The Magic Ballad (1982)
• January 1st, 1982 • 0h 26min
Animation
Overview
The 25 minute film tells the tale of an ailing elderly woman named Itako who encounters a fox named Okon. The story opens with Itako lying bedridden, as she has for a long time. Okon enters her home and Itako tells the fox that he is welcome to take anything that he wants, for she has no use for anything anymore. Okon is delighted and in order to return the favour (the act of ongaeshi), Okon performs a magic jyōruri (a ballad with shamisen accompaniment) that heals Itako so that she is fit enough to walk again. Everyone is surprised by Itako's sudden recovery. She then hears of a hunter who has been badly injured and is near death. Itako hides Okon in the back of her shirt and has the fox sing the song while she plays shamisen in order to heal the man. This act of kindness is repeated for others until Itako's good fortune leads some to be suspicious of her.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
No Fuelin'
Released on: 1927-10-16
Comedy, Animation
It's snowing and the thermometer is dropping well below freezing. Felix is cold. In his house a stat...
The Stepdad
Released on: 2021-11-03
Animation, Drama
This year's story follows Nicole, the granddaughter from last year's ad, who is now all grown up wit...
Other Lily
Released on: 2017-02-06
Animation, Horror
A short animation that uncovers the darkside of family
Depths of Night
Released on: 2021-11-13
Animation
The film portrays the author's fear of how Hong Kong has changed and how she faces her emotions. It ...
Shaun the Sheep: Party Animals
Released on: 2010-09-07
Animation, Comedy, Family
There's no disguising the fun with Shaun the Sheep™ and his barnyard buddies in this party-fest of w...
Pinocchio
Released on: 2021-10-28
Animation, Fantasy, Horror, Drama
Pinocchio, an animated wooden puppet tries to escape from his father, Gepetto in a creepy and dark t...
To Be
Released on: 1990-01-01
Science Fiction, Animation, Comedy
Blending fantasy and reality, this animated short is a bold inquiry into an as yet unresolved proble...
The Snail and the Whale
Released on: 2020-10-21
Animation, Family
A half hour animated film for all the family based on the much-loved book written by Julia Donaldson...
Terminus
Released on: 2022-11-29
Science Fiction, Animation, Horror
824 years in the future, warring tribes battle for a dying Earth’s scant resources. The subterranean...
Gon, the Little Fox
Released on: 2019-10-04
Animation
When Gon, a playful orphaned fox, finds that young Hyoju has lost his mother, he tries to comfort hi...
Grinning Evil Death
Released on: 1990-01-01
Animation
A sinister flying pod crashes to Earth and unleashes a giant mechanical roach that attacks the city.
Impossible Figures and Other Stories I
Released on: 2021-09-24
Animation
Impossible Figures and other stories I is the first and—paradoxically—the final part of the triptych...
One Step Ahead
Released on: 2004-08-12
Animation
An office worker tries frantically to outpace his co-workers in this lighting fast dash across the b...
The Wrong Rock
Released on: 2018-08-16
Animation, Drama
A mushroom embarks on an epic adventure to find its purpose in life.
The Deal
Released on: 2015-09-23
Animation, Documentary, Family
Stop-motion animation on the arranging of marriages in 1950/60s set in the Eastern-Polish borderland...
The Table Is Set
Released on: 2013-01-01
Animation
An unsuspecting servant faces unforeseen challenges in upstairs and downstairs.
Les Contes de la rue Broca
Released on: 1995-08-02
Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Cartoon adaptation of tales written by Pierre Gripari.
Half a Life
Released on: 2017-08-01
Animation, Documentary
After a traumatic encounter, a young gay Egyptian joins the LGBT rights movement. When his safety is...
We Are Men!
Released on: 1992-01-01
Animation
The collection of miniatures. The first is called "Glasses" and it deals with how a man with poor ey...