Discotek Media continues to come up with some interesting releases to bring out and the latest is the 1978 Sanrio feature Ringing Bell, also known as Bell of Chirin. The work, directed by Masami Hata based on the creation by Takashi Yanase, is a 47 minute piece that has seen an English release before and an English dub was produced and though not mentioned by Discotek Media, it’s pretty likely considering their track record. The DVD release is planned for 2014.
- Chirin – Barbara Goodson (lamb), Aron Kincaid (ram)
- Chirin’s mother – Joan Gerber
- Wolf – Aron Kincaid
- Narrator – Ron Gans
Plot Concept: A baby lamb named Chirin is devastated when his mother is killed by a wolf who raids the farm in the night. Seeking revenge, he must become like the very thing he wishes to destroy, and he must venture far beyond the safety his home and childhood into the wilderness to seek the fearsome Wolf King.
Ringing Bell starts off as a children’s film but quickly merges into a darkly toned story of the laws of nature and revenge. It has also been viewed in the past as a cautionary tale about venturing away from home, nonconformity and revenge.
