A thorough review of the touching and kind story of "The Kind Lion"!

"The Kind Lion": A moving musical animation based on a heartwarming picture book

Overview

The Kind Lion is a musical animated film based on a picture book by Yanase Takashi. It was released on March 21, 1970, and distributed by Toho. It has an Eirin number of 23106 and is a 25-minute short film. It was directed, produced, and produced by Yanase Takashi, and produced by Tezuka Osamu. The film depicts the heartwarming relationship between a mother dog named Mukumuku and her motherless baby lion, Buru Buru. Made in the form of a musical, it was intended to be a series of several films, but only this one was completed.

story

The story of "The Kind Lion" begins with the encounter between Mukumuku, a mother dog who has lost her cubs, and Bulbul, a baby lion who has also lost her mother. Despite the grief of losing his own cub, Mukumuku decides to raise Bulbul with kindness. Bulbul is also touched by Mukumuku's love and the two begin to connect with each other. The story depicts the emotional connection and growth of the two characters, and although they ultimately come to part ways, even this parting gives a sense of hope for a new encounter.

Background

Takashi Yanase is a picture book author known for works such as "Anpanman," and "The Kind Lion" is a work that is written from his kind perspective. Osamu Tezuka was in charge of the production, and his extensive experience and skills were utilized when expressing the worldview of the picture book as animation. The production staff included experts in various fields such as original animation, backgrounds, tracing, coloring, brushes, photography, editing, developing, composition, lyrics, arrangement, performance, singing, sound, effects, and recording, and they created a high-quality work.

Main Staff

• Produced by: Osamu Tezuka
• Original story, direction, art: Takashi Yanase
• Production Manager: Atsushi Tomioka
• Assistant: Jun Shimozaki
• Planning cooperation: Seihoku Production
• Original video: Kanji Akahori, Kazuko Nakamura, Teruhito Kamiguchi, Akihiro Kanayama, Maya Matsuyama, Yoshiko Watanabe, Takeo Utsumi, Hiroaki Yamamori
• Background: Ato Nobuko, Nishimura Kuniko, Tanabe Megumi
• Trace: Masako Shimano
• Coloring: Mariko Abe
• Brush: Tomoji Hashizume
• Photo by Akihiko Mori
• Edited by: Noriyoshi Matsuura
• Developed by Toyo Developing Lab
• Composer: Isobe Tadashi
• Lyricist: Takashi Yanase
• Arrangement: Takahiko Terashima
• Performed by: Naohiko Terashima and Rhythm Chansonette + Strings
• Sung by: Bonnie Jacks, Chiharu Kuri (Buru Buru no Komoriuta)
• Sound: Atsumi Tashiro (TAC)
• Effects: Ishida Sound Group
• Recorded at Tokyo Studio Center

music

"The Kind Lion" was produced as a musical animation, and music is an important element in bringing excitement to the story. The music was composed by Isobe Hajime, the lyrics by Yanase Takashi, and the arrangement by Terashima Naohiko. The music was performed by Terashima Naohiko and Rhythm Chansonette + Strings, and the songs were performed by Bonnie Jacks and Kuri Chiharu. In particular, Buru Buru's lullaby sung by Kuri Chiharu enhances the film's touching scenes.

Evaluation and impact

Although "The Kind Lion" is a film aimed at children, it is also highly regarded as a film that deeply moves the parent generation. The themes of love between mother and child, and parting and reunion, have touched the hearts of many people. When it was first released, it was shown in theaters and was well received by many audiences. Today, it can be viewed on DVD and through internet streaming, but it is loved as a precious work that allows viewers to relive the emotions felt at the time.

Reasons for recommendation

"The Kind Lion" is a work that combines a heartwarming story, beautiful music, and excellent animation techniques. It will be able to move a wide range of generations, from children to adults. It is especially recommended for those who like works with themes of family love and friendship. It is also a work that fans of Takashi Yanase and Osamu Tezuka cannot miss. Please give it a watch.

Related Titles

Other works by Takashi Yanase include the famous "Anpanman" series. Other works by Osamu Tezuka include "Astro Boy" and "Jungle Emperor." These works can also be enjoyed by children and adults alike, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

How to watch

"The Kind Lion" is available to watch on DVD and through internet streaming services. The DVD can be purchased on the second-hand market, and it is also available to watch through internet streaming services, either for rental or purchase. When you watch it, be sure to enjoy it in high quality.

summary

"The Kind Lion" is a moving musical animation that brings together Takashi Yanase's gentle perspective and Osamu Tezuka's technical skill. This work, which depicts the heartwarming relationship between the mother dog Mukumuku and the baby lion Buru Buru, is loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults. Please watch it once and experience the moving experience.