Summary
A little boy who saved a fish from dying, started to see a mermaid appear in front of him, guiding him to the mystic and magical ocean. However, he is later arrested for having such fictional imagination since the country where he lived strictly restricted free idea and thought. The controlling society then interrogates and medically treats/punishes the little boy.
Evaluation
The first thought I have processed after watching this video was “disturbing”. Not only do the simple lines and vast movement of the characters add to the creepiness but so does the plotline. I believe the message behind this short video is that certain things can limit children in becoming creative, innovative, and optimistic. Knowing that Tezuka Osama is a very open-minded person, I can see why he felt the need to stress this point to his audience. In Japan, it is only recent that “individuality” has started to become more proven in society. Back in 1964 when this video was produced, there must’ve been a more vivid imagery of how children should be and what they should grow up to be. Being socially accepted, blending in with the society, being part of the mono-tone group was “ethical” and “honorable”. Knowing that many people had such closed minds just a few decades ago, I am immensely grateful for being born in a more open-minded and free-spirited time span.
Keywords
Enclosure
Delusional
Agitated
