Ringing Bell
Ringing Bell (Japanese: チリンの鈴, Chirin no Suzu, lit. "Chirin's Bell") is a 1978 Japanese anime adventure-drama film directed by Masami Hata and produced by Sanrio, adapting the children's picture book of the same name written and illustrated by Takashi Yanase.[1] The 47-minute film follows the story of Chirin, a young lamb who, after witnessing the death of his mother at the hands of a wolf, leaves the safety of the farm to train under the predator in order to gain the strength to protect his flock.[2] The narrative begins with a lighthearted and innocent tone, depicting Chirin's playful life on the farm marked by the bell around his neck, but shifts dramatically into darker themes of loss, vengeance, and identity as he undergoes rigorous training and transforms into a wolf-like figure.[1] Upon returning to the sheep, Chirin confronts the wolf leader, ultimately killing him to safeguard the herd, only to be rejected by the very animals he sought to protect, leading to a tragic and ambiguous ending where he wanders into a snowstorm.[1] Yanase's original book, published in 1978 by Froebel-kan, explores profound themes of growing up and the harsh realities of nature despite its classification as children's literature.[3] Released theatrically in Japan on March 11, 1978, as a double feature with The Mouse and His Child, Ringing Bell received a G rating in the United States but faced criticism for its violent content and tonal shift, which some deemed unsuitable for young audiences.[1] The film has garnered a cult following for its emotional depth and animation quality, influencing later works with similar bittersweet storytelling, though it remains relatively obscure outside anime enthusiast circles.[1]Background
Original storybook
"Chirin no Suzu" (lit. "Chirin's Bell"), a children's picture book written and illustrated by Takashi Yanase, first appeared in 1969 as a short story in the magazine Kodomo no Ehon and was subsequently included in Yanase's 1971 anthology Jūni no Shinju (Twelve Pearls), published by Yamanashi Silk Center.[4] The standalone edition was released in 1978 by Froebel-kan, coinciding with the anime adaptation and marking its broader availability as an independent work.[5] The core narrative centers on a young lamb named Chirin, who enjoys a peaceful life on a farm protected by a fence, until a tragic event disrupts his world and propels him into a transformative journey beyond the safety of home, confronting the harsh realities of the wild and the cycle of life and death.[5] Through this fable-like tale, Chirin grapples with themes of loss, growth, and the inevitability of nature's brutality, illustrated in Yanase's distinctive style that combines adorable animal characters with somber undertones.[6] Yanase drew inspiration for the story from his personal post-World War II experiences, including the trauma of military service, a grueling march during the war, and profound grief over his brother Chihiro's death during World War II, which instilled in him a sense of survival guilt and a commitment to conveying lessons about mourning and resilience to young readers.[4] He aimed to craft a poignant fable that would gently introduce children to the concepts of loss and personal evolution amid life's adversities, reflecting his desire to foster emotional maturity through storytelling.[7] The book, spanning approximately 31 pages in its 1978 edition, was formatted as a picture book with simple, accessible prose and Yanase's signature artwork—whimsical depictions of animals paired with evocative, sometimes dark imagery—targeted at children aged 4 to 8.[5] Upon initial release, it achieved modest sales in Japan and received praise from critics for its emotional depth and innovative blend of cute illustrations with mature themes, though it garnered no major literary awards.[4] This work contributed significantly to Yanase's emerging reputation as a versatile creator of children's literature, paving the way for his later blockbuster series Anpanman while showcasing his ability to infuse fables with profound life lessons.[4]Adaptation development
Sanrio acquired the rights to adapt Takashi Yanase's 1971 storybook Chirin no Suzu into an animated film as part of the company's early expansion into feature-length anime production, seeking to move beyond merchandise like Hello Kitty toward more ambitious narrative-driven projects inspired by Disney's model.[8] This initiative, launched under CEO Shintaro Tsuji in 1977 with a $50 million investment in self-distributed films, positioned Ringing Bell as Sanrio's second anime feature and their first to explore darker themes, paired in a theatrical double bill with the adaptation of The Mouse and His Child to broaden family appeal.[8][1] The script was penned by Yanase himself, who expanded the concise storybook into a 47-minute visual narrative suitable for animation, incorporating additional scenes to enhance emotional depth and pacing while maintaining fidelity to the original's poignant message of innocence lost and personal transformation.[9] This direct adaptation allowed Yanase, drawing from his World War II experiences, to emphasize pacifist undertones amid the tale's themes of vengeance and growth.[10] Masami Hata was chosen as director for his prior work in children's anime at Mushi Productions, where he honed skills in blending whimsical visuals with dramatic storytelling, enabling Ringing Bell to navigate the tension between Sanrio's signature cuteness and the source material's mature, tragic elements.[8] Pre-production in 1977 involved refining Yanase's character designs—simplifying Chirin's form with smoother wool and more endearing proportions—to align with Sanrio's aesthetic without diluting the story's intensity, though no major rewrites were needed post-script approval.[11] A key challenge was preserving the book's unflinching portrayal of violence and loss for a young audience, with Hata opting for implied rather than explicit depictions to balance accessibility and thematic integrity.[12]Production
