For newer anime fans, I think watching this short will open your eyes as to what is possible in the medium of animation. This anime project put Yochimichi Kameda on the map as one of the most talented up and coming animators in the industry. Paroru has the charm of a Ghibli movie, but with linework evocative of brushstrokes a la Takeshi Koike or Takahata’s Tale of Princess Kaguya (though not quite as painterly and more frenetic than the later). I was blown away by how stylish and fluid the animation was, despite having such complex, unique character designs. Even background movement like the legswalking in the background of a scene in a busy city are lovingly animated with the attention of a main character.

If you are a sakuga enthusiast then you probably already know about Kameda’s work, but if you haven’t seen this early animation direction by him, I highly recommend seeking it out. As for the narrative itself, don’t expect anything more than a simple adventure, but sometimes that’s all you need to have a good time.