Momotaro, Sacred Sailors

Anime aficionados should appreciate this lovingly restored release of Mitsuyo Seo's 1945 film, the first-ever feature-length example of the genre. But be forewarned: this is a piece of fairly crude wartime propaganda, commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy as a recruitment tool, in which a bear, a monkey, a bird, and a puppy train for combat under the leadership of Japanese folk hero Momotaro, who represents the nation. After spending time with their families, the quartet become paratroopers sent on a special mission: to take control of a British fort on an occupied island. Their surprise attack is successful—one enemy soldier who immediately gives up is Popeye the Sailor, dropping his signature can of spinach—and Momotaro demands that the sniveling general surrender at once, while back home children are seen pretending to parachute onto the American mainland. Made when Japan's fortunes were looking decidedly bleak, the film's upbeat tone is certainly ironic, but its Disney-esque artistry is undeniable, as is its purpose both to educate (often through simple children's songs) and indoctrinate. Presented in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated PG, in Japanese with English subtitles, extras include Kenzo Masaoka's 1943 animated film Spider and Tulip. Recommended. (F. Swietek)