Creative team
The creative team for Ringing Bell (original title: Chirin no Suzu) was led by director Masami Hata, who had previously worked on anime adaptations of children's stories at Mushi Production and brought his experience to emphasize emotional depth in animal-centric narratives.[13] Hata oversaw the film's visual direction, focusing on the transition from pastoral innocence to darker themes through expressive animation styles influenced by both Japanese and Western traditions.[14] The film adapts the original story by Takashi Yanase, who also served as the picture book's author and incorporated autobiographical elements from his World War II experiences into the narrative of loss and revenge.[15] Yanase, best known as the creator of the long-running Anpanman series, ensured the adaptation retained core motifs of innocence disrupted by tragedy.[13] Production was headed by Shintaro Tsuji, founder of Sanrio in 1960, and Tsunemasa Hatano, as part of Sanrio's early expansion into feature-length anime to broaden its portfolio beyond merchandise. This effort included collaborations with American partners for dubbing and distribution, aiming to appeal to international audiences. Assistant producer Yoshimi Asari supported the production. Additional key roles included director of photography Iwao Yamaki and sound design by Shōhei Hayashi.[13] Key supporting roles included art director Yukio Abe, responsible for the film's scenic designs that blended cute, Sanrio-style character aesthetics with more dramatic landscapes.[13] The production involved cooperation from studios like Sunrise for animation support and Mushi Production for photography, reflecting Sanrio's reliance on established anime industry partners for its inaugural dramatic feature.[13]Animation and music
Ringing Bell utilizes traditional hand-drawn 2D cel animation, characteristic of mid-1970s Japanese anime productions, resulting in a concise 47-minute runtime. The animation style emphasizes fluid movements in the idyllic pastoral farm sequences, where vibrant greens and soft lighting evoke a sense of innocence and serenity among the sheep. In contrast, the wolf's mountain habitat is rendered with stark, shadowy visuals and desaturated grays, heightening the ominous atmosphere and mirroring the narrative's tonal shift toward darkness and conflict.[2][16] Character designs draw direct inspiration from Takashi Yanase's original storybook illustrations, prominently featuring Chirin's bell as a recurring visual motif that symbolizes both protection and loss throughout the film. Due to production constraints, the animation incorporates strategic static backgrounds to conserve resources while maintaining focus on key character actions and emotional expressions. Color palette transitions—from lush, saturated hues in the meadow scenes to muted, foreboding tones in the mountainous regions—effectively underscore the protagonist's psychological journey and the story's evolving themes.[11][16] The film's score, composed by Taku Izumi, blends orchestral arrangements with subtle folk influences to amplify the melancholic undertones, providing emotional depth without overpowering the visuals. The theme song, "Chirin no Suzu," features lyrics penned by Yanase and is performed by The Brothers Four, its plaintive melody reinforcing motifs of resolve amid sorrow. Sound design remains sparse and deliberate, employing echoing bell rings and distant wolf howls to intensify dramatic tension and evoke isolation in pivotal moments. These audio elements were integrated with live instrumentation to enhance the overall immersive quality.[13][17][16]Plot
Synopsis
Chirin, a playful and adventurous young lamb wearing a distinctive bell around his neck to prevent him from wandering too far, enjoys an idyllic life on a peaceful farm meadow alongside his mother and the rest of the flock.[13] His days are filled with frolicking among butterflies and small animals, but his mother repeatedly warns him never to venture beyond the protective fence, as a fearsome wolf lurks in the nearby mountains, preying on sheep.[18] One fateful night, the wolf breaches the fence and launches a brutal raid on the farm, slaughtering several sheep, including Chirin's mother, who dies shielding her son.[13] Traumatized and fueled by grief, the young Chirin survives the attack and vows to avenge his mother's death by becoming strong enough to defeat the wolf himself.[19] Determined to escape his helpless existence, Chirin slips away from the safety of the flock and embarks on a perilous journey into the mountains to track down his mother's killer.[13] In the harsh wilderness, Chirin eventually confronts the wolf, who is initially amused by the lamb's audacity and tiny bell's jingle.[18] Impressed by Chirin's unyielding resolve, the wolf reluctantly accepts him as an apprentice, subjecting him to rigorous and unforgiving training to transform him into a predator.[19] Under the wolf's mentorship, which emphasizes the brutal philosophy that only the strong survive by hunting and killing without mercy, Chirin endures grueling lessons in stealth, agility, and ferocity—learning to silence his bell's chime, as it betrays weakness, and to prey on small animals to build his strength.[13] Over time, Chirin sheds his gentle lamb nature, growing larger, developing sharp horns, and adopting a wolf-like demeanor, though he occasionally attempts to befriend other mountain creatures, only to be rejected or intimidated by his changing appearance.[18] Years pass, and the now-transformed Chirin returns to the farm as a formidable, horned beast, intending to protect the flock from threats like the wolf.[13] However, the sheep, recognizing him only as a monstrous predator, flee in terror, leaving Chirin isolated and confronting the irreversible loss of his innocence.[19] In a climactic showdown, Chirin challenges his former mentor to a fierce battle in the mountains, ultimately slaying the wolf after a grueling fight that tests the limits of his acquired savagery.[13] Yet, victory brings no solace; realizing the profound cost of his vengeance and the cycle of violence he has perpetuated, Chirin wanders alone into the snowy wilderness, his bell ringing faintly as a remnant of his lost youth, embracing a bittersweet acceptance of life's unyielding truths.[18]Differences from the source material
