Taro the Dragon Boy

I love this film! When I was little (4 or 5) I used to watch it over and over again...I think I eventually wore out the tape. It has everything to keep kids mesmerized: demons, spirits, dragons and a superstrong child protagonist. I would love to get my hands on another copy...

"Taro the Dragon Boy" is a 1979 Japanese animated film that tells the story of a young boy named Taro who embarks on a quest to save his mother from a curse that has transformed her into a dragon.

Strengths: * Visually Stunning: The film is renowned for its beautiful and unique animation style, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese art forms. The backgrounds are particularly striking, with rich colors and detailed landscapes.

* Heartwarming Story: "Taro the Dragon Boy" is a heartwarming tale of courage, perseverance, and the power of love. Taro's journey is filled with challenges and obstacles, but he never gives up on his quest to save his mother.

* Cultural Significance: The film offers a glimpse into Japanese folklore and mythology, featuring mythical creatures and traditional storytelling elements.

Weaknesses: * Pacing: Some viewers may find the pacing to be uneven, with certain scenes feeling slower than others.

* Dated Animation: While the animation style is unique, it may not appeal to all modern audiences accustomed to more contemporary animation techniques.

* Limited Availability: The film is not as widely available as some other classic anime titles, making it harder to find and watch.

Overall: "Taro the Dragon Boy" is a visually stunning and heartwarming film that is a valuable addition to the history of Japanese animation. While it may not be as well-known as some of Studio Ghibli's works, it offers a unique and captivating cinematic experience.

Who will enjoy it?

* Fans of classic anime * Viewers who appreciate beautiful animation and storytelling * Those interested in Japanese folklore and mythology Who might not enjoy it?

* Viewers who prefer fast-paced action or contemporary animation styles * Those seeking a more modern or complex story * Anyone who is not interested in Japanese culture or mythology.

I first saw Taro when it was released by Turner on VHS back in the late 1980s. It instantly became a hit with my children, all three of whom came to love it; and we all watched it countless times. We were discouraged to learn that Turner had decided not to re-release the film on VHS, and we subsequently waited for years to see it come out on DVD. The artwork in this film is lovely, with many of the frames looking like a Japanese watercolor. There are elements of Japanese mythology here, as well as action, adventure, and important lessons in life and character building. Taro, an immensely strong and chubby orphan, must set out alone to discover the secret of his mother's disappearance. Along the way he learns that hard work, cooperation, honesty and ambition are essential to his survival. Children will enjoy the film and they may come to identify with the heroic Taro, the Dragon Boy, despite cultural differences and/or language barriers.

I was born the same year this film came out. Being half Japanese and having read or been told many other Japanese folk stories, I am very familiar with some of the characters in this particular story (the Onis and Tengu for example).

There are several lessons to be learned from this film; from trusting those around you, to being selfish and the rewards of helping those in need. Although there is some nudity, the audience needs to look past that and focus on the morals being told.

The ending holds a lot of emotion and the theme song throughout has a nice rhythm! I would recommend watching this in Japanese with the subtitles on.

9/10 stars for me on this one. :)

This is a beautiful rendition of what I assume is an old Japanese legend. The animation is simple yet satisfying because the illustration is so beautiful and compelling.

The film presents the story of Taro, a young boy with great strength who leaves his village and friends to find his mother. During the course of his journey he learns much of the world. He frees himself of those who wish to use him and welcomes those who help. There is much delightful magic and powerful mythological truth in this film.

I have an English language version (Turner Program Services) with exceptionally well done music and voices. My children have viewed this over and over again, and unlike Disney films, the adults have not tired of it. The music, language and story are both charming and profound.