A tiny fish has an identity crisis and grandma issues. Same, carp. Same.
Xiao Hei, a little carp, jumps over the bridge pier and gets cheers from his four friends. His grandma says that he is capable only if he can jump over the Dragon Gate like his ancestors did.
Direction
He Yumen pioneered ink-wash animation technique
Production
Shanghai Animation Film Studio golden age craftsmanship
Practical Effects
Hand-painted cells that took months for 19 minutes
Director
He Yumen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Dragon Gate legend symbolizes success in imperial examinations — this carp is literally cramming for the SATs of ancient China.
This short helped establish the 'Chinese school' of animation, distinct from Disney, with flowing brushstroke aesthetics that influenced Studio Ghibli's water animation decades later.
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