Okori-jizō

About This Movie

Okori-jizō is a unique piece from 1983 that really captures a moment in time, albeit a tragic one. The animation style is simple yet effective, underscoring the innocence of Hiro-chan as she celebrates her birthday. It’s fascinating how the film juxtaposes her joy with the somber reality of the atomic bomb dropping over Hiroshima. The pacing feels deliberate, almost meditative, allowing the viewer to absorb the heavy themes of loss and remembrance. There’s this haunting atmosphere that lingers, especially with the Laughing Jizo statue serving as a poignant symbol. The performances, largely through expression in animation, communicate a lot without needing dialogue. It’s definitely not your typical animated film, and that's what makes it stand out in my collection.

Unique animation styleDeliberate pacingHeavy themes of loss and remembrance