Evaluation on 'Mermaid'

1) Setting

A world where creativity is prohibited. Socialism is extremely distinct here, and it is most likely a male oriented society. The timing is arguably set in the time when the film was released. 

2) Point of View

Third person. Perhaps omniscient? I'm not sure I fully understand the meaning of "third person omniscient". Although the story has no narration, it is written in a way where the invisible narrator knows exactly what will happen next. 

3) Conflict

Person vs. Society. The protagonist sees a mermaid in the water tank, whereas everybody else sees a fish. 

4) Climax

The scene where the protagonist finally sees a fish in the water tank instead of a mermaid. Here, the audience is made to believe that the boy was in the wrong. Yet soon, we find out when she is released into the ocean, she turns back into a mermaid. The boy too turns into a merman and swims far into the ocean.

5) Symbol

The water tank. It symbolizes the cruel society the story was set in.  When sea animals are transferred into a water tank from the ocean, its freedom is taken away. In the short film, the boy placed the fish/mermaid in the tank. However, what Tezuka was actually trying to portray here was that in reality, it was the boy who was placed in the tank by the government. 

6) Irony

Even though the boy was put under severe conditions, he pushed through and was able to find a world that made him genuinely happy. It is shown that a person who is really free in their spirit will somehow find a way out. 

7) Theme

How society and adulthood kills one's creativity. Tezuka is criticizing the society for underestimating the power of imagination. Even though we are all born with great ideas, society suppresses them to keep everything under their control. 

It could also be a message for himself, on how his creativity has not been the way he wants it to be. As we grow up, we see the world in a different light. The crazy yet dreamy world we once lived in as a child is long gone, and we get stuck in an unhappy state.

Note: The short film reminded me of the extended version of Harry Styles' music video Adore You. Perhaps Tezuka's work inspired the master piece...? (I'm just making an assumption, I could be completely wrong.)