The appeal and reviews of "Du Zichun": Exploring the deep worldview of the anime

"Doshishun": A gem of a short story animated from Akutagawa Ryunosuke's masterpiece

The 1981 animated film "Doshishun" was based on the fairy tale of the same name by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and directed by Norio Yazawa. It was produced by Gakken and released in theaters. In just 21 minutes, this work depicts a profound theme and shows the potential of animation.

Background of the original work and anime adaptation

"Doshishun" is a short story published by Ryunosuke Akutagawa in 1921, based on a Chinese legend. The protagonist, Du Shishun, is given a jar with magical powers by a hermit, and the story depicts his growth as a human being as he uses the jar to gain various experiences. Akutagawa's works are known for their unique writing style and deep insight, and "Doshishun" is also a work that makes you think deeply about humanity and ethics.

In adapting such a masterpiece into an anime, director Norio Yazawa tried to utilize the expressive power that only animation can offer while still retaining the original theme. Since educational publisher Gakken was involved in the production, the aim was to create a work that would appeal to a wide range of people, from children to adults.

Story and Characters

The story of "Du Zichun" is faithful to the original. One day, Du Zichun meets a hermit and is given a pot with magical powers. If you put gold in the pot, it will grow infinitely, and Du Zichun uses the pot to gain various experiences. However, as a result of relying too much on the power of the pot, Du Zichun gradually loses sight of his values ​​as a human being. In the end, Du Zichun realizes the danger of relying on the power of the pot and grows as a human being.

The protagonist, Du Zichun, is initially fascinated by the power of the pot and pursues financial wealth, but gradually realizes the emptiness of it all and begins to wonder what true wealth is. This character's growth symbolizes the theme of the work. Furthermore, through his interactions with the immortals and the people around him, Du Zichun comes into contact with different values ​​and has the opportunity to reexamine himself. The portrayal of these characters is meticulously drawn in order to reproduce the profound insight of the original work in animation.

Animation Techniques and Expressions

Although "Du Zichun" was released in 1981, its animation techniques have been highly praised. In particular, the scenes in which the power of the jar changes things and the scenes expressing Du Zichun's inner thoughts are directed with a focus on color and movement. The background art is also beautiful, and the reproduction of traditional Chinese scenery firmly conveys the atmosphere of the original work.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The accompanying music is rich in emotion, in tune with Du Shishun's feelings and the development of the story. In particular, in the scenes that rely on the power of the jar, music is used to heighten the tension, allowing the viewer to experience the world of the work both visually and aurally.

Evaluation and impact

"Doshishun" was highly acclaimed when it was released, especially for its themes and animation techniques. The challenge of adapting Ryunosuke Akutagawa's novel into an anime was a success, deeply moving many viewers. It also proved that animation is not just entertainment, but a medium capable of depicting deep themes.

It has had an impact on the animation industry since then, and many creators are said to have been inspired by this work. In particular, the movement to explore the possibilities of short animation has become active, and works depicting a variety of themes have increased. It has also been praised from an educational perspective, and is used as a teaching material to teach children about humanity and ethics through school education and viewing at home.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Doshishun" is a gem of a short story that is an animated version of Ryunosuke Akutagawa's masterpiece, and is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of people. In particular, it depicts themes that make you think deeply about humanity and ethics, so it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. In addition, the animation technique and expressiveness have been highly praised, so it is recommended for animation lovers.

You can purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray. It may also be available on some video streaming services, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out. It's also sometimes shown in libraries and school audiovisual rooms, so if you have the chance, be sure to give it a try.

summary

"Doshishun" is a short animated film that depicts a profound theme and is an animated adaptation of Ryunosuke Akutagawa's masterpiece. In just 21 minutes, it tells a story that makes you think deeply about humanity and ethics, and is a work that shows the potential of animation. While faithfully retaining the theme of the original work, this work makes use of the expressive power that only animation can provide, and was highly praised when it was released, and has had a major impact on the animation industry since then. This work can be recommended to a wide range of people, so be sure to give it a watch.