The appeal and evaluation of "Aurin": A new standard for soothing anime

"Aurin" - A beautiful story where fantasy and reality intersect

■Overview of the work

"Aurin" is an animated film that premiered at the 19th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 27, 2006. It is based on a picture book written by Yoren and illustrated by Schoenheer, directed by Matsumi Shinichi, and produced by Sunrise. The film skillfully depicts the boundary between the fantasy world and reality, creating a story that deeply touches the audience.

■ Story

On the night of her fifth birthday, the girl is taken by her father on a walk into the snowy forest. In the clear moonlight, many different creatures live in the forest. In the forest, the father and daughter play a flute to summon an owl. The owl appears in response to the girl's wish, and she is deeply moved. The story is about the girl's growth and coexistence with nature, and is depicted with beautiful images and music.

■ Main staff

・Original story/creator: Yoren, illustrator: Schoenheere ・Screenplay/Shinichi Matsumi ・Director/Shinichi Matsumi ・Character design/Shuichi Obara, Mitsunori Murata ・Art/Shinji Kimura ・CG director/Shuji Shinoda ・Sound director/Takashi Ui ・Sound producer/Takeshi Nishina ・Music/Yunosuke Yamamoto ・Production/Sunrise

■Production background and intent

The aim of the production of "Aurin" was to recreate the fantastical worldview of the original picture book through animation. Director Matsumi Shinichi respected the beautiful images and story of the original, while challenging himself to bring out new charms through visual expression. In particular, he worked hard to balance CG and hand-drawn images to emphasize the beauty of the forest and the mysterious presence of the owl. Music was also an important element, with Yamamoto Yunosuke providing beautiful melodies to deepen the emotion of the story.

■Character design and art

Character design was handled by Obara Shuichi and Murata Mitsunori, who successfully incorporated the atmosphere of the original picture book into the animation. In particular, the girl's expressions and movements are drawn more realistically by faithfully recreating the original illustrations while adding movements unique to animation. Art director Kimura Shinji also created detailed backgrounds to bring out the beauty of the forest to the fullest. The beauty of the snow-covered forest leaves a deep impression on the audience.

■ Sound and Music

Sound director Takashi Ui and sound producer Takeshi Nishina used a variety of sound effects to realistically reproduce the sounds of nature and the voice of the owl. In particular, the sound of the owl's flute was carefully crafted as an important element that symbolizes the girl's inner thoughts. Music director Yunosuke Yamamoto also provided a beautiful melody to deepen the emotion of the story. The music portrays the story, which is about the girl's growth and coexistence with nature, in a more moving way.

■ Evaluations and Awards

"Aurin" received high praise at the Tokyo International Film Festival and was well received by audiences. It was especially praised for its beautiful visuals, music, and moving storyline, and won many awards. It has also received high praise overseas and is recognized as an internationally acclaimed animated film.

■ Recommendation points

"Aurin" is a work that is appealing for its beautiful images, music, and moving story. In particular, the story, which focuses on the growth of a young girl and her coexistence with nature, deeply moves the audience. Also, do not miss the fact that the fantastical worldview of the original picture book is reproduced in animation. This is a work that we highly recommend to those who like fantasy animation and those who are looking for a moving story.

■ Related works and recommendations

For fans of "Aurin", we also recommend the following works:

• My Neighbor Totoro - a fantasy animation produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of a young girl who lives in harmony with nature.
• "Spirited Away" - a fantasy animation produced by Studio Ghibli. It is a touching story about a young girl's growth and adventures.
• "Howl's Moving Castle" - A fantasy animation produced by Studio Ghibli. It is a work that is attractive for its beautiful images, music, and moving story.

■ Summary

"Aurin" is a work that is attractive for its beautiful images, music, and moving story. The story, which is about a girl's growth and coexistence with nature, deeply moves the audience. Also, do not miss the fact that the fantastical worldview of the original picture book is reproduced in animation. This is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes fantasy animation or who is looking for a moving story.