Pukapuka Juju

Mika dreams of the day when she can visit the beach with her father. Already overburdened by his day-to-day responsibilities, it seems like her father gets called in to do last-minute work every weekend. Even if he somehow manages a break, his crippling fear of the ocean would prevent him from truly enjoying the beach with his daughter.

After yet another postponement, Mika plays in a kiddie pool alone, with only Juju, an inflatable dugong, to keep her company. But things take a turn for the bizarre when Juju comes to life and tells Mika that he will take her to the ocean in her father's place. As Mika hangs on to Juju for dear life, she wonders if her trip is more than what she bargained for.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Turtle Main

Naya, Rokurou Japanese

Mama Main

Okamura, Akemi Japanese

Papa Main

Miyake, Kenta Japanese

Mika Main

Katou, Emiri Japanese

Juju Main

Umeda, Kikumi Japanese

Mimika Main

Mizuhashi, Kaori Japanese

Kiso, Yukari Producer

Kawamata, Hiroshi Director

Tsuchiya, Kenichi Key Animation

Seyama, Takeshi Editing

Reviews

Aug 6, 2022

WolfieGrrrl

Recommended

The set up for Puka Puka Juju begins with a pretty standard family unit - an overworked father who has to prioritize his job, a small child who just wants to spend one weekend with him despite all the broken promises, and a housewife who has to constantly sacrifice her social life to juggle the kids. They all deeply care for one another and the situation is hard on each of them for different reasons. Despite its shortness, you can feel the bond between them within the first few minutes. It may get shaky at times, but they do their best to keep it together.

Although ... the story is fast-paced, it keeps the viewer dwelling in the moment all the way through to its end. Throughout the story, Mika struggles to sort out her feelings through a fantasy sequence that is beautifully animated and truly does its best to show off the art direction. There are some very touching emotional moments that really shine and become the catalyst for addressing the overarching themes of childhood trauma and fear of the ocean. Along the way, we learn right alongside Mika that sometimes offering understanding to someone is the most meaningful gesture. There's something about the very childlike maturity in the way Mika reconciles her feelings that may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to the adventure.

If you have about 25 minutes to spare and feel in the mood for a quick summer adventure about some mild family drama with a sweet conclusion, check this one out.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jun 11, 2020

CataOrShane

Recommended

This movie was created by inexperienced animators with the sole purpose of practicing and improving their professional skills. I know this because I read the MAL entry and not because it's noticeable. What I'm trying to say is that visually it doesn't look unfinished or unpolished. The visuals are pretty to look at and the action sequences look fluid and entertaining.

There are some flaws in terms of sound design, particularly the dialog's volume being too low compared to the sountrack and sound effects' volume.

The story and the characters are adorable and it's a really sweet and short experience that will warm your heart ... in less than half an hour.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jun 6, 2019

Alufei

Recommended

Puka Puka Juju, a tale of a young daughter wanting to go to the beach with her father but can't because of work obligations.

Effective is a word I would use because it covers the bases of family, creativity, and imagination from a child's perspective. Which links to animation, colorful and full of life.

It is vibrant and works with the themes of the plot and the desires of the characters. Which, again, contrast well with the imagination part of the child's mind with how each character must overcome said idea.

As a whole, it is the strongest of the 4 shorts of 2011 in terms ... of simplicity of story and message yet fun expression with animation.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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