A tragic tale. The animated film "Anju to Zushiou Maru" is based on the 1915 short story "Sansho, Master of Ishiura" by prominent Japanese novelist Mori Ogai. Seven years earlier, this story had already been filmed, talented director Kenji Mizoguchi directed the film “Managing Sansho”. The action takes place in medieval Japan. The vile ruler of the province of Mutsu, Onikura accuses the honest officer Iwaki Masaudzi of setting fire to the imperial forest. He is arrested and all his property is transferred to Onikura. His wife, daughter Anju, and son Zushio are forced to flee. They decide to go to the capital with a complaint to the emperor. On the way, they meet slave traders who separate children from their mother and sell them into slavery to the powerful and ruthless governor Sansho.
The creators of the film tried to convey the spirit of that time. The beautiful picture has several muted tones and elusively resembles ancient Japanese engravings. Deciding to tell this story to the children, they added elements of folklore and mythology to the plot. Positive heroes do not die here, but turn into a mermaid and a swan. For even greater childish appeal, there was a "team" of animal friends - a bear, a dog and a mouse. Plus, all the negative characters are drawn with characteristic faces, so that it is immediately clear who is who.
There are no obvious drawbacks to the film. True, all attempts to please children as much as possible - the angry and repulsive faces of negative characters, elements of folklore, animals, made the story fabulous. Which has clearly reduced the emotional intensity of this tragic story.
Verdict: this animated film will appeal primarily to children, but also to an older audience interested in Japan, will be interesting for its visual range. Good to see you!
7 out of 10
