This is yet another experimental work by Osamu Tezuka and despite being made after Tetsuwan Atom, it still retains a lot of artistic expression and care. Unlike most who are just rehashing a successful formula in EVERY NEW WORK they do, Tezuka kept on looking for ore ways to tell a story and I really did the guy for that.
Now speaking of a story, this movie does not exactly have one; it is more of a collection of comical shorts, each one making fun of a specific profession. The setting is a museum and we are shown the portraits of many famous personalities, after of which the scene changes to what exactly is that specific person is doing to earn his fame and fortune. Basically, the movie is humorously showing us how most professions we consider important or glamour enough to follow are in fact based on some very bad aspects of human nature. Not that it is right to assume all boxers or botanologists are evil by default; it practically makes fun of negative aspects.
Since each short is a stand-alone from the rest and doesn’t really have a story, means that the characters are nothing but comical stereotypes, simplified to be as pitiful and even as hateful as possible. This can very easily make some viewers to dislike it; especially if they are themselves or someone close they know doing those professions. It is after all blunt propaganda against the folly of money and fame. I am personally not offended by that as the glamour of Hollywood, the music industry, the bank industry, and lots of other things are already up to the neck full of rosy imagery when in reality they are quite nasty behind the scenes. It is ok to have some counter propaganda against that, right?
Anyways, there is no story and the characters are caricatures but the skits themselves are quite funny and basically the only thing that matters. Each one is done with a different style of animation and through easily understandable actions and symbolisms we are let to understand what is going on without the use of narration or even dialogue. The best part is left for last, where all the protagonists are in fact having a parade and passing through the gates of glory, after passing under the ark of heroism. The irony is that the real heroes, big muscular men in togas, try to pass the gate as well but need to return, as without them supporting the ark, the whole building will collapse. Thus comes the ultimate irony of the true heroes being left in anonymity as their role is to carry the burden of ideals, without of which there is no way for anyone else to be glorified.
I must say that despite the simplicity of the idea the movie is very well shown (not told; a very big plus) and does manage to inflict emotions and thoughts on you. It may be very impersonal since it doesn’t have characters to identify with but it still works fine on an emotional level and its message is actually not bad to keep in mind. Highly recommended.