Onegai! Samiadon - A thorough review of the fascinating characters and depth of the story

"Onegai! Samiadon" - Looking back on classic anime

Released on March 11, 1989, Onegai! Samia-don is an animated film based on the novel by E. Nesbit. Distributed by NHK and produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, the film is a deep, moving and heartwarming story in its short 30-minute run. Directed by Osamu Kobayashi, copyright belongs to TMS. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal and background of Onegai! Samia-don, as well as its subsequent influences.

Background of the original work and anime adaptation

The original work of "Onegai! Samia-don" is "Five Children and It" by British children's author E. Nesbit. The novel was first published in 1902 and tells the story of children who meet a magical creature named Samia and go on various adventures. Nesbit's work has been loved by many readers for its skillful blend of fantasy and reality and for looking at the world from a child's perspective.

The animated film "Onegai! Samiadon" based on this original work was produced in Japan in the late 1980s. At the time, the anime industry was dominated by not only TV series but also theatrical films, and fantasy works aimed at children were particularly popular. "Onegai! Samiadon" was one of those films, and was distributed by NHK and screened in theaters across the country.

Story and Characters

The story of "Onegai! Samia-don" begins when five children who have come to their grandmother's house in the countryside to spend their summer vacation meet a mysterious creature named Samia in the garden. Samia has the power to grant one wish from each child, but the wish must only last until sunset. The children try to use Samia's power to grant various wishes, but as a result, they end up getting caught up in unexpected trouble.

Each of the five main characters has their own unique personality. Robert, the leader, is brave and proactive, but can also be a bit clumsy. Jane, the older sister, is kind and caring, and acts as the leader of the children. Cyril, the younger brother, is knowledgeable and logical, but can also be a bit too calm. Anthony, the younger sister, is curious and loves adventure, and Bert, the youngest, is pure and innocent. The story depicts the growth of these characters through their encounters with Samia.

Samia is a desert spirit, and although she looks like a small lump of sand, she can speak and give various advice to children. Samia's design faithfully reproduces the image of the original work, while adding the cuteness that is unique to anime.

Animation and Music

The animation for "Onegai! Samia-don" was produced using the technical capabilities of Tokyo Movie Shinsha. In particular, Samia's movements and expressions have the warmth and realism that only hand-drawn animation can provide. The background art is also beautiful, with the countryside landscapes and the locations where the children's adventures take place carefully drawn in detail.

The music was composed by some of the most famous composers of the time, and it really adds to the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the music in the scene where the children meet Samia and when their wishes come true has beautiful, heartwarming melodies that really stir the emotions of the viewers. The ending theme is also memorable, and leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.

Evaluation and impact

"Onegai! Samiadon" was highly praised when it was released. In particular, the fusion of fantasy and reality, and the story of growing up, told from the perspective of children, captured the hearts of many viewers. In addition, because it was distributed by NHK, it was enjoyed by households all over the country and became a hot topic among children.

This work influenced the animation industry afterwards. It was used as a reference for storytelling, character drawing, and animation techniques, especially in the production of fantasy works for children. It also led to a reevaluation of E. Nesbit's original work and prompted other works to be animated.

Recommendations and related works

"Onegai! Samia-don" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It is especially recommended for those who like stories that depict the boundary between fantasy and reality, and those who like works that depict children's growth. Also, those who have read E. Nesbit's original work will enjoy a new interpretation of the anime version.

Related works include "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and "Five Children and Magical Creatures," both based on the original novels by E. Nesbit. These works are also masterpieces that depict the fusion of fantasy and reality, and the adventures and growth of children. In addition, "Lupin the Third" and "Captain Tsubasa," also produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, are works that show the high level of technology and storytelling at the time.

summary

"Onegai! Samia-don" is a short 30-minute animated film released in 1989, but it is a masterpiece that depicts a deeply moving and heartwarming story. Based on the original work by E. Nesbitt, and with the technical capabilities of Tokyo Movie Shinsha and the direction of director Kobayashi Osamu, the fusion of fantasy and reality depicted from a child's perspective, and the story of growth, has captured the hearts of many viewers. This work has influenced the animation industry since then, and has been used as a reference for the creation of fantasy works for children. We hope you will enjoy this nostalgic masterpiece once again.