Tatsu no ko Tarô

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 an animated movie taken place in ancient times. Back when Zen art was one of the few art hobbies in Japan and rice was like gold to the people.

In a small village, lived Taro a lazy boy who doesn't do work or help his own grandmother. He likes to eat and wrestle with the animals in the woods. One day he wrestles with the long nose wizard who granted him the strength of a hundred men. Which made Taro thrilled, but he was told to only use it to help others in need. Taro accepted that, and now becomes a better help to others around him.

One day Taro wondered about the scales on the side of his body. His grandmother tells him that he's not like the other boys because,Taro was born half dragon. His mother was cursed as a dragon when giving birth she had to live North because of her image of a dragon.

Taro now knows what he must do is go on a quest to find his mother. And he will help others in need and make new friends on the way too.

Taro the Dragon Boy is something different for an old school anime. It's very well animated and has a great use of Zen like backgrounds. Even though the original trailer said it's based off of a kids story. There are plenty of inappropriate parts in the movie. Including small amounts of violence and brief nudity of a boy's pelvis and a woman's breasts.

Just to know, the rating system in Japan is different from here. Cause a film like this would receive PG-13 in America. Since I recommend this film for teens or those who are mature enough to see brief nudity in a movie. I suggest watching it yourself and see if it's OK to let a kid watch it.

Other than that I highly recommend it to all time anime lovers.

"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 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 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.