Elephant from "Zoo Story"
The fifth film in the Toho Diamond series, following "The Hateful Thing." Based on the true story of "Zoo Story" by author Fukuda Saburo. During the Tokyo air raids of World War II, Zen-san, an elephant keeper at Ueno Zoo, is faced with the heartbreaking task of euthanizing Tonki, a beloved elephant, due to food shortages and wartime pressures. Unable to carry out the order, Zen-san secretly feeds Tonki, but the elephant is ultimately shot by the military police. The film poignantly captures Zen-san’s despair and the devastation of war, as he reflects on his powerlessness amid the chaos.
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📋 Film Details
| Original Title | 「動物園物語」より 象 |
| Year | 1957 |
| Country | Japan |
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Kajirō Yamamoto |
| Runtime | 67 min. |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
Elephant from "Zoo Story" is an acquired taste at 0.0/10. We recommend checking the trailer and synopsis before diving in.
Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.
A classic from 1957. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: genre fans and those open to something unconventional.
— MovieFinder Editorial
🎭 Cast
Kenichi Enomoto
Zen-san (Elephant Officer)
Keiju Kobayashi
Head of Animal Care Division, Higashi
Momoko Kôchi
Yoshiko (Student mobilization)
Kyōko Anzai
Miyazawa Sensei
Yoshio Kosugi
Sugiura (Gatekeeper)
Sachio Sakai
Tamura (Lion Officer)
Sōji Ubukata
Director of Toda Zoo
Noriko Honma
Tetsu (Zen's wife)
Okayu Taka
Takahashi (Leopard)
Akira Sera
Ito (Small Bird)
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