The Orphan Brother (The Littlest Warrior)

In 11th century Japan, an honest governor's family suffers after he is unjustly imprisoned by a disgruntled palace official. While fleeing the arrest, the family is ambushed by bandits and separated. The daughter, Anju, and the son, Zushio, are sold into slavery to the private manor of Sansho the Bailiff, who is a cruel master. The children's mother is sold into prostitution. The father dies in prison. Zushio escapes the manor. Anju drowns herself to aid in Zushio's escape and is turned into a mermaid. The mother dies and becomes a crane. Zushio manages to reclaim his father's honor and inherits the position of governor with the help of his pet bear cub, mouse, and dog. With his new governorship, Zushio destroys Sansho's slave trade, but he's too late in saving the lives of his family.