Chocolate Underground

Chocolate Underground is a fantastic quick watch. You'd think a show revolving around chocolate would just be a silly children's show but it digs deeper than that. Now the story of children rebelling and people getting arrested for going against corrupt power is nothing original but Chocolate Underground puts a twist on it that is more lighthearted. Since it is a short running show there isn't much room for character development but that doesn't mean it's not worth the watch. You get to watch these kids get something they love taken away, meaning chocolate, for the "greater good" but there are still secret underground trading ... of chocolate (hence the name of the show). While all of that is happening to keep people healthy underneath that lies a more sinister objective -- locking people away in concentration camps. Who knew people would go this far for chocolate?

My first review, but I didn't like any of the others here, and so felt compelled to write something on this cute, refreshing fun time.

Synopsis – Chocolate has been banned by a newly risen government entity (The Ministry of Health and Well Being) that has convinced the public that they are acting in their best interest. Two school-aged boys become interested in the idea of bringing chocolate back to the people, and after hearing about a secret smuggling ring, become entangled in a bootlegging operation to “fill the world with chocolate” once again.

A simple premise, and simply executed.

To be honest, I decided to watch ... this anime simply because of the dystopian premise. I have a strong love of dystopian literature and media in general, so of course Chocolate Underground caught my eye. I will admit I did not know that it was in such a short format and was dismayed until I got to the third episode or so. Much in the way that chocolate is appreciated best in small bites so as not to overwhelm, this series delivers beautifully in the concise format it's presented in.

As previously stated, the episodes are short (between 3-6 minutes) and there are no opening or ending sequences, other than a short preview of the next episode. The next episode tends to pick up exactly (as in the same exact scene) where the previous one left off. It is not difficult to follow the story at all, as it is fairly simple, though I will admit to watching it all in two sittings.

The simplicity of the story is both a strength and a weakness, in my opinion. For starters, I must praise the production staff and writers for being able to convey so much in so little time and space. There is a brief background for each of the two main characters that highlights their emotional connection to chocolate and the price that the ban has had on all people. For example, Smudger's father is a baker, and the girl that both boys have a crush on (Louise) works in a (former) sweets shop.

Some may criticize the characters for being one dimensional, but I would disagree. There is a deeper feeling, more so with Smudger or Franky than Huntly, about where the characters are coming from and the hardships that the ban has caused. In this way, chocolate becomes more than just a sugary indulgence. It becomes representative of freedom, which is obviously the point that is being driven across.

However, the length can be seen as a weakness as well. The story could have done with more in-depth understanding of the Minister and his creepy right-hand who is singly devoted to the Minister and carrying out his orders. He is a stereotypical A-type personality obsessive lackey who cares about nothing other than enforcing the rules and pleasing his master. I would have liked to understand much more about him and his reasoning, as he seemed particularly unhinged and interesting.

The reality is that with the format done as it was, there was no possibility of going deeper with individual characters. As I said, I appreciated what was done in the short amount of time allotted, but I think a longer format would have been a much better vehicle. Perhaps even just doubling the episode length would have been enough, making the episodes roughly 10 minutes instead of 5-ish.

Overall I enjoyed the series. It was short and sweet, with a lovely ending. There is little in the way of thinking required, but the message is deep enough despite the levity in the show. I enjoyed the light hearted take on a dystopia, unlike something such as Fahrenheit 451, which is quite heavy. However, if messages about personal liberty presented in a child-friendly format is not really your cup of tea, perhaps Chocolate Underground is not really for you.

Chocolate Underground is an anime adaptation of the English Childrens book of the same name. The country is run by a dictatorial government which has banned all sweet treats including chocolate. When their favourite candy shop starts suffering because of the ban, teens Smudger and Huntly, discover an illegal factory secretly producing chocolate. With the help of the kindly conveinence store owner Mr. Blades, the three friends start their own underground chocolate business.

The animation and artwork were just ok while the characters design was a little better. It was done by Production I.G and Trans Arts before they went out of business. The music ... and the voice acting were serviceable but nothing special. Each episode is about 5 minutes long but carries a good amount of content, so it is very fast paced. Longer episodes could have seen more story telling and character development. There's a good amount of comedy given the somber nature of the story.

The characters are simple but effective enough to get you to support them in overthrowing the cruel government. Given the dystopian nature of the story, its surprising that this anime is more on the fun escapist genre for kids to enjoy.

Overall, it was an entertaining anime.