Jack to Mame no Ki (OVA)

There's not much to say about this adaption of "Jack and the Beanstalk".

I don't think the originality of the story matters with this piece, rather the unique art style and the animation that make this little short movie a worthwhile adventure.

You'll only be able to find a bad VHS rip with hardcoded subtitles on the web, but nonetheless, I hope you guys enjoy it.

Rate a 6
English Subtitles

Plot
A good children's story. Although while it is interesting to watch the moral of the story is iffy. I mean there are perceived morals but most of them are bad. The few that are good are faintly hinted at like take care of your family and/or know the value of items. Even than those two good principles were kind of hypocritical at least in portraying of the main character that was suppose to be teaching them.

I will explain... if you were a kid and you were given a task that was of high importance for it contained a huge impact on ... your family one better take that decision to heart. For a mistake of any kind can be HUGE. Rather that doing that task another task was done instead. Sure both had good intentions but the complete disregard of family and task was also done. Luckily the good out weighed the bad at the end but what if it hadn't? What if the second hand deal was even worse with no good aspect? Family is screwed, the kid is in trouble and the future for both is bleak at best. Not to neglect to mention the second backhand deal scenario went against the good concept of stranger danger.

Art
I think there was promise with the character design of all white but sadly the artist(s) didn't mix the design in a perfect fashion. Yes, the way it is currently is unique but aside from being slightly unpleasant to look at they didn't take advantage of what they had. For example for those that did not view the film the main character and his family looked kind of like light bulbs. If the son remained white and his mom remained yellow not only would that make for easier character distinguishment but you are presenting a physical element of change. For when the main character, a kid achieves success he could turn yellow himself to show enlightenment.