The cartoon Anne of Green Gables (original title 'Akage no An'), produced by Nippon Animation in 1979 was broadcast for the first time in Italy in 1980 and is part of the project World Masterpiece Theater. The anime is based on the autobiographical novel - the writer drew heavily from her childhood memories - "Anne of green gable" 'written by Lucy Montgomery. Anna Sherley is an 11-year-old girl who is worried about having lots of freckles and extraordinarily red hair. Left orphaned, the little protagonist will have to face a very sad and difficult childhood (mitigated only by her optimism and vivid imagination) until, due to a misunderstanding, she will be adopted by the brothers Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. In fact, they would have wanted a boy to help Matthew in the fields, but the sweetness of the child, her transparency and the marked loquacity - with which she fascinates whoever listens to her - will be able to conquer the two farmers, who will decide to keep her (imagine the joy of our friend!). With Matthew, although taciturn, Anna will establish a special feeling from their first meeting at the station.

Along the way to the house with green roofs, he will find the company of the little girl very pleasant and will nourish a feeling of tenderness in seeing her marveling pleased in front of the splendid landscapes of Avonlea (San Lorenzo island, Canada); while deeming it curious that Anna feels the need to give more appropriate and romantic names to the surrounding areas: the path surrounded by apple trees in blossom will be transformed into an avenue of white delights, while the local lake, a lake with shining waters (even the small plant located on the kitchen windowsill will be baptized with the name Banny). For our friend, nature is alive and constantly communicates with her, as she is capable of listening to her fascinating call. Even Marilla, behind the usual blanket of severity, will become deeply attached to the little girl, discovering within her a feeling of maternal love never experienced before her. However - precisely because she has a strong practical sense - I will try to mitigate her imagination, her impulsiveness, like some small movement of vanity (in fact Anna, feeling ugly, hopes to be able to improve her appearance while growing up and wants the bright red of her hair to turn into a softer auburn). In this sense, the episode 'First problems with the neighbors' is significant: Anna, deeply hurt at being defined with prejudice as dull and ugly by her neighbor house, he invests the fat lady with a torrent of words.

So Marilla, while understanding her reaction - and partly justifying it - confines the young woman to her room, preventing her from leaving until she decided to apologize to the neighbor. But Anna is a stubborn child, ready to sacrifice the rest of her days locked up in her room! To everyone's relief, Matthew will remove the hindrance. He will sneak into our friend's room to convince her of the fact that the best solution would be the one indicated by Marilla, so the young woman will indulge him and for her sake will deepen herself in a Carthusian soliloquy of apology. here, towards evening, Marilla and Anna, hand in hand, return home accompanied by a very sweet sunset. Soon Anna will meet Diana Barry, to whom she will swear eternal and deep friendship: together they will combine some good ones (seeing is believing!); moreover she will successfully engage in her studies, also thanks to the fact of being in competition with the young Gilbert Blythe, from the day in which he jokingly gave her the nickname 'carrot pelt' (due to this Anna will dye herself her hair, getting a horrible green color, which will force her to cut it short). Another great affection in the life of the protagonist will be the teacher Miss Stacy. This recognized her remarkable talent as a writer, will prepare the young woman to pass the entrance exam to Charlottetown High School.

Meanwhile, the bank where the Cuthberts had deposited their life savings goes bankrupt, Mattew dies of a broken heart, while Marilla risks going blind with grief. Therefore Anna decided not to go to the University, but to remain next to her benefactress and to support her with the usual love. In this difficult circumstance the solidarity of friends and loved ones will not be lacking; in particular Gilbert (who has always been secretly in love with Anna) will give the young woman the role of teacher at the school of Avonlea. Anna with red hair (whose theme song is sung by red-haired boys) is a cartoon that tells with simplicity and acuity the importance of everyday life as a background in which Anna will learn to know herself and others; to give value to small and big things; to appreciate diversity, but above all to never give up that magical touch that is the imagination.

by Helga Corpino

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All characters and images of red-haired Anna are copyright Nippon Animation / Lucy Montgomery and the right holders. they are used here for cognitive and informative purposes.