Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and the Beanstalk

Year: 1974

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Gisaburō Sugii

AdventureAnimationFantasy

It’s a wonderful world of family entertainment! An adventurous young boy named Jack climbs a giant beanstalk to a magical kingdom governed by a greedy, tyrannical giant.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Jack and the Beanstalk (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Jack and the Beanstalk (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Countryside cottage, Castle in the Clouds, Land of the Clouds

The story begins in a small country house where Jack and his mother live in modest poverty. A mysterious beanstalk launches them into a cloud-kissed castle, the heart of a magical realm. The setting shifts between the rustic countryside and a surreal, wind-swept fortress above the skies, inhabited by a princess, a giant, and a witch.

🏡 Rural setting 🧭 Fantasy 🗺️ Magical realm

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:12

Main Characters – Jack and the Beanstalk (1974)

Meet the key characters of Jack and the Beanstalk (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack (Masachika Ichimura)

A poor country boy who grows braver as he confronts dark forces, including the witch and the giant. He trades the cow for magic beans, climbs the beanstalk, and seizes a golden hen and treasure before returning to confront danger and protect the princess. His journey emphasizes resilience, ingenuity, and selflessness for the sake of his loved ones.

🧭 Brave 🧠 Clever 🐾 Loyal

Madam Noir (Madame Hecuba)

The evil witch who destroyed the king and queen, trapped Princess Margaret in a trance, and schemes to crown herself queen of the Land of the Clouds. She relies on daily spell renewal to maintain power and plots to share Jack’s fate with Tulip for youth and control. Her plans are challenged by Jack’s courage and the truth uncovered by the magical allies.

🪄 Villain 🧭 Schemer 👑 Power-hungry

Prince Tulip (Tulip the Giant)

A gentle giant who appears as the supposed prince, innocent and not very bright. He becomes entwined in the witch’s schemes and the castle’s drama, contrasting his kind nature with the treachery around him. His involvement accelerates the conflict and the course of the rescue.

🗺️ Gentle giant 🧠 Gullible 🌀 Fantasy

Princess Margaret

The castle’s princess who believes she will marry Tulip, unaware of the giant’s true nature and the danger she’s in. Her enchantment is broken when true bravery and a sincere kiss reveal the truth, restoring her sense of self and justice.

👑 Princess 💫 Enchanted 🤍 Hope

Crosby

Jack’s loyal dog, astonished by the beanstalk and ever ready to back Jack’s decisions. Crosby accompanies Jack on every ascent, offering courage and practicality in tight spots, especially during the escape from danger.

🐶 Loyal 🧭 Adventurous 🛡️ Protective

Harp

A talking harp who proves instrumental in guiding Jack and exposing the witch’s cruelty. It aids in understanding the spell’s mechanics and helps coordinate the rescue effort.

🎶 Musical 🧭 Helpful 🪄 Magical

Mother

Jack’s mother, whose initial harsh reaction to the magic beans contrasts with the courage that grows in her son. She embodies the harsh realities of poverty and the temptations that lead to drastic choices, setting the emotional stakes for Jack’s journey.

💢 Harsh 🫶 Protective

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:12

Major Themes – Jack and the Beanstalk (1974)

Explore the central themes of Jack and the Beanstalk (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Bravery

Jack’s bravery grows as he faces the witch, the giant, and perilous ascent up the beanstalk. He risks his safety to protect others, stealing the treasure and the hen, and returning to challenge the spell. Courage in this story is shown through quick thinking, resilience, and selfless acts for friends.

💎 Greed

Madame Hecuba’s hunger for youth and power drives her to murder, enchantments, and the subjugation of the castle’s inhabitants. The treasures and golden hen symbolize wealth used to extend control over others. The tale suggests greed unravels when confronted by bravery, love, and moral choices.

🤝 Friendship

Jack bands together with Crosby, talking mice, and a helpful harp to navigate the dangers above the clouds. Their collaboration reveals truths about the witch and aids in breaking the spell. This teamwork demonstrates that loyalty and cooperation can overcome isolation and tyranny.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:12

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Fairy Tale Adventures like Jack and the Beanstalk

Classic good-versus-evil stories set in magical worlds filled with charm and playful danger.If you enjoyed the magical journey and playful charm of Jack and the Beanstalk, you'll love these movies. Discover similar animated and family-friendly adventures based on fairy tales, where brave heroes face magical villains in wondrous worlds. These stories share a lighthearted feel, steady pacing, and a triumphant happy ending.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a straightforward, linear path. A protagonist, often from humble beginnings, is thrust into a magical conflict against a clear antagonist. Their journey involves discovery, a test of bravery, and a final confrontation that restores balance, resulting in a decisive and happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core DNA of whimsical fantasy, a steady narrative pace, and a light emotional touch. They prioritize enchanting worlds and classic storytelling over complex plotting or heavy drama, creating a cohesive experience of magical escapism.

Rags to Riches Hero Stories like Jack and the Beanstalk

Underdog protagonists who use courage and luck to overcome hardship and defeat a powerful foe.Fans of Jack's journey from poverty to heroism in Jack and the Beanstalk will appreciate these films. Explore stories featuring underdog protagonists who start with nothing and, through a magical adventure, achieve great wealth and victory. These movies are uplifting tales of transformation and triumph against the odds.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a catalyst—often a magical object or chance encounter—that propels the impoverished hero into a higher-stakes world. The central conflict is not just about survival but about actively dismantling the source of oppression (a giant, a tyrant) to secure freedom and fortune for themselves and their community.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a shared protagonist arc and thematic focus. The joy comes from watching a sympathetic character escape dire circumstances through a fantastic adventure, blending themes of social justice with wish-fulfillment fantasy in a straightforward, satisfying way.

Unlock the Full Story of Jack and the Beanstalk

Don't stop at just watching — explore Jack and the Beanstalk in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Jack and the Beanstalk is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Jack and the Beanstalk Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jack and the Beanstalk, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Jack and the Beanstalk Summary

Jack and the Beanstalk Timeline

Track the full timeline of Jack and the Beanstalk with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Jack and the Beanstalk Timeline

Jack and the Beanstalk Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Jack and the Beanstalk that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Jack and the Beanstalk Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Jack and the Beanstalk

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Jack and the Beanstalk: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Jack and the Beanstalk