Kind Girl of 1940: Escape from The Armistice Day Snowstorm

Kind Girl of 1940: Escape from The Armistice Day Snowstorm is a Japanese-American animated film based on different events that occurred in the year 1940, specifically, World War II, the Armistice Day Storm, the debut of the Walt Disney film Fantasia, the debut of the Superman balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the debut of Woody Woodpecker in the Andy Panda cartoon "Knock Knock".

Plot
In the autumn of 1940, against the backdrop of World War II, we follow Sakura Tanaka, a compassionate young Japanese-American woman living in a rural area of Illinois. She assists her father on their farm along the Mississippi River, where they engage in waterfowl activities.

On November 11, the day of the Armistice Day Storm, Sakura and her father begin their daily routine under clear skies. However, as the day progresses, an unexpected and severe snowstorm engulfs the region. The sudden drop in temperature threatens the livelihood of the duck hunters and impacts the local community.

Amidst the chaos, Sakura remains resilient and tries to help those affected by the storm. She offers shelter and support to her neighbors, demonstrating kindness and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

As Sakura eventually rests from her exhausting efforts, she experiences a vivid dream that transports her to the mystical world of Fantasia, where she encounters a group of friendly centaurs, cupids, and fauns. In this dream, Sakura reflects on the challenges she has faced and gathers strength, finding renewed determination and hope.

After Sakura leaves the world of Fantasia, she witnesses the 1940 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Excited and uplifted by the festive atmosphere of the parade, Sakura marvels at the giant balloons designed by Tony Sarg, a renowned puppeteer and balloon maker. She witnesses the parade's iconic characters, including Uncle Sam, a green and pink polka-dotted hippopotamus, Laffo The Clown, and the first-ever Superman Balloon, all of which inspire her. Finally, the Santa Claus balloon brings the parade to a joyous close.

In a surprising twist, Sakura is transported into the world of the cartoon "Knock Knock", featuring the lovable character Woody Woodpecker. As Sakura observes Woody's struggles to escape a tricky situation, her compassion and encouragement inspire him to break free, symbolizing Sakura's ability to uplift and empower others.

Moved by the experience, Sakura returns to her own reality with a new sense of purpose, carrying the lessons of resilience, compassion, and hope she learned from her journey. Inspired by her experiences in Fantasia, the parade, and her encounter with Woody Woodpecker, she continues to assist her community in recovering from the devastating Armistice Day Storm, bringing comfort and support to those in need.