wonderful shoes for a kind old couple while they are sleeping. It is produced in a musical style, making it a work that can be enjoyed visually and aurally.

While this work faithfully reproduces the original Grimm fairy tale, it uses a new method of expression, puppet animation, to create a deeper emotional impact. In particular, the musical-style production, with music flowing in sync with the development of the story, allows the viewer to enjoy both visual beauty and auditory pleasure at the same time. The movements and expressions of the dwarves are also depicted in detail, allowing the audience to empathize with their actions and emotions.

"The Shoemaker and the Dwarfs" is highly recommended for fans of Grimm's fairy tales and those who love animated films. It is especially recommended for parents who want to give their children hope and dreams. It is also recommended for those who enjoy musical-style productions. The film is now available on DVD and online. In particular, the official website of Gakken Film Bureau provides detailed information about the film and how to watch it. Also, by watching other works by Masaru Furuoka, you can gain a deeper understanding of his talent as a director.