Garasubin no naka no bakemonoe
- Episode aired Jan 22, 1989
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
10
YOUR RATING
Photos
Theodore Lehmann
- Narrator
- (English version)
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEarly on it is stated that Frederick wishes to be a doctor. In the original Grimms' fairy tale, the boy used the power on the second side of the cloth to heal anything (not shown here) to eventually become a doctor.
- Quotes
Frederick: I don't mind being eaten by a real spirit, but how do I know you are what you say you are and not some kind of phony?
Featured review
The Spirit in the Bottle
'The Spirit in the Bottle' is not the most well known of Brothers Grimm stories, but any Grimm story is worth reading and this is no exception, especially one that teach good morals that are still relevant and important to address today (with there being far too much greed in this world, but enough of that). It exists in two versions, the alternate version being the grimmer and sadder version with the lead character showing more greed in it as well.
'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' adaptation surprisingly is more based on 'The Spirit in the Bottle's' alternate version, or at least it seems to be. Which is surprising, as although the series has a fair share of dark, disturbing moments, few are as grim or as sad as this, which is not a bad thing but more an observation. It is one of the few episodes of 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' where the lead character is very difficult to root for, which is the whole point actually of the alternate version as it is a realistic depiction of what greed leads to (except that in this version he stays the same rather than grows), and where (unlike the original version) the ending isn't so happy to put it lightly. Actually prefer the ending of the alternate version myself.
Really do admire the approach that this series took with this particular story and that it was a relative change of pace for the series where protagonists were generally likeable, that didn't have stories that were dark and disturbing all the way through (with exceptions like 'Bluebeard') and where endings are not this grim. It is worthy of admiration too that it adheres quite closely in story detail and spirit to the version in question, a gutsy move that pays off.
Will admit to disliking Frederick from the get go, greed, laziness and selfishness are in no way endearing traits for any character or in real life, and found it difficult to root for him throughout the whole episode. Even for a character not meant to be the most likeable on the block but the episode could have tried to give at least a little bit of character growth, rather than going too far on the unlikeability factor.
Otherwise, there is really very little wrong with 'The Spirit in the Bottle'. The story is handled with maturity and coherence, with no shying away from giving the latter stages full impact, while still being accessible for older and younger viewers alike. The ending does have a lot of punch, in no way jarring as it is in perfect keeping with the moral and tone of the story (the ending for the original version if included would have been too pat) as does the moral which isn't laid on too thick. The writing is easy to understand while also treating both children and adults with respect, this is an episode from 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' that adults should have no trouble appreciating. The lip-synching isn't as sloppy as it can be.
Some of the best animation of the series comes here too, especially the atmospheric colours (light and dark). The character designs are thankfully some of the series' least derivative, though occasionally the drawing could have been smoother. The music does fit well, some nice scoring at the start for example, and the intro and outro credit music charms. Here the father is the most rootable character and the devil the most interesting where one is somewhat on his side, something that is not usually said for devil characters that tend to be the villain characters. The voice acting is dynamic.
Concluding, well crafted and interesting episode. 7.5/10
'Grimm Masterpiece Theater's' adaptation surprisingly is more based on 'The Spirit in the Bottle's' alternate version, or at least it seems to be. Which is surprising, as although the series has a fair share of dark, disturbing moments, few are as grim or as sad as this, which is not a bad thing but more an observation. It is one of the few episodes of 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' where the lead character is very difficult to root for, which is the whole point actually of the alternate version as it is a realistic depiction of what greed leads to (except that in this version he stays the same rather than grows), and where (unlike the original version) the ending isn't so happy to put it lightly. Actually prefer the ending of the alternate version myself.
Really do admire the approach that this series took with this particular story and that it was a relative change of pace for the series where protagonists were generally likeable, that didn't have stories that were dark and disturbing all the way through (with exceptions like 'Bluebeard') and where endings are not this grim. It is worthy of admiration too that it adheres quite closely in story detail and spirit to the version in question, a gutsy move that pays off.
Will admit to disliking Frederick from the get go, greed, laziness and selfishness are in no way endearing traits for any character or in real life, and found it difficult to root for him throughout the whole episode. Even for a character not meant to be the most likeable on the block but the episode could have tried to give at least a little bit of character growth, rather than going too far on the unlikeability factor.
Otherwise, there is really very little wrong with 'The Spirit in the Bottle'. The story is handled with maturity and coherence, with no shying away from giving the latter stages full impact, while still being accessible for older and younger viewers alike. The ending does have a lot of punch, in no way jarring as it is in perfect keeping with the moral and tone of the story (the ending for the original version if included would have been too pat) as does the moral which isn't laid on too thick. The writing is easy to understand while also treating both children and adults with respect, this is an episode from 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' that adults should have no trouble appreciating. The lip-synching isn't as sloppy as it can be.
Some of the best animation of the series comes here too, especially the atmospheric colours (light and dark). The character designs are thankfully some of the series' least derivative, though occasionally the drawing could have been smoother. The music does fit well, some nice scoring at the start for example, and the intro and outro credit music charms. Here the father is the most rootable character and the devil the most interesting where one is somewhat on his side, something that is not usually said for devil characters that tend to be the villain characters. The voice acting is dynamic.
Concluding, well crafted and interesting episode. 7.5/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Nov 21, 2019
- Permalink
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