The appeal and reviews of "World Masterpiece Fairy Tales: The Forest is Alive": A thorough explanation of the moving story and beautiful visual world

"The Forest is Alive: A World-Famous Fairy Tale": A heartwarming story and its appeal

■Overview of the work

"World Masterpiece Fairy Tales: The Forest is Alive" (Sekai Meisakudou wa Mori Haiki Teiru) is a theatrical animation produced by Toei and released on March 15, 1980. It is based on a children's play by Soviet poet Samuel Marshak and was directed by Yabuki Kimiro. The film is 65 minutes long and has a self-contained story in one episode. Its Eirin number is 19852 and it was distributed by Toei.

■ Story

Anya, an orphan, is a kind-hearted girl who loves small birds and wild rabbits. However, the old woman and her daughter who are raising her are very mean, and they always bully Anya. One New Year's Eve, the old woman and her daughter ordered Anya to go to the forest to get firewood and went to town to play. Anya, who was gathering firewood with her numb hands, met a young soldier there. He had come to look for a fir tree on the orders of the queen. With Anya's help in gathering firewood, she guided him to the best fir tree in the forest. When the selfish queen was satisfied with the fir tree, she ordered him to gather a sedge that only blooms in April. She was unable to get it, and finally issued a proclamation that anyone who could deliver a sedge would be given a basket full of gold coins. After hearing the story, the old woman ordered Anya to go to the forest to gather a sedge. Anya, who is freezing to death in the middle of a snowstorm, meets twelve moon spirits deep in the forest. The forest spirit, knowing that Anya is an orphan but is trying her best to live, reverses time for one hour, makes a sedge flower bloom, and presents her with a ring. It is a mysterious ring that allows you to meet the twelve spirits if you throw it away when you are in trouble and chant a spell, and promises not to tell them how you got the sedge flower. The old woman and her daughter are overjoyed, and the daughter steals Anya's ring as she is tired and asleep. The queen is very happy about the sedge flower, but orders them to show her where it is blooming, and says that if they cannot, she will be executed. The two girls cry to Anya. Anya goes out to the forest on the condition that she returns the ring. The daughter secretly follows her. The old woman tells the queen. The queen steals the ring from the girl and asks her to tell her where the sedge flower is blooming in exchange for returning the ring. However, Anya keeps her promise and does not answer. The enraged queen threw the ring away. At that moment, Anya cast a spell. In an instant, the seasons changed from winter to spring, summer, autumn, and then back to winter. In the cold, the old woman and the young girl fought over Shuba and were turned into dogs. Anya kept her promise to the end, and the twelve fairies gave her a sled and Shuba as a gift. The selfish queen also had a change of heart when she found out that it was Anya's kindness that had made the cornflower bloom, and the two became good friends. As the pair rode home in the sled, the old woman and her young girl's dog, who the twelve fairies had promised to return to their original forms if they remained quiet for three years, followed them.

■Explanation

"World Classic Fairy Tales: The Forest is Alive" tells the story of a cheerful, kindhearted girl who, despite unfortunate circumstances, finds unexpected happiness. Based on a children's play by Soviet poet Samuel Marshak, the screenplay was co-written by Takahata and Yabuki Kimiro, and the director was Yabuki Kimiro. This work not only gives children dreams and hope, but also provides heartwarming emotions for adults. At the heart of the story is Anya's pure heart and courage in the face of difficulties. Her actions have an impact on those around her, ultimately serving as a catalyst for growth and better relationships for all the characters.

■Cast

This work features a stellar cast of voice actors, including Otake Shinobu as Anya, Sugiyama Tokuko as the old woman, Mukai Mariko as the daughter, Kanzaki Ai as the soldier, Nagai Ichiro as the queen, Amemori Masashi as the moon fairy, Ryu Daisuke, Yamauchi Masato, Yakusho Koji, Kobayashi Kiyoshi, Mori Isao, and others. Their performances convey the emotions of the characters realistically, adding depth to the story.

■ Main staff

The production was by Tomonori Imada, the producer was Kenji Yokoyama, the original story was by Samuel Marshak, the script was by Takatomo and Kimiro Yabuki, the director was Kimiro Yabuki, the animation director was Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, the music was by the Leningrad Symphonic Orchestra, the composer was Volodymyr Krivtsov, the conductor was Alexander Dmitriev, and the art was by Seihei Kawamoto. All of these staff members worked together to bring this heartwarming story to the screen.

■The appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "World Classic Fairy Tales: The Forest is Alive" is its moving story and beautiful animation. Anya's pure heart and courage deeply move the audience. In addition, the scenes depicting forest spirits and seasonal changes are visually very beautiful and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Furthermore, this work also has educational elements that teach the importance of facing difficulties and compassion for others.

■ Evaluations and Awards

This work was highly praised when it was released. In particular, it was praised not only as an animation for children, but also as a work that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, the beautiful animation and moving story were praised by many viewers. Although it has not received any specific awards, the quality and emotion of the work are recognized by many people.

■Reasons for recommendation

"The Forest is Alive" is a heartwarming film that the whole family can enjoy. It not only gives children hope and dreams, but also deeply moves adults. Anya's pure heart and courage teach us the importance of standing up to difficulties and the importance of compassion for others. The beautiful animation and moving story are also visually enjoyable. Please watch this film and spend a heartwarming time.

■ Related works

Along with "The Forest is Alive," other classic animation works produced by Toei include "Swan Lake" and "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp." These works also have beautiful animation and moving stories that the whole family can enjoy. Other works by Samuel Marshak are also highly acclaimed children's literature.

■How to watch

"The Forest is Alive" is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. It is also available on some streaming services. Be sure to enjoy this heartwarming story with your family and friends.

Conclusion

"The Forest is Alive" is a work that features a heartwarming story and beautiful animation. Anya's pure heart and courage deeply touch the audience, teaching them the importance of facing difficulties and compassion for others. Be sure to watch this work that the whole family can enjoy. You're sure to have a heartwarming time.