Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko

With the increasing need for Tokyo to expand as one of Japan's major cities, inevitable sacrifices must be made so that changes can take place. One of these sacrifices is that the room for nature and wildlife to flourish will decrease significantly over time. As this decline continues, many animal communities experience the brunt of urbanization. One such community known as the "Tanuki," a type of magical shape-shifting mammal, is caught up in a struggle to defend their beloved forest from being absorbed by the looming threat of an expanding Tokyo.

As more and more Tanuki find themselves with nowhere to hide and territorial fights become increasingly regular amongst the different factions of the community, the elder Tanuki Oroku decides that something must be done. For the sake of their home as well as the safety of their future generations, the Tanuki unite as one with the hope that together they may be able to repel mankind's construction projects and scare them away from the forests using their shapeshifting abilities.

But as they begin their first attempts at sabotage, the Tanuki soon realize the operation will be no easy task. Will they reclaim their forest as a united community, or will they be torn apart by a war against humanity, blinded by anger and pain after witnessing nature's destruction?

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shoukichi Main

Nonomura, Makoto Japanese

Okiyo Main

Ishida, Yuriko Japanese

Tamasaburou Supporting

Kamiya, Akira Japanese

Tsurugame Supporting

Gyobu, Inugami Supporting

Ashiya, Gannosuke Japanese

Ponkichi Supporting

Hayashiya, Shouzou Japanese

Hage, Yashimano Supporting

Daimyoujin, Kincho Supporting

Bunta Supporting

Takakemori, Gonta Supporting

Suzuki, Toshio Producer

Takahata, Isao Director, Original Creator, Screenplay

Urakami, Yasuo Sound Director

Pannetier, Jean-Marc Script, ADR Director

Reviews

Dec 27, 2024

MidniteAndBeyond

Recommended

I don't know why I always thought I wasn't gonna like this one. I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to. A great mix of Japanese mythos and addressing the ongoing crisis of environmental preservation. I like that the entire film was from the tanuki's point of view. I'm glad there wasn't some sort of human character who got tried to teach the tanuki that not all humans are bad or have everyone meet in the middle or anything like that. It was very real in its message and outcome, despite the fantastical characters leading the whole thing. It certainly has some... ... interesting imagery for those who aren't already knowledgeable about certain Japanese folklore. But I've been in the game far too long to have been surprised by any of that.

7.5/10

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jun 19, 2020

Jasuu_06

Mixed Feelings

Okay so, viewing from the art style, motions and everything. It's very great!

I of course can't say it's a bad movie, which it isn't. I do see the purpose of this movie, it's kind of on a view of how it is with todays animals and peoples in ones.
But that the raccoons/animals then can transform themselves into humans and other stuff to like trick them and scare them because they are taking their safe spot, place.

It's a kids movie and me as a teenages enjoyed it very much and I am sure my family would too, it's very amusing, funny and at the same time ... dark to watch- it gets a feeling to it. As I said, it's kind of understandable.
On how animals die.
Humans taking their spot- safe spot innit.

Overall I rate this movie a decent 6/10. It's very amusing and enjoyable and I'd defenitly watch this with my Kids in the Future.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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May 17, 2021

xraaki

Not Recommended

This review contains *SPOILERS*.
Watched in Sub/Dub: Dub

Story: 6/10
Pom Poko highlights one of Japan’s odder but extremely popular legends. Pom Poko follows a large commune of raccoons that are determined to reclaim their land from the humans that stole it. The raccoons engage in plenty of shenanigans to halt construction and screw with humans. The plot is all over the place and lacks character development and opportunities for emotional moments. Even though Pom Poko is advertised as a comedy, I found the “funny” moments to be forced and cringey.

Art: 6/10
The animation flow when the raccoons are transforming is excellent but the entire film seems stylistically desynched ... to the other Studio Ghibli films. The scenery specifically is more angular compared to the generally soft look of most nature scenes in Ghibli movies. A lot of the scenes feel and look like a parody of Studio Ghibli movies.

Sound/Soundtrack: 6/10
The soundtrack is generally boring and doesn’t evoke any particular emotion or feelings of nostalgia that other Ghibli soundtracks accomplish.

Character: 1/10
The raccoons are lazy, unlikable, and underdeveloped characters. While in real life I often think about the impact humans have on the habits of other animals, I felt no sympathy for these annoying ass raccoons.

Enjoyment: 4/10
Honestly I was just bored watching this movie from start to finish. It’s difficult to watch a movie where none of the characters are interesting, likable, or even evil. The visuals in Pom Poko are definitely interesting but since I have no personal connection to Japanese folklore (i.e. I wasn’t raised on it), the film doesn’t really offer anything for the viewers to emotionally connect with or care about.

Overall: 4/10
I’m sure if I was more familiar with Japanese folklore and/or had a nostalgic connection to the legends in Pom Poko I would like the film a lot more. However, as an outsider, watching Pom Poko is a dull experience.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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