Proverb Dictionary: He Who Shoots Often, Hits at Last!

About This Movie

So, 'Proverb Dictionary: He Who Shoots Often, Hits at Last!' is this intriguing little animation from 1979 made by Hikeaki Anno, who was just a 20-year-old student at Osaka University of Arts. It's got this raw, amateur vibe that gives it a certain charm—like he was experimenting with ideas before he became the big name we know. The animation captures that idiom about persistence, and it's interesting to see how he visually interprets that. The pacing feels quite relaxed, almost meditative, allowing the viewer to digest the message without feeling rushed. It stands out, not just for its early connection to Anno but for the way it plays with themes of failure and success in such an accessible format.

Finding this film can be a bit tricky, as it was produced in limited quantities and hasn’t had a wide release over the years. It’s often overshadowed by Anno's later, more prominent works, but those who know its history appreciate its place in animation as a formative piece. Collectors tend to seek it out for its novelty and the look into Anno's early artistic mindset, which is quite distinct from his later, more polished productions.