The Mysterious Cities Of Gold

The Mysterious Cities of Gold is a riveting animation series, a Franco-Japanese co-production, which aired from 1982 to 1983. The animation is an unforgettable blend of adventure, mystery, and history that finds its roots in 16th Century South America, a time of discovery and exploration. The show, both timeless and nostalgic, was a product of Studio Pierrot from Japan and released by NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, along with the French company DiC Entertainment.

The intriguing storyline centers on a young Spanish boy named Esteban, who leaves his homeland to embark on an expedition to the New World in search of the lost cities of gold. Conceived as an adventure bound by destiny, the narrative scope of the series allows for an exploration of characters that are well-defined, with motivations that make them highly relatable and authentic.

Esteban is accompanied by his friends Zia and Tao, who each have unique skills and backgrounds. Zia, an Incan girl seized by the Spaniards, aids the group with her knowledge of the Incan culture, while Tao, the last of the ancient Hiva (Mu) civilization, uses his intellectual prowess to unravel the mysteries of their journey. Together, they tackle numerous hurdles, solve intricate puzzles, dodge dangerous and greedy treasure hunters, and unlock enigmatic secrets.

Complementing the nail-biting adventures of this trio are exciting elements of historical and mythological aspects. Depictions of Incan, Olmec, and Maya cultures give the series a pallor of authentic world history. Simultaneously, fantastical elements and science fiction technology, such as the golden condor – a solar-powered aircraft – add a layer of intrigue and capture the imaginations of viewers.

The Mysterious Cities of Gold wonderfully integrates the overarching theme of discovery and exploration, set against the backdrop of civilizations long past. It explores the trials and tribulations Esteban and his friends face, the friendships they make, and the realities they are forced to confront. The underlying tone of the series is one of prevailing optimism and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams and destiny, underpinned by the heart-pulling desire to find one's place in the world.

One of the most notable aspects of the series is its visual appeal characterized by the animation style that beautifully marries simplistic charm with intricate detailing. Given its vintage, the animation holds up surprisingly well to the test of time, adding a sense of timelessness which continues to captivate newer generations of viewers.

Moreover, the Mysterious Cities of Gold boasts an enchanting score and soundtrack. The music greatly enhances the narrative, articulating the emotions of the characters and supporting the growing tension and excitement of the plot. The show's unforgettable theme song, penned by the legendary Shuki Levy, perfectly frames its spirit of adventure and exploration.

Notably, the show took learning one step further by including short, live-action segments at the end of each episode. These segments – termed as ‘Documentaries’ – were little nuggets of information that explored the cultures, histories, and geographies presented in the episode, giving young viewers a chance to broaden their horizons and feed their curiosity.

Despite its relatively short run of 39 episodes, The Mysterious Cities of Gold left an indelible impact on the landscape of children's television. Its originality and depth cemented it as a cult classic, and it remains fondly remembered by the audience members who grew up with it. Through a tapestry of richly woven characters and a story set against the backdrop of history and mythology, the series continues to educate and entertain, making it a gem among children’s adventure series. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring charm of traditional animation and storytelling.