Yuri Norstein Exhibition

In late 2003 until early 2004, the Ghibli Museum hosted an exhibition of works by the Russian animator Yuri Norstein. Several of his short films were shown at the Saturn Theatre inside the museum. These included most of his famous earlier works, Tale Of Tales, Heron and Crane, Hedgehog in the Fog, and Fox and Hare.

A Japanese-language booklet was produced, featuring interviews, pictures of the animator at work and with family and friends (including TAKAHATA Isao), and also scenes from his works.

Hedgehog in the Fog follows a young hedgehog as he travels through the forest to meet his friend the bear to watch the stars. As he loses his way in a thick fog, he encounters various animals that appear and disappear as if in a dream. Some are helpful, others seem more ominous. Eventually, he finds his friend and they share a log, looking up to the sky.

Fox and Hare is about a hare who is forcibly thrown out of his own house by a selfish fox. All his attempts to reclaim his home, with the help of various animals, are thwarted by the fierce interloper. Eventually, a very martial rooster with a sabre helps the hare overthrow the fox, and the two new friends share a warm place around the fire.

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Pictures and synopsis by Chris Kuan