Kamishibai Itazura Tanuki no Maki

I’ve recently been watching a whole bunch of prewar animations, and while a large amount of them are interesting only as historical artifacts, there are a few legitimate gems in there too. Thus far of the films I’ve watched, Rascal Raccoon is the highlight. It is genuinely funny with some good gags thrown in there, and in particular the animation is fantastic.

The setpiece of the short is a fight scene that is smoothly animated, fast-paced and actually surprisingly reminiscent of something you would find in modern anime: Clever characters thinking on their feet and using their fighting skills and all kinds of tricks to get ... one over on their opponent. And, unlike usually in these very early animations, the animation successfully employs varying angles that make the action feel dynamic and engaging.

I believe reviewing any art has to done while keeping its historical context in mind. Of course this film is fairly basic in every way compared to anime released today or even thirty or forty years ago, but it’s also unfair and frankly absurd to compare it to them. In the context of everything else made during that era of Japanese animation, it’s an excellently fun little ride and well worth watching, unlike a lot of its contemporaries.

Rate a 3
English subbed (silent film)
art film

Story
Introduction was nice. A movie marked for all ages presented itself in a stage setting for kids. Sadly, the show like the main character kept changing but not for the better. As the story progress we learn the main character's motivation behind his action. We also learn his skill of the trade so to type. However, becomes tragically unwoven as misconception when the 'mark of the ninja' is bestowed upon him? How?! Where did one (audience) see that? Truth is we didn't. If you present a skill you must stay true to it. If it requires water stay with ... water not fire. If requires hearing stay with hearing not sight. As for the conclusion where the story really counts for this is where the message is delivered the story failed. Mind you, this was marked as 'all ages'. Not only did this lack in message but the sense of any message that could exist one would see as negative rather than positive. An example of a good message is don't cure. An example of a bad message cheat your friends and family.

Art
black and white
transition are okay

Sound- can't comment, does not apply.

Character- a little bit of pre-context of what happened with the main character to begin with that brought him into this position in life would have been a nice touch.