Let me begin by expressing my utmost disgust at how terrible and horrid many reviewers are at understanding and rating timeless classics, one example being the widely acclaimed "World of Golden Eggs", scoring only a 6.3 in MAL, despite its high sales. Ningen Doubutsuen, or Human Zoo in english, is no exception. It is truly the pinnacle of animu in the 20th century, it's influence was indeed paramount in animation, inspiring countless classics, in one way or another, that we have all come to enjoy, such as the great "Nyanpire the animation" and "World of Golden Eggs". Anime has flourished and this sole clip isone the few forebearers. Still, some insolent fools disregard the seed that birthed the tree of modern anime, unable to analyse and understand the heavy hand of deep symbolism in this short clip. Let me explain how this anime, is superior amongst all.

This short film's plot is not a convoluted one, yet it holds great meaning. At first glance, the movie just seems to be about people locked in cages, and behaving like animals, as can be implied from the title "Human Zoo". However, the story actually tells of the misogyny in our society and an ideal dystopian women-dominating society. In the clip, a man and a woman are stuck in a cage and are forced to mimic animals. In this case, the cage is a metaphor for a life restricted to only our basic and, I use this word to all of its extent, animalistic characteristics. It shows that, when humans are not affected by external stress or pressure, such as jobs, societal stature, it is the women who dominate men. Watch as the woman in the video whips the man to make him squeal, or how she squeezes him to convulsion with her erect mammaries. This dark symbolism depicts how gender inequality, especially regarding the females, can be greatly adverse if the situation is reversed. Men will be treated no different from animals, forced to moan and squawk, living their lives in zoos, an eternal prison.

Personally, Kuri's art and animation in this particular clip may not be the best, some feel that its choppy cuts are ridiculous and others find the figure drawings out of proportion. However, let me remind these viewers, that such, is a prime example of minimalism. Furthermore, Ningen Doubutsuen holds an extremely unique artstyle. Its features are experimental, and Kuri, doing what he does best, manages to capture the essence of a dystopian women-dominated society. Furthermore, its brilliant opening sequence thrills me even more. Each word on the black screen is like a large eye, staring at the viewer, compelling him/her to further his experience in this marvelous film by watching over and over again. Truly spectacular!

Ningen Doubtsuen is an incredible jewel in the 20th century, the magnum opus, the cream of the crop. Coupled with stylistic art, deep plot and amazing sounds, it thrills the viewer through a ride of emotions that end with him/her wanting more. Even as many do not fully understand the significance and greatness of this brilliantly animated gem, I urge the community to look at the larger picture and think. I suggest reading cumsussertod's review, as his insightful comments may help to shed light upon the situation. Ningen Doubtsuen won the Special Jury Prize at Annecy in 1963 and the bronze award for animation at the 1963 Biennale in Venice, it has touched the hearts of many, let it touch you too.