Without any doubt, the best animation TV show in the history of television or cinema. A masterpiece created by the guineas Isao Takahata, whose great work has been influenced especially by Italian neorealism and by the French New Wave films.That's why Takahata's work is so different and more touching from most animation, which focus on fantasy. It's one of those shows and movies that make a very strong impression on the viewers. Some people can call this show "a soap opera animation series" but it's a lot more than that. It has a lot of cinema influences, a lot of interesting beautiful frames, and a lot of interesting and profound characters as well as moving scenes. It's so realistic (animals don't talk as opposed to most animation) that you think you're watching a Ken Loach or Roberto Rossellini film. The show has been influenced by Vittorio De Sica's "The Bicycle Thief". The music is also perfect, especially Mr. Peppino carriage melody. If you haven't seen it yet you don't know what you're missing. For all ages!!!