"The River is Calling": A fusion of moving stories and music that can be learned from everyone's songs

"The River Calls": NHK's classic anime and its appeal

"The River Calls" is a short animated film that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in 1963. This work was produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series, and it succeeds in conveying a profound message in just two minutes. Below, we will explain in detail the background, production process, and appeal of this work.

Background of the work

"The River is Calling" was broadcast in April 1963. This was a time when televisions were starting to become common in households, and educational programming was becoming increasingly important. NHK launched the "Minna no Uta" series to provide high-quality content for children, and produced "The River is Calling" as part of that. The series aims to convey various messages to children through music, and "The River is Calling" is part of that.

Production Process

"The Calling of the River" was produced by Mokubaza, a studio that specializes in silhouette animation. Mokubaza excels at using silhouette animation techniques to visually express stories. In this work, they take advantage of the characteristics of silhouette animation to successfully portray the relationship between nature and humans.

The production process begins with a script, followed by the creation of silhouette animation. Silhouette animation is a technique that uses black silhouettes to express movement, allowing a story to be told without relying on backgrounds or colors. This technique creates a strong visual impact while also stimulating the viewer's imagination.

Story and Message

The story of "Calling the River" has as its theme the relationship between nature and humans. The story begins with children playing by the river. The children abandon themselves to the flow of the river and feel the joy of being one with nature. However, the river gradually becomes faster, and the children are put in danger. This scene symbolizes the beauty of nature and the danger that lies behind it.

In the latter half of the story, there is a scene in which children are rescued from the river. This scene expresses the courage and wisdom of humans who stand up against the power of nature. While "Calling the River" appeals for the importance of coexisting with nature, it also conveys the importance of respecting the power of nature. This message is still a very important theme in modern society, and deeply moves the viewer.

Fusion of music and video

The appeal of "Calling the River" lies in the fusion of music and visuals. In this work, beautiful melody and silhouette animation come together to leave a strong impression on the viewer. The music expresses the joy of children playing and the beauty of the flowing river, and the silhouette animation visually complements this. This fusion stirs the viewer's emotions and leaves the message of the story deeply etched in their hearts.

Audience reactions and impact

"Calling the River" has been loved by many viewers since it was first broadcast. Children in particular learned about the beauty and dangers of nature through this show, and understood the importance of coexisting with nature. Adults also had the opportunity to teach children about the value of nature through this show.

Even now, more than half a century after it was first broadcast, this work is still loved by many people. On the Internet, viewers are sharing their impressions of the work and there is a movement to reevaluate it. The work is also used in educational settings as a teaching material to teach children about the relationship between nature and humans.

Work evaluation and recommendation

"Calling the River" is a masterpiece of animation that succeeds in conveying a profound message in a short time. The fusion of the beauty of the silhouette animation and the music leaves a strong impression on the viewer and makes them think deeply about the relationship between nature and humans. This work can be recommended to a wide range of people, from children to adults, and is especially recommended for those who want to learn about the importance of coexisting with nature.

Related works and recommendation list

For viewers who enjoyed "The River Calls," we also recommend the following related works. These works are also masterpieces that deal with the relationship between nature and humans.

• "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind": A masterpiece animation directed by Hayao Miyazaki. A grand story about the coexistence of nature and humans.
• "My Neighbor Totoro": A Studio Ghibli masterpiece. A heartwarming story about a family living in nature.
• "Spirited Away": A masterpiece by director Hayao Miyazaki. It depicts the relationship between nature and humans in a fantastical worldview.

summary

"Calling the River" is a short animated film produced as part of NHK's "Minna no Uta" series. In just two minutes, it portrays the relationship between nature and humans in depth and succeeds in conveying a strong message to the viewer. The film's fusion of the beauty of silhouette animation and music touches the viewer's heart and emphasizes the importance of coexisting with nature. "Calling the River" is a masterpiece that can be recommended to a wide range of people, from children to adults, and is a work that will make you think about the relationship between nature and humans. Please watch it and experience its charm.