The Acorns and the Wildcat is a distinctive short film presented in a picture-book format. The creator, also responsible for Night on the Galactic Railroad and Gauche the Cellist, employs a unique approach to storytelling by having a narrator read Kenji's tale aloud while captivating illustrations are brought to life with subtle animations. The animation style by Yasuhiro Nagura, known for creating Mamoru Oshii's Angel's Egg, is strikingly minimalistic, yet exquisitely impactful. It is no wonder that Miyazaki's charming Panda/Totoro creature is said to have drawn inspiration from Kenji's wildcat. The film is refreshingly engaging as the magical language and narrative style of Kenji are enough to hold one's interest. Combining the ethereal music with the breathtaking art, The Acorns and the Wildcat is an unpretentious cinematic treasure.