And this week's Friday night movie has been... Pom Poko!
Yes we're taking another trip into the anime well. And we're casting a look at the distinguished body of work that came from the one and only Studio Ghibli - with one of their more overlooked movies. - but then again this is Ghibli we're talking about and anything that is directed by someone who isn't Hayao Miyazaki is automatically dubbed overlooked.
Still, I have been putting off this movie for quite some time: One of a handful of movies courtesy of Ghibli's other genius/co-founder Isao Takahata. No time like the present I guess...
I have to admit that Pom Poko is indeed a unique entrant in Takahata's body of work. I know he can do realistic stories with attention to detail (ie Grave of the Fireflies and Only Yesterday) and I know he can do experimental works that take animation into new places and gobble up Ghibli's profits (ie My Neighbors the Yamadas and Tale of Princess Kaguya). So where does this leave Pom Poko?
If anything, it seems to take some of Miyazaki's familiar themes - pastoral landscapes, inventive designs and ecological theme - and place them in a different context. Nothing wrong with that - I mean why not have someone different talk about the same thing? - but there are times when it feels less like a Takahata film and more like one where he was peering over Miyazaki's shoulder and taking notes.
Still, this is a Ghibli movie and has all we come to expect: Humour, imagination, weirdness, high quality animation and some truly heartfelt moments. In fact, I do wonder why this is one of Ghibli's overlooked films as the themes of rebellion and ecological concerns would indeed find an audience in this current political climate...
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