As a lifelong fan of Studio Ghibli and someone who has watched countless anime films, I must say that “Pom Poko” stands out as one of the most unique and thought-provoking movies in their catalog. The seamless blend of humor and tragedy is truly captivating, much like trying to balance a plate of sushi while navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo during rush hour – quite the challenge but oh so rewarding when done right!
As a dedicated Studio Ghibli enthusiast, I can confidently wager that many fellow fans like me have probably missed out on watching a film from the studio (with possibly the exception of Grave of the Fireflies) without first catching sight of “Directed by Hayao Miyazaki” at the movie’s onset.
By the way, that’s all good. Many famous Studio Ghibli films are under the direction of the renowned filmmaker. Interestingly, my preferred Studio Ghibli production, “Porco Rosso,” is actually directed by Miyazaki.
While it’s true that many Studio Ghibli films bear his signature, not all of them were directed by him. For instance, the captivating “Pom Poko” was helmed by none other than Isao Takahata, one of the studio’s co-founders. This might be an undiscovered gem in the Studio Ghibli catalog that you should definitely check out. Let me tell you why it stands out.
Oh, and minor spoilers up ahead.
It’s Such An Oddball Movie That Feels Unlike Any Of The Miyazaki Studio Ghibli Films
When Alexandra Ramos herself sat through each Miyazaki film one after another, she frequently spoke about the deep emotional connection many of those films had for her. Indeed, this is a characteristic often found in Miyazaki’s body of work.
But, I can tell you with certainty that not every Studio Ghibli film tugs at the heartstrings, at least not to the extent that a Miyazaki film might.
In simpler terms, “The Cat Returns” and “My Neighbors the Yamadas” are entertaining films, but they’re unlikely to bring tears to your eyes (although some might confuse them with Disney movies). “The Cat Returns” is quite different from the charming “The Boy and the Heron,” or the highly acclaimed, fan-favorite, “Spirited Away.”
As a dedicated admirer, I wholeheartedly concur with the sentiment about “Pom Poko”. This peculiar masterpiece might just be Studio Ghibli’s most unconventional production. The narrative revolves around a group of Japanese raccoon dogs and their struggle against the harsh realities of industrialization that threaten to uproot their lives.
Indeed, you’re on the right track! While it may remind you of tales like “Princess Mononoke” or “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” it’s a unique story that centers around those charming critters we know as raccoon dogs.
As a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting and heartwarming animated films, I must admit that I was taken aback by this peculiar production. It seems to stray far from the familiar magical realms and whimsical stories that have become synonymous with the studio. In fact, it feels like nothing else they’ve ever created.
As someone who has spent countless hours watching animated films and appreciating their creative plots, I must say that a film featuring a fox transforming into a businessman to warn a raccoon dog, disguised as a businessman himself, about the need for his friends to change into people is quite intriguing. The added element of tension created by the “or else” clause adds an extra layer of suspense and drama. This unique storyline reminds me of my own experiences in life, where I’ve had to navigate through various challenges and adapt to unexpected situations. It’s fascinating how animation can reflect real-life scenarios, albeit in a more fantastical context. The film would certainly catch my attention and hold it until the very end, leaving me pondering about its deeper meaning.
It’s just such a bizarre film, and I’m surprised that it doesn’t have more of a widespread cult following. It certainly deserves it.
It’s Also Deeply Steeped In Japanese Culture. Maybe More So Than Any Other Studio Ghibli Film
I adore nearly every film by Miyazaki, as they possess a unique Japanese essence yet seem universally relatable in terms of their themes. For instance, I can instantly resonate with films like “Howl’s Moving Castle“, “Ponyo“, and “Kiki’s Delivery Service“. It is these types of movies that are cherished globally.
In a different way of saying it, Pom Poko showcases an exceptionally Japanese flavor. For instance, the idea of shape-shifting raccoon dogs (or tanuki) is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. These bake-danuki are believed to be tricky creatures that possess the ability to transform into various forms, including humans, at their discretion.
