Bakumatsu no Spasibo

Bakumatsu no Spasibo has a lot of value simply in the historical importance of the narrative, for Japanese international relations and in capturing the approach to diplomacy and negotiations at that time. Getting a small look into the complexities of both the Russian and Japanese interests was interesting but moreover is other excitements such as with the Russians communicating with the Japanese commoners, natural disasters, and Western and Japanese ship construction. The visuals are a brand of Tetsu Dezaki economical, frankly it’s fairly jank and low end for 1997, I can see this being a big detriment for some. Tetsu Dezaki is not as much ... of an all-out visual stylist like his brother, although some scenes have beautifully dramatic intense lighting and postcard memories. I won’t make so many excuses for the quality, but the consistent limited animation has a charm. The art direction is quality and pull things together nicely and the music has the dreamy, 80’s preset sound that gives it a cozy, educational VHS feel. The movie can be found in VHS rip with english subtitles.