Review of "Megumi no Daigo": A moving story of youth and friendship

All-round review and recommendation of Megumi no Daigo - Megumi no Daigo

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

January 22, 2000 - January 1, 2000

■Distribution company

Toho

■Frequencies

42 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Original work by Masato Soda

■ Director

・Director: Shin Nishizawa

■ Production

・Production: Sunrise

■Works

© Masato Soda/Shogakukan, Sunrise

■ Story

Asahina Daigo is assigned to the Medakagahama Branch as a new firefighter. The station is under the command of Chief Gomi, who once saved Daigo from a fire when he was a child. Daigo is enthusiastic, but his hot-blooded solo play leads to him being placed under house arrest. One of the reasons he is depressed is the presence of a reporter, Okuno, who questions Daigo's actions, saying that "he saves lives with just his 'instinct and good luck'". However, Daigo's rival, Amakasu Shiro, knows that Daigo's natural instincts, his 'instinct and good luck', are what save lives, and he encourages him, while Chief Gomi deals with Okuno in silence throughout.

■Explanation

The original comic won the 42nd Shogakukan Manga Award and the Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 1998 Japan Media Arts Festival organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and in 1998 he was also adopted as the mascot for the Tokyo Fire Department.

■ Main staff

・Original work by Masato Soda
・Director: Shin Nishizawa
・Character design: Hideyuki Motohashi
・Screenplay: Akihiko Inari
・Music: Shiro Hamaguchi

■Detailed evaluation

"Megumi no Daigo" is a story about a firefighter based on the original work by Masato Soda, and was released as a movie in 2000. The original work is highly acclaimed, having won the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Excellence Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The movie was produced by Sunrise and distributed by Toho. In its short 42 minutes, it succeeds in conveying a visual impact and emotion while condensing the essence of the original work.

The protagonist of the story, Asahina Daigo, is assigned to the Medakagahama Branch as a new firefighter. Although he is happy to be able to work under Chief Gomi, who saved him from a fire when he was a child, his hot-blooded actions lead to him being placed under house arrest. This episode plays an important role in depicting Daigo's growth and the relationships that surround him. In addition, the presence of the reporter, Okuno, symbolizes the social perspective that sees Daigo's actions as problematic, adding depth to the story.

Daigo's rival, Amakasu Shiro, is portrayed as someone who believes in Daigo's "instinct and good luck" and encourages him. The presence of this character not only encourages Daigo's growth, but also plays a role in asking the viewers "what is true courage?" Director Gomi's silent response is also an important scene that shows his conviction in Daigo's actions.

Director Nishizawa Susumu has faithfully recreated the worldview of the original work, while succeeding in drawing out new appeal through visual expression. In particular, the depiction of the fire scene and the scenes of the firefighters' struggle leave a strong impression on the viewer, with an effective combination of realistic images and music. In addition, character design by Motohashi Hideyuki provides visuals that are appropriate for the movie version without compromising the image of the original work.

Screenwriter Akihiko Inari skillfully constructs the story in the short 42-minute length of the film, and succeeds in drawing the viewers' emotions. In particular, the portrayal of Daigo's growth and the relationships surrounding him deeply moves the viewers. In addition, the music by Shiro Hamaguchi has an effect of elevating the emotions as the story unfolds, and is an important element in capturing the viewers' hearts.

■Recommendation details

"Megumi no Daigo" is a moving story that depicts the courage and growth of firefighters, and is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who are experiencing the work for the first time. In particular, the realistic depiction of the fire scene and the scenes of the firefighters' struggle not only make a visual impact, but also give viewers an opportunity to think about "what true courage is." In addition, the portrayal of the character growth and human relationships will leave a deep impression on viewers.

This film will leave a deeper impression if you watch it with your family or friends. It is especially recommended from an educational perspective, as it teaches children the importance of "courage" and "responsibility." Also, for those who have read the original comic, watching the movie version that recreates the worldview of the original comic will allow them to discover new charms.

Furthermore, "Megumi no Daigo" is also beneficial for those who are interested in the profession of firefighters. By depicting the actual work of firefighters and the difficulties they face, it allows viewers to understand the importance of the profession. Also, from a social perspective, the presence of a reporter who questions the behavior of firefighters provides an opportunity for viewers to think between "social perspective" and "personal beliefs."

Overall, "Megumi no Daigo" leaves a strong impression on viewers with its moving storyline, realistic visuals, and deep portrayal of human relationships. It is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who are experiencing the work for the first time. I hope that you will watch this work and feel "what true courage is" through Daigo's growth and the relationships that surround him.