Jack the Wizard: A Thorough Review of the Charming Adventure and Magical World

"Jack and the Wizard": A monumental work by Toei Animation

"Jack and the Witch," released on March 19, 1967, was produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the founding of Toei Animation, and was highly praised for its unique worldview, beautiful art, and music. The film is based on the British lyric poem "Beowulf," and the story unfolds with a Western gothic flavor. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

story

While driving his steam car through the forest, Jack, a young boy, meets Kiki, a young girl who flies in on a broom-shaped helicopter. Kiki takes Jack on board the helicopter and takes him to the devil's castle. In the castle, the witch Grendel, who turns children into demons using a "demon-making machine," is waiting for Jack. Jack quickly escapes, but the mouse Prince Chu, who came with him, is also turned into a demon. To save Prince Chu, Jack must once again enter Grendel's castle.

Commentary

"Jack and the Witch" was produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Toei Animation's founding, and is based on the British lyric poem "Beowulf." The film has a Western gothic feel, and its art and music were particularly highly praised, with the music winning the "22nd Mainichi Film Award Music Award," the first time for an anime film. This work was shown as part of the "Toei Manga Festival," alongside "Cyborg 009: War of the Monsters," "Ambassador Magma," and "Tanuki-san Daiatari."

cast

• Jack and Kiki: Meiko Nakamura
• Shibari, Kiki's younger brother: Chiharu Kuri
• Mouse: Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
• Baby bear: Kazuo Kumakura
• Fox: Hiroshi Otake
• Puppy: Yoko Mizugaki
• Grendel the Witch: Kuno Yamaoka

Main Staff

• Produced by: Hiroshi Okawa
• Planning: Masajiro Seki, Seiichi Moro, Ken Ariga
• Screenplay: Shinichi Sekizawa, Susumu Takaku
• Directed by: Taiji Yabushita
• Assistant Directors: Shizuo Murayama, Osamu Kasai
• Animation director: Akira Daikuhara
• Original illustrations: Hideo Furusawa, Katsuya Oda, Hideki Mori, Kinnosuke Hirakawa, Tomekichi Takeuchi, Michihiro Kanayama, Tatsuji Kino, and Akinori Matsubara
• Art director: Reiji Koyama
• Special effects: Tomie Hayashi, Chiaki Hirao
• Finishing inspection: Saburo Niiro, Hajime Shinkai
• Photo: Hideaki Sugawara
• Edited by Yutaka Senkura
• Music: Seiichiro Uno
• Sound: Yukio Ishii
• Sound effects: Noriyoshi Ohira
• Record: Setsuko Matoba
• Produced by: Toei Animation

Main Characters

• Jack: A boy who lives in a mansion in the forest with animals such as the mouse Mr. Chu and the little bear Mr. Pooh. He is mischievous and curious. After meeting the devil Kiki, he gets into all sorts of trouble.
• Mouse: A mouse who lives with Jack. Jack calls him Duke Chew. He gets on Kiki's helicopter and is turned into a demon by Grendel.
• Kiki: A demon girl who is a minion of the witch Grendel and tricks Jack and kidnaps him. She later suffers when Jack escapes. She is very afraid of the punishment that Grendel will give her.
• Shibari: Kiki's minion demon. He somehow becomes friends with the animals in the mansion where Jack and his friends live. He informs Jack of Kiki's predicament and asks for his help.
• Grendel: A terrible witch who turns children into demons. She uses the demon's children to gather children to turn into demons. She is strict and mercilessly punishes her subordinates for their mistakes.

Related Titles

• Co-screening: "Cyborg 009: War of the Monsters"
• Also showing: "Ambassador Magma"
• Showing alongside: "Tanuki-san Daiatari"

Theme songs and music

• Theme song: Jack's Song
  • Lyrics: Morihisa Yamamoto, Hisashi Inoue
  • Composer: Seiichiro Uno
  • Sung by: Meiko Nakamura and Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
• Insert song: Rose-colored dawn
  • Lyrics: Morihisa Yamamoto, Hisashi Inoue
  • Composer: Seiichiro Uno
  • Sung by: Nakamura Meiko, Vocal Shop, Voce Angelica
• Insert song: Jack and the animals song
  • Lyrics: Hisashi Inoue, Morihisa Yamamoto
  • Composer: Seiichiro Uno
• Insert song: Song of the Little Devils
  • Lyrics: Hisashi Inoue, Morihisa Yamamoto
  • Composer: Seiichiro Uno
• Insert song: Good Morning Song
  • Lyrics: Hisashi Inoue, Morihisa Yamamoto
  • Composer: Seiichiro Uno

Rating and Recommended Points

"Jack and the Wizard" has been highly praised for its unique worldview, beautiful art, and music. In particular, the music was the first anime work to win the "22nd Mainichi Film Awards Music Award," proving how well-crafted it is. The art, which exudes a Western gothic feel, is also stunning, making it a major visual attraction.

The story of adventure and friendship that begins with the meeting of Jack and Kiki is enjoyable for both children and adults. The story of Jack's courage and friendship is inspiring to watch. The devil's castle and the character of Grendel are also impressive, adding depth to the story.

This work is a monumental piece for Toei Animation and has great historical value. It is also valuable as an early work in animation, and is a must-see for fans. Also, by enjoying this film together with the other films that were shown at the same time, "Cyborg 009: War of the Monsters," "Ambassador Magma," and "Tanuki-san Daiatari," you can experience the heyday of Toei Animation at that time.

Some recommended points include:

• Beautiful art and music: The gothic-style art and music, which won the Mainichi Film Award for Music, are a must-see.
• Inspirational Story: Jack's story of courage and friendship will inspire children and adults alike.
• Historical value: A monumental work for Toei Animation, and a valuable example of one of the earliest works of animation.
• By watching the films shown at the same time, including "Cyborg 009: War of the Monsters," "Ambassador Magma," and "Tanuki-san Daiatari," you can experience the heyday of Toei animation at the time.

Above, we have introduced detailed information, reviews, and recommended points of "Boy Jack and the Wizard." This is a wonderful work that allows you to feel the history and charm of Toei Animation, and is a work that you should definitely see at least once.