不射之射

"The Archer Who Did Not Shoot" is an animated short film co-produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Japanese animation master Kihachiro Kawamoto in 1988, adapted from Japanese author Atsushi Nakajima's novel "A Record of the Master". The film centers on the story of Ji Chang, a young man from the Zhao state during the Spring and Autumn period, who seeks to master archery. It narrates his journey from pursuing superior archery skills to comprehending the Taoist philosophy of "not shooting is the ultimate shooting." Ji Chang initially studies under the renowned archer Fei Wei, diligently practicing until he masters the ability to not blink and to see small things as large, becoming a famous archer. Unsatisfied, he then becomes the student of Gan Ying on Mount Emei, ultimately grasping the state of "the ultimate shooting is no shooting", reaching a state of "forgetting oneself and the world". Through its exquisite puppet animation and profound philosophical content, the film explores the Taoist idea of "achieving through non-action", reflecting on the meaning and pursuit of life. It won a Special Award at the 1st Shanghai International Animation Film Festival and its unique artistic style and deep thematic ideas have made it a classic work in the history of Chinese animation.