The Golden Bird

About The Golden Bird

Here is what The Golden Bird (グリム童話 金の鳥) is about, retold in plain terms: an adventure and fantasy anime by MADHOUSE and Toei Animation (1987). What the story covers: "Kin No Tori" is an adaptation of the homonymous fairy tale "The Golden Bird" by Brothers Grimm. A golden apple is stolen from the King's garden.

From there, the King orders his three sons to guard the apples in turn and to find out who is the thief. When the youngest son, Hansu, presents a feather that he got from the golden bird that stole the apple the king sends his three sons to bring this bird to him and so Hansu adventure begins. Completed in 1984, this film was shelved for three years before being theatrically released.

As an adventure title, exploration, new locations and a steady sense of momentum drive the story. Voice work is led by Kei Tomiyama as Majo and Katsue Miwa as Hans. If you count yourself among anyone who enjoys travel-the-world storytelling, put it on your list. At 1 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by MADHOUSE and Toei Animation, so the studio's house style defines how The Golden Bird looks and moves on screen. Within the adventure category, exploration, new locations and a steady sense of momentum drive the story. Its 6.7/10 score suggests opinions are split, so it suits viewers who already like the genre. On the casting side, Kei Tomiyama voicing Majo gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 1987, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.