"SOS This is Earth" review: A moving story about a global crisis

"SOS This is the Earth": a moving animated version of Erich Kästner's classic

The animated film "SOS: This is the Earth," released on June 27, 1987, is based on Erich Kästner's classic novel "The Animal Congress" and directed by Akikazu Kono. The film was released in theaters and distributed by Kyodo Eiga Nationwide Keikaku Kaigi. The 68-minute long film is told as a one-episode story.

Background of the original work and anime adaptation

Erich Kästner is known as a German children's author, and his works are loved all over the world. "The Animal Congress" is a unique story about animals observing human behavior and discussing the future of the Earth, and it deals with environmental issues and a desire for peace. Based on this original story, "SOS: This is Earth" expresses the current state of the Earth from the perspective of animals, and a message for its future, in the form of animation.

story

The story of "SOS This is Earth" begins with animals gathering together to discuss the current state of the Earth. The animals take seriously the environmental destruction and war caused by humans and the impact they have on the entire planet. The story unfolds as the animals send out an "SOS" to humans, urging them to take action to protect the Earth. A particularly memorable scene is when all the animals shout "SOS" in unison, sending a powerful message to the audience.

character

A variety of animals appear in this work. Each animal is depicted as a unique character, such as the leader lion, the wise fox, and the brave bear. Human characters also appear, and the story depicts how their actions affect the Earth. In particular, the fears and hopes for the future of the Earth from the children's perspective are an important element of the story.

Animation and Music

Director Akikazu Kono's direction succeeds in making the audience empathize with the animals by depicting their expressions and movements realistically. The backgrounds are also beautifully depicted, simultaneously expressing the beauty and fragility of the Earth. Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work, and the accompanying music has the power to move the audience's hearts. In particular, the music in the scene where the animals cry out "SOS" gives a sense of both tension and tragedy.

Evaluation and impact

"SOS This is the Earth" has been highly praised since it was released. It has been particularly praised for conveying a message of environmental issues and peace in an easy-to-understand way, even to children. It has also been praised for offering audiences a new perspective by depicting the current state of the Earth from the perspective of animals. This film has deeply moved not only children but also adults, and has inspired many people to think about the future of the Earth.

Recommendations and related works

After watching "SOS This is the Earth," we also recommend the animated film "Emil and the Detectives," which is also based on a work by Erich Kästner. This film also depicts social issues from the perspective of children, and is deeply moving. Another animated film with an environmental theme is not to be missed: "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind." This film also depicts the fight to protect the future of the Earth, and sends a powerful message to the audience.

summary

"SOS This is the Earth" is a moving story that is an animated adaptation of Erich Kästner's masterpiece "The Congress of Animals." It depicts the current state of the Earth from the perspective of animals and sends a message to the future, deeply moving the audience. The charm of this work is enhanced by the direction of director Akikazu Kono, the beautiful animation, and the accompanying music. This work conveys environmental issues and wishes for peace in an easy-to-understand way even for children, and has inspired many people to think about the future of the Earth. We encourage you to experience this moving story at the theater at least once.