As I took in this scene, an old memory surfaced. Back in my childhood days, I used to engage with Super Mario Bros. 3. One of the unique outfits Mario sported was the tanooki suit. With it, he’d sprout a raccoon tail and float!
In this movie, I found it peculiar that Mario had the ability to turn into a statue, and as a child, I didn’t grasp the reasoning behind it. However, watching this film clarified things for me because Mario’s transformation stems from Japanese folklore, which is richly depicted in the movie.
In this movie “Pom Poko,” which imitates the sound of a tanuki drumming its belly, there’s an extraordinary scene featuring a parade of various Japanese spirits. What stands out, though, are these oversized testicles, traditionally symbolizing prosperity in Japan. Needless to say, this unique aspect makes “Pom Poko” undeniably authentic and captivating for me.
It’s The Perfect Mix Of Comedy And Tragedy
As a lifelong animation enthusiast who has seen countless films from various cultures, I must say that this movie stands out as one of the most visually unique and humorously unpredictable animations I’ve ever encountered. The characters, particularly the tanuki, are masterfully designed to transition seamlessly between realistic raccoon dog appearances and exaggerated cartoon forms, which keeps viewers guessing throughout the film. It’s a testament to the creators’ artistic prowess that they manage to keep the balance between reality and fantasy so skillfully.
In short, there’s a lot of humor here. But, it’s also quite tragic. I’ll get more into the environmental concerns it presents soon, but the movie doesn’t exactly end on a happy note.
As the movie progresses, the situations our characters face become increasingly severe, leading one to ponder just how they arrived at such a critical juncture.
In the beloved films of Studio Ghibli, there’s often a consistent mood. However, the movie “Pom Poko” stands out as it frequently changes tones, moving swiftly from humor to sadness, creating an intriguing and captivating experience.
Studio Ghibli’s Environmental Concerns Are Probably The Most Prominent In This Movie
“Princess Mononoke” likely represents Studio Ghibli’s strongest statement on environmental issues, portraying nature as a force that seems aggrieved by human actions. This anger manifests as retaliation in the storyline, making it an intense, action-packed film. It’s popularity stems from this compelling narrative.
However, I think Pom Poko is the more accusatory movie when it comes to the company’s messaging about humankind’s effects on nature, and it’s mostly because the victims are more clearcut and obvious here.
Due to deforestation, tanukis are forced to leave their forest homes. Initially, they attempt to prevent people from cutting down their trees, and in some cases, they become aggressive towards humans. However, they soon understand that it’s impossible to halt progress, so the resourceful ones transform into humans and choose to live covertly among humans, abandoning their identity as raccoon dogs and embracing a life disguised as human beings.
That’s truly disheartening. By the conclusion, it leaves one feeling quite somber, primarily because it becomes apparent that one’s presence itself could bring pain to other living beings, undeniably a sobering thought.
It Has The Greatest Narrator
Let’s shift gears from the melancholy, shall we? Let’s discuss something joyful instead, for this film boasts an exceptional narrator – none other than Maurice LaMarche.
As a dedicated fan who recently experienced “Pom Poko” through its American dubbed version, I must admit that I haven’t had the pleasure of listening to Kokontei Shincho narrate the story in its original form. This perspective might differ slightly from those deeply rooted in the original, but I invite everyone to appreciate this adaptation with an open mind. After all, the enchanting tale of the raccoon spirits remains captivating regardless of the voice that brings it to life.
However, listening to the character Brain from the popular series Pinky and the Brain narrate their quirky raccoon dog tales significantly enhances my enjoyment of the entire film for me.
Similar to how Ron Howard’s narration significantly enhances the show “Arrested Development,” I firmly believe that LaMarche’s relaxed storytelling style is one of the standout features of this narrative, and I can’t picture enjoying it without his voiceover.
Have you watched the movie “Pom Poko”, and if that’s the case, where would you place it among other Studio Ghibli productions according to your personal preference?
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2024-08-18 23:07