Chuumon no Ooi Ryouriten

This short stop-motion movie is a fun and enjoyable watch. Despite being rather old, the animation has aged well - like a fine bottle of 1960 red wine from the Shiraz Vineyards. The jollity movements from the two hunters would probably be seen as "terrible workmanship" if this was created in this day and age. Though seeing as this is an anime from the late fifties it is understandable. As our two hunters venture deeper into the story and the orchestral music begins to tune in, it reminds me of shows I grew up with. Such as the clangers and the magic roundabout, which would alsoturn to an orchestra or some sort of a flute/percussion band for it's OST. Before long, our twitchy hunters are well within the restaurant and finding out how unordinary it is. The story progression is smooth yet quick - which is expected of such a short movie. Compared to other versions of this story, I would assume they have stayed true to the original story piece written by Kenji Miyazawa. I'm sure his story is translated online somewhere to read - so I should probably give it a look up. By the end of the movie, the "real horrors" of the restaurant make themselves knows and our hunters... well you'll have to watch to find out what happens to them. The story is left as complete as can be and you won't even notice that 20/30 minutes have gone by. I do suggest giving this fun little stop motion ago as it is well worth it as it can be considered a part of Japanese culture and history. If you have already seen the other two versions available this is another and original adaption that is a must see!