Taro - Der Drachenjunge

Although this film was released on home video in the U.S. in 1984 as "Taro the Dragon Boy" (five years after it appeared in Japanese theaters), not many people seem to remember it, which is a shame, as it is one of the best anime films I've ever seen. I rented the English-dubbed version, helmed by the legendary Peter Fernandez (also worked on the English dubs of "Speed Racer" and "Superbook"), on video from my video store on several occasions as a child, and was awestruck. Taro is a remarkable young man - he possesses immense strength and an enormous appetite, but he also has a heart of gold, and the object of his quest is to find his mother who was changed into a dragon many years ago. (One scene which made a big impression on me is the scene in which Taro and the villagers are feasting after Taro defeated a demon who was threatening the village, and Taro can't enjoy the celebration because he keeps thinking of the folks back in his home village who have nothing to eat. That shows what a pure, good heart he has.) This film holds up very well even to this day. The animation is remarkably fluid given that the film is now over a quarter-century old, and the music is also very well-done. There are even vocal songs, which were dubbed into English for the U.S. release, and they're also pretty good, even in English. The dubbed voices are also quite good, as I recall. The ending will absolutely have you in tears. If you can find a used copy of this film on VHS, by all means pick it up. It's a real classic. (Incidentally, despite the Japanese title, "Tatsu no ko Taro," this animation was NOT produced by Tatsunoko Production, but by Toei Animation, which later became internationally famous for "Dragonball," "Sailor Moon," and "One Piece.")

When you are 3 years old and something touches you so deep, just like this anime did to me, you NEVER EVER forget it. You might forget the name of the characters, or the exact plot but it never goes, all the pictures stay inside (especially when these pictures are that impressing). That happened to me with this movie. I was so moved when I discovered it again!

All these colors, the way the characters were drawn, the plot of course, EVERYTHING about this anime is perfect! And of course it is not only for kids or anime fans, this is a movie everyone must see. It is a movie about hope, and love and what someone can do for the person he loves the most and how many barriers he can overcome -wether he is as strong as Taro, or not. ;P

This is a movie that will wake the child inside you but this doesn't mean it is childish. On the contrary, it is a very mature movie and a masterpiece indeed!!!!

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.

I saw this last night, and I was deeply, deeply moved. This film is pure gold, a drink of clear water after a day in the sun. This is a story of hope, love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of selflessness. This film does not need to resort to preachy-ness, its message is shown through the deeds of Taro and what he inspires others to do for themselves. The art style is very distinctive, and beautiful. The landscapes feel very real, and the characters fit well within their world. The music and songs are lovingly crafted, and the story will leave you smiling through tears. This was an incredible work of love, and it deserves to be seen again and again. There is some slight nudity, but only once, and nothing sexual. I can't praise this one highly enough. See it for yourself, and you will understand.

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. :)