Mermaid Forest review: A fusion of beautiful visuals and deep story

"Mermaid Forest": The destiny of immortality and the eternal journey

■Overview of the work

Mermaid Forest is an original video animation (OVA) based on the manga by Takahashi Rumiko, released on August 16, 1991. It is a single episode, 55 minutes long, produced and distributed by Shogakukan and Victor Music Industries. It is directed by Mizutani Takaya and animated by OB Planning. The story follows the journey of a fisherman named Yuta, who has become immortal, as he searches for a mermaid in order to return to his original body.

■ Story

500 years ago, fisherman Yuta eats the flesh of a mermaid that washed up on the shore, and becomes immortal. Yuta, who lives forever, cannot bear the loneliness and wishes to return to his original body. He then sets out on a journey to find the mermaid. During this journey, Yuta meets various people and comes face to face with his own destiny.

■Explanation

Mermaid Forest is a work that depicts Rumiko Takahashi's unique worldview and deep human drama. The theme of immortality asks what we would gain in exchange for eternal life. Yuta's journey is depicted through his own inner growth and his interactions with those around him. This work was followed by a sequel, Mermaid's Scar, and a TV series in 2003. Through these works, Yuta's story is further deepened.

■Cast

・Yuta: Koichi Yamadera ・Mao: Minami Takayama ・Towa: Mika Doi ・Sawa: Aiko Konoshima ・Shiina: Ryuji Kai ・Shiina (young adult): Kazumi Tanaka ・Sawa (young girl): Wakana Yamazaki

■ Main staff

Director: Takaya Mizutani; Character design and animation director: Sayuri Ichiishi; Screenplay: Shoichiro Okubo; Art director: Katsuyoshi Kanemura; Director of photography: Hajime Noguchi; Sound director: Yasunori Honda; Music: Kenji Kawai; Producers: Isamu Asami, Isamu Senda; Co-producers: Shiro Sasaki, Toshiaki Okuno, Shukichi Kanda; Animation production: OB

■ Main Characters

・Yuta
A man who has lived for over 500 years. He gained immortality by eating mermaid meat. In order to return to his original body, he goes on a journey to find a mermaid.

Mao: After being kidnapped by the mermaid village as a baby, she was raised in shackles until she was 15 years old. By being forced to eat mermaid meat, she became immortal. After being saved by Yuta, they started acting together.

■ Related works

・OVA "Mermaid's Scar"
・TV series "Mermaid Forest"

■ Theme songs and music

・IN1
"Time Wanders"
Lyrics: Kanae Matsumoto Arrangement: Kenji Kawai Vocals: Junko Hirotani

・ED1
"Through the Forest - Born to Love You -"
Lyrics: Hiroshi Yamada Composition: Kenji Maseno Vocals: Eri Fukatsu

■Detailed story and character analysis

The story of Mermaid Forest revolves around Yuta's destiny of immortality and his journey to unlock it. 500 years ago, Yuta ate the flesh of a mermaid and became immortal. This fate brings him eternal loneliness. Yuta sets out on a journey to find a mermaid in order to return to his original body, but the journey is by no means easy. He meets various people, sometimes helped and sometimes betrayed, as he faces his destiny.

Yuta's character is depicted as struggling with the pain of living under the unique circumstances of immortality and his search for meaning in life. He is forced to consider what he would gain and lose by having eternal life. Yuta's journey is depicted through his own inner growth and his interactions with those around him. His journey is not just a search for mermaids, but also a search for the meaning of his own existence.

Mao is an important character who accompanies Yuta on his journey. She was kidnapped by the mermaid village as a baby and raised in shackles until she was 15 years old. She was forced to eat mermaid meat, which gave her immortality. After being saved by Yuta, she travels with him and they continue their journey together. Mao's presence is a great support for Yuta. Her purity and strength soothe Yuta's heart and support him on his journey.

■Animation and Music

The animation for Mermaid Forest was produced under the direction of Takaya Mizutani. Character design and animation direction is by Sayuri Ichiishi, whose delicate touch adds depth to the film. Art director Katsuyoshi Kanemura and cinematographer Hajime Noguchi work hand in hand to create beautiful backgrounds and imagery. Sound director Yasunori Honda and music composer Kenji Kawai create a score that enhances the film's atmosphere.

The theme song "Time's Wandering" is sung by Junko Hiroya, with lyrics by Kanasaku Matsumoto and arranged by Kenji Kawai, and expresses Yuta's loneliness and the pain of his journey. The ending theme "Through the Forest - Born to Love You -" is sung by Eri Fukatsu, with lyrics by Hiroshi Yamada and composed by Kenji Maseno, and depicts the hope and bond between Yuta and Mao on their journey. These songs deeply reflect the theme of the work and resonate with the hearts of viewers.

■ Related works and their influence

Mermaid Forest was followed by an OVA called Mermaid's Scar, which goes deeper into Yuta's journey and shows him coming to terms with his destiny. In 2003, a TV series called Mermaid Forest was broadcast, further expanding Yuta's story. Through these works, Yuta's destiny of immortality and his journey to unlock it touched many viewers.

Mermaid Forest has been highly praised for Rumiko Takahashi's unique worldview and deep human drama. The theme of immortality invites viewers to ponder, asking what they would trade for eternal life. Yuta's journey is depicted through his own inner growth and his interactions with those around him, capturing the hearts of viewers.

■ Recommendations and ratings

Through the theme of immortality, Mermaid Forest asks what you would get in exchange for eternal life. Yuta's journey is depicted through his own inner growth and his interactions with the people around him, capturing the hearts of viewers. Rumiko Takahashi's unique worldview and profound human drama encourage deep contemplation. This work has touched many viewers not only as an OVA, but also through sequels and a TV series. Mermaid Forest is a profound work that makes you think about what you would get in exchange for eternal life. Please give it a watch.