Enoki of Hiroshima: A film that combines moving storytelling with beautiful images

"Enoki Tree of Hiroshima": A moving story filled with a prayer for peace

"Enoki Tree of Hiroshima" is an animated film released in 1989 that moved many viewers with its deep theme and beautiful visuals. This film is a story that depicts the desire and hope for peace against the backdrop of the tragic history of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Picture books

■ Release date

March 19, 1989 - January 1, 0000

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Directed by: Tetsu Dezaki, Ittoku Tanahashi

■ Production

・Production/Co-production of the film, Magic Bus

story

"Hiroshima's Enoki" is a story that revolves around a real enoki tree in Hiroshima City. This enoki tree is known as the "bombed tree" that survived the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Through this tree, the film depicts the tragedy of war and the importance of peace.

The story begins just after the atomic bomb was dropped. A Japanese hackberry tree, located just 1.2 kilometers from the hypocenter, miraculously survived the blast and heat rays. In the film, the tree acts as a narrator, quietly telling the horror of war and the suffering of the people. The tree is also portrayed as a symbol of hope, providing emotional support for children who lost their families in the war.

In the second half of the film, the Enoki tree is shown growing and nurturing new life as Hiroshima rebuilds. The Enoki tree, along with the new trees planted with prayers for peace, symbolize hope for the future. The story conveys a message to viewers to never forget the tragedies of war and to cherish the desire for peace.

Visuals and Music

Directed by Tetsu Dezaki and Ittoku Tanahashi, the visuals of "Enoki Tree of Hiroshima" are beautiful yet solemn. In the scenes of the atomic bombing, the blast and sea of ​​fire are depicted realistically, visually conveying the horror of war, while in scenes where the Enoki tree survives, lush greenery is depicted as a symbol of hope and rebirth.

The music is also an important element that enhances the emotional impact of this film. The music, created by composer Joe Hisaishi, has beautiful melodies that combine sadness and hope, deeply moving the viewer's heart. In particular, the music in the scene where the Chinese hackberry tree appears as the narrator leaves a quiet yet powerful impression, making the theme of the story even more deeply felt.

Recognition and Awards

"Enoki Tree of Hiroshima" was highly praised when it was released. It was especially praised for the balance it struck between depicting the tragedy of war and conveying a message of hope and peace. Its beautiful visuals and music also won many awards and drew international attention.

Specific awards it has received include the Japan Academy Prize for Excellence in Animation in 1989, and the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in the same year. These awards are proof of the film's global recognition, and are a testament to its artistic quality and message.

Recommended points

"The Enoki Tree of Hiroshima" is a recommended work for the following reasons:

• Deep Theme : This work depicts the tragedy of war and the desire for peace, and will leave viewers with deep emotions and an opportunity to think. It is especially worth showing to children as part of peace education.
• Beautiful visuals : Directed by Tetsu Dezaki and Ittoku Tanahashi, the visuals contrast the horror of war with the beauty of nature, making a strong visual impact.
• Emotional music : Joe Hisaishi's music enhances the emotion of the story and deeply touches the hearts of viewers. In particular, the quiet yet powerful melodies make the theme of the film even more deeply felt.
• Historical background : This work is set against the backdrop of the historical event of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, making it an important piece for learning history. In particular, the presence of the Chinese hackberry tree, which was exposed to the atomic bomb, is important as a symbol of ensuring that memories of the war do not fade away.

Related information

There is also a picture book based on "Hiroshima's Enoki." This picture book tells the story of the Enoki tree that survived the atomic bombing in an easy-to-understand way for children. The author of the picture book is a writer living in Hiroshima, and created the story based on his own experiences.

Following the release of the film, an event was held in Hiroshima to commemorate the enoki tree. At the event, a new enoki tree was planted as a prayer for peace, and many citizens participated. Such efforts have become important opportunities to put the message of the film into action.

summary

"Enoki Trees of Hiroshima" is a moving animated film that depicts the tragedies of war and the desire for peace. The beautiful visuals, music, and profound themes will move viewers' hearts and renew their prayers for peace. This is a film that should be seen by many people, both as a way to learn history and as part of peace education. Please watch "Enoki Trees of Hiroshima" to keep the memories of war alive and to embrace hope for the future.