Premiering in 1978 as part of Nippon Animation’s beloved World Masterpiece Theater series, Perrine Monogatari (The Story of Perrine) is a gentle yet powerful tale of endurance, kindness, and family. Based on the French novel En Famille by Hector Malot, it follows Perrine, a brave young girl who travels across Europe with her sick mother and their donkey, searching for her estranged grandfather after her father’s death.
Unlike many cartoons of its time, Perrine focuses on realism and emotion rather than fantasy. Through hardship and discovery, it paints a moving portrait of resilience, compassion, and personal growth — a coming-of-age story told with grace and empathy.
With beautifully detailed backgrounds, touching music, and heartfelt storytelling, Perrine remains one of anime’s quiet masterpieces — a timeless reminder that courage and kindness can light even the darkest roads.
