Review of "Mari and the Three Puppies of Yamakoshi Village": A moving story and charming characters

Mari and her three puppies from Yamakoshi Village - a touching story and its background

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Picture books

■ Release date

April 27, 2006

■Release and sales

Publisher: Sky and Road, Distributor: Amuse Soft Entertainment

■Frequencies

45 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Shinji Kuwahara and Kazuoki Ohno

■ Director

Kazuoki Ohno

■ Production

Produced and produced by Sky & Road

■Works

©Sky&Rood
©Bungei Shunju

■ Story

In the former village of Yamakoshi in Niigata Prefecture, a dog named Mari lived happily. On October 23, 2004, Mari had just given birth to three puppies when the Chuetsu earthquake struck. At home, an elderly man sleeping was crushed under a fallen dresser and unable to move. Mari, who was supposed to be chained up, came to his side and licked his face as if to encourage him, which restored the grandfather's will to live. However, Mari and her siblings were left behind in the dangerous village where all the villagers had been evacuated. Mari must fight to protect her three puppies and survive in the devastated village of Yamakoshi...

■Explanation

This is an animated version of the picture book of the same name, which depicts the moving events that occurred during the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake on October 23, 2004. Mari, who had just given birth to three puppies on the morning of the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake, is caught in the earthquake in the evening. Her house collapses, her owner's grandfather is in the rubble, and the grandfather's son has left the village. The newborn puppy is blown away by the powerful earthquake and cries in the distance. Mari is tied up with chains and cannot run to the puppy, but she manages to free herself and comfort it. Then, Mari, covered in wounds, makes her way through the collapsed house to her grandfather. Mari licks the face of the immobile grandfather to encourage him. Eventually, a rescue helicopter arrives and the grandfather is rescued, but Mari and the puppies are left behind in the dangerous Yamakoshi village, where all the villagers have evacuated, as they are unable to board the helicopter. Will Mari and the puppies be able to survive?

■Cast

Narration by Atom Shimojo

■ Main staff

Original story: "Mari and the Three Puppies of Yamakoshi Village" by Shinji Kuwahara and Kazuoki Ohno
Planning and direction: Kazuoki Ohno Music: Shinya Naito Production and production: Sky & Road

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and emotion of the story

"Mari and her three puppies from Yamakoshi Village" is a moving story set against the backdrop of the Niigata Chuetsu earthquake that occurred on October 23, 2004. The earthquake struck the Chuetsu region of Niigata Prefecture, causing much damage. The drama unfolding between Mari the dog and her three puppies touched the hearts of many people. In particular, the scene where Mari unchains her dog and comforts her grandfather will move viewers to tears. This story teaches us the importance of finding hope even in the midst of a disaster.

■ Animation techniques and expressions

In just 45 minutes, this OVA depicts the terror of the earthquake and the courage of Mari and her friends. The animation techniques are particularly realistic in the earthquake scenes, making the viewer feel as if they are there. Mari's expressions and movements are drawn in detail, conveying her emotions. The music, by Shinya Naito, also adds to the moving story.

■Comparison with the original

The original is a picture book by Shinji Kuwabara and Kazuoki Ohno, and is a moving story that depicts the terror of an earthquake and Mari's courage. The animated version retains the essence of the original while adding depth through visual expression. In particular, the scene where Mari removes her chains and protects the puppies is even more moving than the original. The narration also allows viewers to understand the background of the story and Mari's feelings more deeply.

■ Viewer reactions and ratings

This work has been highly praised by many viewers, especially for its portrayal of the horror of disaster and the courage to overcome it. Mari's actions were also very moving, and many viewers were moved to tears. Furthermore, it has been accepted by a wide range of age groups, from children to adults, and is recommended as a work that the whole family can watch.

■ Recommendation points

This is a moving story that depicts the horror of disaster and the courage to overcome it. Mari's actions were particularly moving, and many viewers were moved to tears. It has also been accepted by a wide range of age groups, from children to adults, and is recommended as a film that can be watched by the whole family. In addition, the animation techniques and music have also been highly praised, making it a work that touches the hearts of viewers.

■ Related works and recommendations

Other works related to this one include "Grave of the Fireflies" and "The Wind Rises," which also have the theme of disasters. These works are also moving stories that depict the fear of disasters and the courage to overcome them, and they have touched the hearts of viewers. Other recommended works with dogs as the main characters include "Inuyasha" and "Gintama." These works are also moving stories that depict the courage and friendship of dogs, and they have touched the hearts of viewers.

■ Summary

"Mari and the Three Puppies of Yamakoshi Village" is a moving story that depicts the horror of disaster and the courage to overcome it. Mari's actions are particularly moving, and many viewers were moved to tears. The film has also been accepted by a wide range of age groups, from children to adults, and is recommended as a film that can be watched by the whole family. In addition, the animation techniques and music have also been highly praised, making it a work that touches the hearts of viewers. This is a moving story that depicts the horror of disaster and the courage to overcome it, and it is a work that touches the hearts of viewers.