"Osu" Review: A fascinating story and deep character exploration

The appeal and profound theme of "Osu" - Tezuka Osamu's challenge and the potential of animation

The name Osamu Tezuka is a household name in the world of anime and manga, and his influence is immeasurable. His short animated film "Osu," released in 1962, is a work that symbolizes Osamu Tezuka's challenges and the possibilities of anime, and its profound themes and unique storytelling continue to attract many people today. In this article, we will explore the details of "Osu" and its appeal, while also considering the future of anime from Osamu Tezuka's perspective.

Overview

■ Public Media

Independent Production

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1962

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

Tezuka Productions/Mushi Productions

■Works

©Tezuka Productions

Work Description

Story and Themes

The story of "Osu" is based on Natsume Soseki's "I Am a Cat", but the content is completely different. The story is about a man who kills the woman he loves, and a cat silently watches his death. This setting symbolizes the theme that Tezuka Osamu wanted to express through the medium of animation. It is a strong message that "animation is not just for children."

Tezuka Osamu believed that anime could handle deep adult themes. In "Osu," the heavy themes of love and death, sin and punishment, and despair are depicted. Seeing it from the cat's point of view further emphasizes the tragic nature of the human drama, deeply moving the audience. This work is the result of Tezuka Osamu's continued pursuit of the possibilities of anime, and his challenges continue to inspire many creators today.

Background of the production and Osamu Tezuka's perspective

"Osu" was shown at the first presentation of works by Mushi Productions, the animation studio that Tezuka Osamu established with his own funds. The first episode of "Astro Boy" was also shown at this presentation, and it was the moment when Tezuka Osamu began his new challenge. "Osu" is a short film that was hastily produced to coincide with the presentation date, and you can sense the strong will of Tezuka Osamu behind its production.

Tezuka Osamu believed that anime should not be just entertainment, but should also have value as art. He wanted to provide audiences with new perspectives by depicting social issues and human drama through anime. "Osu" is a work that embodies that aspiration and reflects Tezuka Osamu's perspective.

Animation Techniques and Expressions

The animation techniques in "Osu" exceeded the standards of the time, and Tezuka Osamu's innovative techniques can be seen throughout. In particular, the scenes depicted from the cat's point of view have a realistic depiction of the cat's movements and expressions, drawing the audience into the world of the story. The use of colors and backgrounds is also ingenious, effectively creating the atmosphere of the story.

Tezuka Osamu used a variety of techniques to maximize the potential of animation. In "Osu," he used simple yet powerful visual expressions to depict a deep theme within a limited time frame. This technical challenge had a major impact on later anime works.

Evaluation and impact

"Osu" has been highly acclaimed since its release and is recognized as a work that proves Osamu Tezuka's talent and the potential of anime. This work provided a new perspective that anime can appeal to adults as well as children, and influenced many creators. Its significance is particularly great as a pioneer of anime works dealing with serious themes.

Tezuka Osamu's challenge had a ripple effect on the entire anime industry and had a major impact on subsequent works. The success of "Osu" led to anime being recognized as an art form, and inspired many creators to take on new challenges. This work symbolizes Tezuka Osamu's perspective and the possibilities of anime, and its influence continues to this day.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Osu" is highly recommended for those who want to experience Tezuka Osamu's perspective and the possibilities of anime. This work offers the audience a new perspective through its deep themes and unique storytelling. It is a must-see, especially for those who believe that anime should be valued as art and not just entertainment.

"Osu" can be viewed on the official Tezuka Productions website and various anime streaming services. Also, by viewing it alongside Tezuka Osamu's other works, you can gain a deeper understanding of his perspective and the possibilities of anime.

Related works and other works by Osamu Tezuka

For those who are interested in the themes and expressions of "Osu," I would also recommend other works by Tezuka Osamu. In particular, "Astro Boy," "Black Jack," and "Phoenix" embody Tezuka Osamu's perspective and the possibilities of animation, and are appealing for their profound themes and unique storytelling. Through these works, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of Tezuka Osamu's worldview and the possibilities of animation.

The works of other creators influenced by Tezuka Osamu are also interesting. For example, Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and "Spirited Away," and Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name" are works that inherited Tezuka Osamu's perspective and the possibilities of animation, and are appealing for their deep themes and beautiful visual expression. Through these works, you can get a sense of the possibilities and future of animation.

summary

"Osu" is a work that symbolizes Osamu Tezuka's perspective and the possibilities of anime, and its profound themes and unique storytelling continue to attract many people even today. This work provided a new perspective that anime can appeal to adults as well as children, and influenced many creators. Tezuka Osamu's challenge spread throughout the anime industry and had a major impact on later works. Experience Osamu Tezuka's perspective and the possibilities of anime through "Osu," and experience its profound themes and unique storytelling.