"The Black Woodcutter and the White Woodcutter" is the first Japanese animated film that resembles what one would associate hand drawn animation with today. With a washed out watercolor palette, a very Disney oriented art style, and a folk tale inspired story, this film encapsulates a moralistic theme of sharing and looking out for one another in hard times. The film's themes are heavily contextualized by the time it released to the public. 1956 Japan was a time of great upheaval. The Occupation years had just ended and the country was at crossroads of economic development. Poverty, hunger and loss were still widespread in theIsland nation - and the post war period had led to the rise o the "lost generation". It was a period of hardship and also a collapse in the self confidence of the Japanese in their nationalistic ideals.

The moral of this movie is pretty clear - hard times are easier passed together in the strength of unity. Scheming against one's own neighbors and participants in a common struggle would be the cause of downfall. This children's tale is pretty simple, but the manner in which it is told - stoic, almost peaceful and calming renders it a gravitas that makes its themes endure well past the time it was produced for.

The technical quality of the animation also makes a giant leap with this film. Almost all modern hand drawn animation and storyboarding techniques that we would consider part of the animator's toolkit can be seen at play here. The enhancement of visual color also introduces a depth and realism into the art that captures a broad veneer of verisimilitude.