Anime: Chuuzumou

Art & Animation:
The art is pretty average but usually is weak in vital parts. The animation is fine but needs more of a budget.
Sound:
The sound aspect is fine but usually strikes gold by the ending.
Character:
The characters are pretty mediocre and fall in quality throughout.
Value:
The value is not really a strong suit as no real morals or values can be gained overall as the story is not concerned with that aspect.
Enjoyment:
I did enjoy this as much as I would hope but I feel kids will enjoy this much more and recommend this as a family flick.

I know it's unrealistic to rate everything a ten, but really, this was. No flaws. Absolute perfection. This film is a minor masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, and it's a real pity that only those who undertake a pilgrimage to Mitaka, Tokyo, can see it—and then only if they go during the specific time it's being shown.

I had the utmost pleasure of living in Japan for a year, and made a point of going to the Ghibli Museum every month at least once to see whatever film they were showing, so I've seen most of these shorts. It is safe to say that Chuuzumo (A Sumo Wrestler's Tail) is one of the best.

The art—and I should disclose in advance that I am far from a qualified art critic—struck me as having elements of Ghibli's usual artwork style for the characters, and a lot of influence from traditional Japanese painting for the backgrounds. It was vivid, quirky where it needed to be, and superbly beautiful.

The score, by the same composer who wrote for Pompoko, Manto WATANOBE, is a large part of what makes the short film riotously funny. It is exclusively percussion: drums, marimbas, finger cymbals, and other instruments whose names I don't know. It stands on its own, too, as enjoyable music to listen to. Imagine someone took what you think of as traditional Japanese music and added a bit of modern rhythm.

The story is where the film really shines. Mice and rats holding sumo contests. A farmer and his wife wanting their own set of pests to win the local competition. A wonderful feast preparation. The mice warming up in red fundoshi. Plots and sneaks from the opposing team. Oh, and there's no dialogue, just a narrator speaking in a Kabuki-like exaggerated intonation.

While I was waiting in line to watch this the first time, I kept hearing roars of laughter from inside the small theater. This was astonishing, as the Japanese, even children, tend not to show their reactions to films. I knew I was in for a treat particularly when, after sitting down, the theater supervisor stood in front of us and told us that this film was meant to be enjoyable, so please, feel free to enjoy with no reservations!

And I did. From the farmer's first sigh of relief at the piss he takes off their mountain to the thrilling climactic match, I laughed almost the movie through.

If you are in Japan and this film is on schedule at the Ghibli Museum, do whatever you need to do to go see it. It's unlikely they'll ever release these for home sale, so do it while you have a chance.