It's challenging to review a piece of clear wartime propaganda like this, especially when it's from the point of view of the aggressor. This short film (whose sequel is considered the first Japanese feature length animation), depicts the attack on Pearl Harbour, albeit by anthropomorphised animals. The enemy (Allied Forces) are presented as demons for the most part, although there is also a brief cameo from Bluto (of Popeye fame), as a more obvious stupid, fat, drunk American (presumably Max Fleischer was not consulted for copyright clearance). Presumably the film was intended to make the war palatable to Japanese civilians (and perhaps help parents explain things to children).
Leaving the content aside, the animation here is cute, without being overly impressive or groundbreaking. It's notably more in the style of early Disney or Fleischer than what we might typically think of as Japanese animation, although the light tone is in keeping with child friendly anime.
Clearly this is mostly of historical interest, not entertainment or artistic, but for that alone it's worth seeing.
Leaving the content aside, the animation here is cute, without being overly impressive or groundbreaking. It's notably more in the style of early Disney or Fleischer than what we might typically think of as Japanese animation, although the light tone is in keeping with child friendly anime.
Clearly this is mostly of historical interest, not entertainment or artistic, but for that alone it's worth seeing.
