Goshu the Cellist (Gauche the Cellist / Sero Hiki no Goushu)

(Movie 1982)

2 reviews - 5.5 total score (Explanation of the rating system)
avg. score: (2.8)

2. Yogi

All right, the "plot" for this movie is very thin at best, and there really seems to be no real point. Talking animals teach a guy how to play the cello. Oh I’m sorry, did I spoil something? Well, I basically spoiled the entire movie for you, and you can now walk away from this review without having to bother watching it. Seriously, it has no plot, no point, and no characterization. It runs on pure atmosphere, and that’s not nearly enough. Gagh. Ugh.

1. Tempy

Based on a story by Kenji Miyazawa (whose works and life has inspired Spring & Chaos and Night on the Galactic Railroad), written and directed by Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday), Goshu the Cellist tells the story of Goshu, a professional cellist who gets scolded by his conductor on Goshu poor performance. Obsessed with improving himself, Goshu practices night and day when animals start arriving and help him become a better musician in their own unique way. Goshu the Cellist is a wonderful little fairy tale, with pretty backgrounds, excellent music, and enjoyable characters (the raccoon and the little mouse are cute), all in a nice little package (the movie barely exceeds 60 minutes in length).