Appleland Story: A thorough analysis of the fascinating world and deep charm of its characters

Appleland Story - Appleland Monogatari

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

novel

■ Release date

October 10, 1992

■Frequencies

90 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Yoshiki Tanaka

■ Director

Kunihiko Yuyama

■Works

©Yoshiki Tanaka/Tokuma Shoten, Tokuma Japan Communications/1992

■ Story

In 1905, a young pickpocket named Ver, who lives in the small European country of Apfelland, happens to meet a captured girl named Frida. Ver, who has a slight crush on Frida, rescues her with the help of Inspector Fleischer, but in fact Frida has a major secret that could shake the world. The two gradually become embroiled in a huge conspiracy that could threaten the very existence of Apfelland...

■Cast

・Corona / Mayumi So ・Belka / Yuko Mizutani ・Father / Tesshō Genda ・Mother / Yoshiko Fujita ・Tar-kun / Akira Kamiya ・Andy / Yuji Mitsuya

■ Main staff

・Original story by Yoshiki Tanaka ・Screenplay by Junki Takegami ・Director by Kunihiko Yuyama ・Character design by Keiko Fukuyama ・Animation directors: Minoru Yamazawa and Hirohide Shikishima

■Detailed story and character analysis

The story of "The Tale of Appleland" is set in the small European country of Appleland in 1905. The protagonist, Ver, is a boy who pickpockets to make a living. His daily life changes dramatically one day when he suddenly meets a captive girl named Frida. Frida is the first person Ver has ever met who moves him deeply, and he teams up with Inspector Fleischer to save her. However, Frida is hiding a world-shaking secret, and a conspiracy surrounding that secret threatens the very existence of Appleland.

Ver is a strong-willed character who never gives up even in difficult situations. His growth and love for Frida are the central themes of the story and deeply move the audience. Frida, on the other hand, is a pure and kind-hearted girl, but as her secret is revealed, her character also gains depth. Inspector Fleischer is an important character who supports Ver and Frida, and his wisdom and courage drive the story.

■Animation and visuals

The animation in The Story of Appleland is of very high quality for a 1992 OVA. Director Kunihiko Yuyama, along with character designers Minoru Yamazawa and animation director Hirohide Shikishima, created beautiful visuals. In particular, the European landscapes and the streets of Appleland are carefully drawn in detail, making them visually captivating. Additionally, the characters' expressions and movements are very realistic, skillfully expressing changing emotions.

Keiko Fukuyama, who was in charge of the original character designs, provided designs that highlighted the individuality of each character. Vel's boyish liveliness and Frida's gentleness and mystery are effectively expressed through her design. Inspector Fleischer's strictness and the characteristics of the other supporting characters are also clearly conveyed visually.

■Music and Sound

The music in "The Appleland Story" is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The soundtrack effectively enhances the tension and emotion of the story while giving off a European classical atmosphere. In particular, the music in the scenes where Vel and Frida meet and where the conspiracy is revealed stirs the emotions of the viewer. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, with veteran voice actors such as Sho Mayumi, Mizutani Yuko, Genda Tessho, Fujita Yoshiko, Kamiya Akira, and Mitsuya Yuji expressing the characters' emotions realistically.

■Comparison with the original

The original work of "The Tale of Appleland" is a novel written by Yoshiki Tanaka. The original novel has a more detailed story and character background, some of which are omitted in the anime version. However, the anime version captures the essence of the original work well and effectively conveys the story through visual expression. In particular, the relationship between Vel and Frieda and the development of the plot are animated without losing the charm of the original work.

For viewers who have read the original novel, the visuals of the scenes and characters depicted in the anime version will be a fresh surprise. Also, by reading the original novel after watching the anime version, you will gain a deeper understanding and be moved by the story.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"The Appleland Story" is a highly acclaimed OVA from 1992, with excellent story, characters, animation, and music. In particular, the pure love between Vel and Frida and their courage in standing up to the conspiracy deeply move viewers. Also, don't miss the beautiful European scenery and the carefully drawn visuals.

This work is recommended for those who like youth stories and adventure stories, those who want to enjoy beautiful animation, and those who want to be moved by deep stories and characters. Also, those who have read the original novel will be able to discover new charms in the anime version. Although "The Appleland Story" is a short OVA, it is a work that leaves a strong impression on viewers, and I highly recommend that you watch it at least once.

■ Related works and recommendation list

For viewers who enjoyed "The Appleland Story," we also recommend the following related works, which also feature deep stories, beautiful visuals, and moving characters.

• Legend of the Galactic Heroes - A science fiction anime also based on a novel by Yoshiki Tanaka. It depicts complex political and human drama.
• "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" - A masterpiece anime by director Hayao Miyazaki. It is appealing for its beautiful nature and profound themes.
• "Castle in the Sky" - An anime adventure directed by Hayao Miyazaki. A moving story of adventure and friendship.
• "Macross Plus" - A sci-fi anime with beautiful animation and music, which also tells a story of youth and love.
• "Evangelion" - A science fiction anime with deep themes and beautiful visuals. The character development and human drama are moving.

Just like "The Tales of Appleland," these works will surely leave viewers deeply moved and satisfied. Be sure to check out the related works as well.