Issunboushi: Chibisuke Monogatari

Rate an 8
English Subtitled

Story
Introduction was nicely told through narration.

Conclusion made scene for it referred back to the introduction.

I was not please that their was little in terms of background on the main male character's origin.

... Art
-black and white

-Not only was introduction art drawn nicely as in not too bright or too dark but had a nice symbolic affect. For when watches an anime they are really watching a visual story. Thus quite symbolical and a creative idea.

-There were some loops of recycled art. I can allow that to some regard for it does save time in showing certain moments of life that practically repeat them selves. Like a crow crowing. Not much is going to change from body or lip movement. So, why waste the time expressing slightly different body structure. Although, the recycling towards the end was unappreciated for it hinted at two different out looks at least. What i mean is there is a moment where time seems to have paused and did a quick rewind. That type of artwork is great for certain movies like groundhog day for the plot of time makes sense. But not here. In this case i would have recommended a slight cut of that particular scene to allow a smoother flow.

-artwork was cartoonist for certain characteristics of psychics were used that normally wouldn't work in real life. Like for example the matches.

A very delightful and well preserved short that has elements of Jack and the beanstalk, the BFG, Thumbelina and Gulliver's Travels mixed with more Japanese tropes of feudal responsibilities and loyalty to the crown being the root of all advancement. Tiny Chibisuke indeed undertakes a big adventure here of David meeting Goliath levels of allegory. You also see in this short the seeds of inspiration for the future generation of artists who take the metaphorical implications at play here and elevate them to the cosmic scale with Kaijuu and Mecha anime and films with the play on the disparity in size and strength in ... conflict. That the weaker underdog will triumph through hard work, loyalty and responsibility will continue to remain an enduring theme in Japanese art going forward.