Before Disney, Toei Animation has managed to make an adaptation that respects the original story in many ways. This animated film has not completely modified the original story, it has remained quite attached to it, even though it has been adapted for children. The film respects the essence of the original story and narrates its tragic plot as it is. The tone is childish of course, but its plot remains just as dramatic and tragic, as it is in the story. Marina definitely steals the whole movie and is an endearing enough character to feel sorry for, after all she lives until the end of the movie. His dolphin companion Fritz is a cute and lovable character. In addition, it reflects what one feels when he ends up empathizing with Marina. Toei Animation's animation brings a lot of life and flavor to the film, making it delightful. The soundtrack even helps a lot to create a convincing feeling when the story turns sadder and more melancholy. As an animated film it's hard to say it beats the Disney animated version, so the two are tied. But as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, this film is undoubtedly the most faithful and for that alone it manages to surpass the Disney version. My final rating for this movie is 9/10.