"Naval Battle" Review: A fascinating maritime anime that combines tactics and drama

"Naval Battle" - Ryohei Yanagihara's paper cutting video depicts the final days of the battleship Scharnhorst

■Overview of the work

Kaisen (Sea Battle) is a paper-cut animation film directed by Ryohei Yanagihara that was released on November 26, 1960. It was released in theaters and consists of two episodes. It was distributed by Sogetsu Hall in Tokyo. This film is an original anime and has no original source material. It was shown for about one month, from November 26, 1960 to January 1, 1961.

■ Story

"Naval Battle" depicts the final moments of the German battleship Scharnhorst, which was detected by radar of a British warship and sunk on its way to Murmansk in 1943. Ryohei Yanagihara's specialty is paper-cutting animation on the theme of ships, which realistically recreates the fierce end of the battleship. This work was shown at the Three Anime Screenings held at the same time.

■Production Background

Ryohei Yanagihara is a Japanese animator who was active from before to after the war, and is known as a leading figure in paper-cutting animation. His works are characterized by their handmade warmth and detailed expression, and are loved by many fans. "Naval Battle" is one of them, and by depicting the tragic end of the battleship Scharnhorst, he expresses the horror and transience of war.

This work was the culmination of Ryohei Yanagihara's many years of experience and skill, and was produced with a quality that exceeded the technical standards of the time. In particular, the use of a technique called paper cutting animation allows the movements of the battleships and the ocean waves to be depicted realistically. Additionally, the music and commentary are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work.

■ Main staff

• Produced by Ryohei Yanagihara
• Video by Kiyoshi Onishi
• Directed by Ryohei Yanagihara
• Photography by Kyujiro Yanagida
• Music by Masao Yagi
• Commentary by Kazuo Kumakura

■ Evaluation and impact

"Naval Battle" can be said to be the culmination of Ryohei Yanagihara's paper-cutting animation, and was highly praised by audiences at the time. In particular, it was highly praised for its realistic depiction of the final moments of the battleship Scharnhorst, and drew attention as a work that reminds viewers of the horror of war. This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation, and had a great influence on later animators.

Ryohei Yanagihara's paper cutting videos are characterized by their warmth and detailed expression, and are loved by many fans. "Naval Battle" is one of them, and by realistically recreating the tragic end of a battleship, it expresses the horror and transience of war. This work is the culmination of Ryohei Yanagihara's many years of experience and technique, and was produced with a quality that exceeded the technical standards of the time.

■The appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "Naval Battle" is the realistic expression of Ryohei Yanagihara's paper-cut animation. The movement of the battleship Scharnhorst and the expression of the ocean waves have a warm, handmade feel and are detailed, and have the power to draw the audience in. In addition, the music and commentary are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work, and as a whole, it conveys a consistent story and message.

Furthermore, the film deeply moves the audience by depicting the horror and transience of war. The death of the battleship Scharnhorst symbolizes the tragedy of war and has the power to make the audience reaffirm the value of peace. This is another major attraction of "The Naval Battle."

■ Recommendation points

"Naval Battle" is the culmination of Ryohei Yanagihara's paper-cutting animation, a realistic depiction of the final moments of the battleship Scharnhorst. By depicting the horror and transience of war, it has the power to deeply move the audience. It is also characterized by its handmade warmth and detailed expression, and is loved by many fans. This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation, and has had a great influence on later animators.

The recommended points are as follows:

• Ryohei Yanagihara's realistic paper cutting videos
• A profound message that depicts the horror and transience of war.
• Handmade warmth and intricate expression
• Importance in the history of Japanese animation

■ Related works

Ryohei Yanagihara's other paper-cut animation works are also characterized by the warmth of handmade items and detailed expression, just like "Sea Battle", and are loved by many fans. In particular, the following works have themes and expression techniques in common with "Sea Battle", and are highly recommended for those who are interested.

• "Battle at Sea" - A war-themed piece created by Ryohei Yanagihara using paper cutting techniques
• "Battleship Yamato" - A paper-cutting animation depicting the final moments of the battleship Yamato
• "Pacific Storm" - A paper-cutting video work on the theme of the Pacific War

■ Summary

"Naval Battle" is the culmination of Ryohei Yanagihara's paper-cutting animations, and is a realistic depiction of the final moments of the battleship Scharnhorst. By depicting the horror and transience of war, it has the power to deeply move the audience. It is also characterized by its handmade warmth and detailed expression, and is loved by many fans. This work also occupies an important place in the history of Japanese animation, and has had a great influence on later animators. It is a work that you should definitely see.