"Under the Big Apple Tree": A thorough analysis of the emotion and appeal of this song

"Under the Big Apple Tree" - Looking back at the masterpieces of everyone's songs

"Under the Big Apple Tree" is a short two-minute animated film that was broadcast on NHK Educational TV (now NHK E-Tele) in April 1989. The film was produced as part of NHK's long-running program "Minna no Uta" and was drawn in the unique style of silhouette animation by the Kageboshi Theater Company. Here, we will explore the appeal and background of this film, as well as its subsequent influences.

Overview of the work

As you can see from the fact that the original media of "Under the Big Apple Tree" is listed as "other," it was not based on any specific original novel or manga, but was produced as an original story. It was broadcast in April 1989 with only one episode, but in that short time it deeply moved viewers.

This work was produced by the Kageboshi Theater Company, known for their silhouette puppet theatre, and their unique method of expression is utilized in this work. The copyright is owned by NHK, and the work has an educational purpose.

Story and Themes

The story of "Under the Big Apple Tree" depicts the relationship between a boy and a big apple tree. The boy plays under the tree and is depicted growing up. The story follows the boy from childhood to adulthood, depicting how the apple tree supports him at every stage of his life.

The theme of this work is "growth" and "gratitude." The scene where the boy plays under the apple tree, eats apples, and sleeps under the tree expresses the joy of being with nature. In addition, the scene where the boy visits the apple tree even as an adult and expresses his gratitude conveys the importance of being grateful to nature.

Visual expression and music

"Under the Big Apple Tree" is drawn in a unique style called silhouette animation. Silhouette animation is an adaptation of the technique of shadow puppetry, using black silhouettes to tell the story. This style creates a strong visual impact and stimulates the viewer's imagination.

Music is also an important element of this work. As a Minna no Uta work, songs and music support the story. The lyrics gently sing of the relationship between the boy and the apple tree, resonating with the viewer's heart. The music changes as the story progresses, bringing out the viewer's emotions.

Educational significance

"Under the Big Apple Tree" was broadcast on NHK Educational TV, and has an educational purpose behind it. The purpose of the work is to teach children to appreciate nature and the joy of growing up. Through the relationship between the boy and the apple tree, it conveys the importance of being with nature.

The film also offers children the opportunity to develop their imagination: the unique style of silhouette animation stimulates the viewer's imagination and encourages them to interpret the story in their own way, which is very important from an educational point of view.

Audience reaction and impact

"Under the Big Apple Tree" was loved by many viewers when it was first broadcast. Although it was only a short two-minute work, its moving story and unique visual expression left a deep impression on many people. In particular, many children said they wanted to play under the apple tree, which helped to raise their interest in nature.

This work also influenced the later "Minna no Uta" works. The silhouette animation style was also adopted in subsequent works, which became a trigger to broaden the range of visual expression. In addition, the works, which have themes of gratitude to nature and the joy of growth, continue to deeply move viewers.

Work evaluation and recommendation

"Under the Big Apple Tree" is a work that succeeds in deeply moving viewers in its short run. Its unique style of silhouette animation and storyline on themes of gratitude for nature and the joy of growing up struck a chord with viewers. This work can be recommended to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, and is especially recommended for those who want to increase their interest in nature and those looking for a moving story.

This work also reflects NHK's educational intentions, providing children with an opportunity to develop an appreciation for nature and to cultivate their imagination. It is a very valuable work from an educational point of view, and we recommend viewing it at school and at home.

Related works and recommendation list

For those who enjoyed "Under the Big Apple Tree," we also recommend the following related works, which also feature moving stories and unique visual expressions with themes of nature and growth.

• Other titles in the "Minna no Uta" series
  • "The Old Clock" - A moving piece using silhouette animation
  • "Grandfather's Clock" - A work depicting the joy of being in harmony with nature
• "My Neighbor Totoro" - A Studio Ghibli masterpiece that depicts the joy of living in harmony with nature
• "Spirited Away" - A Studio Ghibli masterpiece on the themes of growth and gratitude

summary

Although "Under the Big Apple Tree" is only two minutes long, its moving story and unique visual expression have made it a beloved work by many viewers. With themes of gratitude for nature and the joy of growing up, this work is recommended for a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, and is especially recommended for those who want to increase their interest in nature and those looking for an inspiring story. It is also a very valuable work from an educational point of view, and we recommend watching it at school or at home. You will be even more deeply moved by watching it together with other related works.