The film adaptation expands the original storybook's concise fable—a 31-page picture book—into a 47-minute animated feature, incorporating added subplots such as Chirin's encounters with mountain creatures like bears during his training, which build out the world and emphasize his evolving ferocity.[20][2][21] These interactions, absent in the book's streamlined narrative, provide visual demonstrations of Chirin's physical and mental growth under the wolf's guidance.[22] The wolf is depicted with greater presence through mentorship and demonstrations of strength, such as battling other predators, though portrayed similarly as instinct-driven in both mediums.[23] Chirin's internal conflict from the text is conveyed through animation, voice acting, and narration, adding emotional layers suited to the medium.[24] The ending aligns closely with the book but uses visual and auditory elements to heighten the tragedy: Chirin returns to the farm and is rejected by the sheep before confronting and slaying the wolf in the mountains, wandering alone afterward without resolution or acceptance.[2] Visually, the adaptation intensifies scenes like the initial farm raid through dynamic animation and heightened tension, while the bell's ringing evolves into a pervasive auditory motif signaling key transitions, extending beyond the book's textual descriptions.[1] Certain omissions streamline the narrative for cinematic flow: the book's poetic interludes reflecting on nature and loss are excised, and explicit moral lessons are conveyed implicitly through imagery and Chirin's actions rather than direct narration.[22]Cast
Japanese voice cast
The Japanese voice cast for Ringing Bell (original title: Chirin no Suzu) features veteran actors who brought emotional depth to the animal characters, emphasizing the film's themes of innocence, loss, and transformation through nuanced vocal performances.Anime News Network The recording took place in Tokyo studios, including AVACO Studio, with a focus on capturing the wide emotional range required for protagonist Chirin's journey from playful youth to vengeful adulthood.| Character | Voice Actor | Description and Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Young Chirin | Minori Matsushima | Matsushima provided the high-pitched, innocent tones for the lamb Chirin, highlighting his initial naivety and joy.Anime News Network A prolific voice actress in the 1970s and 1980s, she was renowned for childlike roles such as Sayaka Yumi in Mazinger Z (1972–1974) and Candice White in Candy Candy (1976–1979).Behind The Voice Actors |
| Adult Chirin | Akira Kamiya | Kamiya delivered a gravelly, intense shift in voice to portray the ram Chirin's hardened resolve and inner conflict post-transformation.Anime News Network One of Japan's most iconic seiyū, he is celebrated for dramatic leads like Kenshiro in Fist of the North Star (1984–1987) and Ryo Saeba in City Hunter (1987–1991).IMDb |
| Wolf (Woe) | Seizō Katō | Katō's performance featured a menacing yet subtly paternal growl, conveying the wolf's complex mentorship of Chirin.Anime News Network A veteran known for authoritative villains, his notable roles include Megatron/Galvatron in Transformers (1985–1987) and Star King Bazeu in Dengeki Sentai Changeman (1985).Behind The Voice Actors |
| Chirin's Mother | Taeko Nakanishi | Nakanishi offered a warm, maternal delivery that underscored the mother's protective tenderness in limited scenes.Anime News Network She specialized in supportive maternal figures, such as Dete in Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974) and various antagonists in Cutie Honey (1973).Dubbing Wikia |
| Narrator | Hitoshi Takagi | Takagi's narration provided a gentle, storytelling gravitas, guiding the audience through Chirin's arc with subtle emotional cues.Anime News Network Experienced in whimsical and animalistic voices, he is best remembered for Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and narrations in Galaxy Express 999 (1978–1981).Behind The Voice Actors |
English dub cast
The English dub of Ringing Bell (known in Japan as Chirin no Suzu), produced for its 1983 VHS release in the United States by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, featured a cast of veteran voice actors who brought emotional depth to the film's tragic narrative.[25] The dub was directed by James Wager and handled by voice production company Sync, Ltd., adapting the original Japanese audio to English while preserving the story's poignant themes of loss and revenge.[26] Key roles were voiced as follows:| Character | Voice Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Young Chirin | Barbara Goodson | Provided a innocent, childlike tone for the lamb, drawing on her experience in anime dubs like Power Rangers.[13] |
| Adult Chirin | Gregg Berger | Delivered a mature, resolute voice for the ram, reflecting the character's transformation, known from roles in The Transformers.[13][26] |
| Wolf | Bill Capizzi | Voiced the menacing antagonist with a gravelly intensity, consistent with his work in 1980s cartoons.[13] |
| Chirin's Mother | Alexandra Kenworthy (credited as Sandra Snow) | Offered a warm, maternal performance emphasizing vulnerability, though some releases list her uncredited.[13] |
| Narrator | Ron Gans | Provided a deep, authoritative narration, uncredited in certain versions, adding gravitas to the storytelling.[13][27] |