The Exquisite Short Films of Kihachiro Kawamoto

I discovered Kihachiro Kawamoto's work by accident while searching for stop motion animation movies. I fell in love with his technique, his excellent craft, and the sheer beauty of his storytelling methods. I was so inspired that I changed the movie I"m working on from art and illustration now to using puppets - only striving towards his work, but also accepting that I'll produce something with my signature on it. All the while, going back to his amazing stories, his use of simplicity and elegance, in true Japanese fashion, for inspiration and meditation of the art.Every story on this video is classically excellent and there is nothing quite like his use of fabrics, of expression, of puppeteering, of lighting, of use of paper and background with foreground and motion. The way he presses his camera through the grass into the shot is exciting. The subtle and perceptive use of stop motion to change every eye, eyebrow, mouth, the twist of the nose, movement of hair by hair, hands, and . . the whole art is so breathtakingly amazing. I cannot tell you how much this means to me to watch his work. Check it out. Words fail this artist at this time.

These seven short features present an enchanting range of techniques, visual styles, and stories. All of them feature some amount of stop animation. Kawamoto creates an unusual combination, however, by placing his 3D puppets against 2D backgrounds. This gives the feel of a stage play, with live actors amid flat, painted scenery elements. Kawamoto reinforces that sense of theater in the puppets he creates. Some have faces like Noh masks, others resemble elaborate Kabuki makeup. And, many times, the puppets move in stylized ways that draw on Japan's rich tradition of theater.The two last features, "Dojoji Temple" and "House of Flame" also have the feel of traditional storytelling. I don't know whether they actually retell familiar stories, or create new ones in the old style. No matter, the dragons, temple bells, and ghosts all draw on tales likely to be as familiar to Japanese viewers as they are unfamiliar to Westerners. Other stories, including "Anthropo-cynical Farce," "The Trip," and "The Poet's Life" present decidedly modern themes and stories, enriched by the Kawamoto's traditional elements. That combining of new and old comes to life in "The Trip's" Escher-like landscapes, and in the Poet's haunted sweater in a setting of Atomic-age tragedy.These gorgeous short animations might baffle a Western eye - I know I had to just let go and follow along with some of the cultural references. These will please, too, as much for their unique stories and storytelling as for the loving craftsmanship shown in every detail. Kids might not have the patience for it, but I recommend this to every grown-up who enjoys animation.-- wireweird

I discovered this fine collection after watching The Demon on Youtube in search of Banraku Theater related material and I was not disappointed with this purchase, (though I must admit I was a bit disturbed by a man's "snake" in The Trip, hence the four star review.)Every short had English subtitles alongside the original Japanese captions and French, (yes, French,) dialogue, though some of them almost require no subtitles at all.All in all, it was fascinating the see for once Japanese animation that wasn't Anime. A rare treat, bravo.

I love all forms of animation. The use of Japanese Noh theatre in the animation style is truly breathtaking.

their are no subtitles on half of the shorts.

Perfect in all shapes in forms! Thanks for your professionalism!

I love these films - beautifully made and moving. The costumes and the music are wonderful, too. I find myself returning to watch them again and again.

great

Superb puppetry