Cleopatra: What is the appeal of this anime that combines history and drama?

Cleopatra - Tezuka Osamu's magnificent historical animation

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

others

■ Release date

September 11, 1970 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Nippon Herald Films

■ Eirin Number

16356

■Frequencies

112 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Original story/Osamu Tezuka

■ Director

Osamu Tezuka, Eiichi Yamamoto

■ Production

Mushi Production

■Works

©Tezuka Productions/Mushi Productions

■ Story

In the 21st century, it is discovered that the inhabitants of the planet Passatrine are plotting a "Cleopatra Plan" against Earth. To uncover the truth behind the plan, the minds of three young people are transported to Egypt in 50 BC, the time when Cleopatra was alive. What is the truth of the history that the young people witnessed?

■Explanation

This is the second film in the "Animerama" series of adult-oriented animations that incorporate drama into animation. Based on historical facts, it depicts the bizarre life of Cleopatra. Popular cartoon characters from the time appear in the film, and it is full of parodies of variety shows, giving it a comedic style. It also uses innovative visual techniques such as miniatures, live-action footage, and split screens.

■Cast

・Cleopatra/Chinatsu Nakayama ・Caesar/Hajime Hana ・Antonius/Osami Nabe ・Octavian/Nachi Nozawa

■ Main staff

・Original story and storyline by Tezuka Osamu ・Producer by Yoneyama Yasuhiko ・Screenplay by Satoyoshi Shigemi ・Director by Tezuka Osamu and Yamamoto Eiichi ・Character design by Kojima Isao ・Art by Ito Kazue ・Color design by Yamamoto Yoshiya ・Live-action direction by Sato Hajime ・Live-action cinematography by Honda Tsuyoshi ・Music by Tomita Isao ・Research by Kasem Ali ・Producer by Mushi Production

■ Main Characters

- Cleopatra: In order to protect Egypt from foreign enemies, she underwent plastic surgery and was reborn as a peerless beauty.
Caesar was a Roman general and Cleopatra's first lover.
・Octavian was a homosexual. Cleopatra's seductions did not work on him.

■ Related works

・"Animerama" series "Tales of the Thousand and One Nights"
Belladonna of Sorrow

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
Cleopatra's Theme Lyrics: Chinatsu Nakayama Music: Isao Tomita Singer: Saori Yuki

・IN
・Guerrilla Song・Lyrics by Noh Kahei・Music by Komuro Hitoshi・Singer by Rokumonsen・Performance by Rokumonsen and Fool Sands

Cleopatra - Tezuka Osamu's magnificent historical animation

Tezuka Osamu's animated film "Cleopatra" was released in 1970 as the second film in the "Animerama" series. The film depicts the life of Cleopatra, a historical figure, and successfully draws audiences in with its unique storytelling that incorporates science fiction elements. Below, we provide a detailed review and recommendation of the film.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Cleopatra" begins with the 21st century Earth becoming embroiled in a conspiracy called "Plan Cleopatra" by the inhabitants of the planet Passatrine. To uncover the truth behind this plot, the minds of three young people are transported to Egypt in 50 BC, a novel idea that combines history and science fiction. The story follows the life of Cleopatra and depicts the process in which the young people witness the truth of history. This element of time travel offers viewers a fresh perspective and gives them the opportunity to reevaluate historical events from a modern point of view.

Cleopatra's character is not just a beautiful woman, but is portrayed as a woman with a strong will to protect Egypt. The scene in which she undergoes plastic surgery and is reborn as a stunning beauty is visually impressive and symbolizes her inner strength. In addition, her relationships with historical figures such as Caesar, Antony, and Octavian are also explored in depth, and their human drama enriches the story.

Innovative visual expression

"Cleopatra" is a work in which Tezuka Osamu's unique visual expression can be seen throughout. The film's visual impact is enhanced by the use of miniatures and live-action footage, as well as the use of split screens. These techniques were extremely advanced given the technical standards of the time, and provided viewers with a new animation experience. There are also many parody scenes incorporating comedic elements, which are designed to keep viewers entertained. For example, scenes featuring popular manga characters from the time and parodies of variety shows add humor and lightness to the work.

Music and Sound

The music was composed by Tomita Isao and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme, "Cleopatra's Theme," is an exquisite match between Saori Yuki's beautiful voice and Tomita Isao's composition, making it a song that symbolizes the theme of the work. Additionally, the inserted song, "Guerrilla's Song," is played and sung by Rokumonsen, which heightens the tension of the work and draws the viewer in. These pieces of music are important elements that deepen the worldview of the work and enrich the viewing experience.

Cast and acting

Nakayama Chinatsu, who plays Cleopatra, is the perfect cast to express her beauty and strength, and her voice brings out the character of Cleopatra. Hana Hajime, who plays Caesar, Nabe Osami, who plays Antony, and Nozawa Nachi, who plays Octavian, also skillfully portray the individuality of their characters. Nozawa Nachi's Octavian is particularly impressive, making the most of his character's homosexual role, and vividly contrasting him with Cleopatra. The performances of these cast members enhance the drama of the work and deeply move the audience.

Production background and staff

"Cleopatra" was conceived and written by Osamu Tezuka, who directed it together with Eiichi Yamamoto. The fusion of Tezuka Osamu's unique worldview and Eiichi Yamamoto's visual expression techniques resulted in an innovative animation. The visual aspects of the work were supported by Kojima Isao for character design, Ito Kazue for art, and Yamamoto Yoshiya for color design. Live-action director Sato Hajime and cinematographer Honda Takeshi were in charge of scenes that incorporated miniatures and live-action footage, enhancing the realism of the work. Furthermore, Kasem Ali was in charge of historical research, and efforts were made to maintain historical accuracy. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, "Cleopatra" became a highly polished work.

Related works and series

"Cleopatra" is part of the "Animerama" series, which also includes "The Thousand and One Nights" and "Belladonna of Sorrow." These works are also characterized by Tezuka Osamu's unique worldview and visual expression, and share themes and styles with "Cleopatra." In particular, "The Thousand and One Nights" is known for its exotic story and beautiful images, while "Belladonna of Sorrow" is praised for its fantastical visuals and profound themes. By viewing these works, one can gain a deeper understanding of the background of "Cleopatra" and Tezuka Osamu's creative style.

Recommendation

"Cleopatra" is an appealing work with a unique story that combines history and science fiction, and Tezuka Osamu's innovative visual expression. It is especially recommended for history buffs and those interested in new methods of expression in animation. The music and acting by the cast are also of a high standard, and there are many elements that enrich the viewing experience. Furthermore, by watching it together with other works in the "Animerama" series, you can gain a deeper understanding of Tezuka Osamu's worldview. Please watch this work and experience its charm for yourself.

Above, we have provided a detailed review and recommendation of "Cleopatra". This work is attractive for its unique creative style by Osamu Tezuka and its innovative idea of ​​fusing history and science fiction, providing viewers with a new animation experience. Please be sure to watch the theatrical animation "Cleopatra" and enjoy its charm.