Directed by: Isao Takahata
Starring: A few hundred Tanuki
I promise that this will be the last Studio Ghibli film for a while (I have seen like 4 of their films in about 2 weeks). I have just ordered Tales of Earthsea though, so I might watch that soon.
Anyway, Pom Poko is about the deforestation of some parts of Tokyo to make way for some development houses. In this process, hundreds of Tanuki have lost their homes and are forced to live together and form a plan against the humans.
I'm sure many people out there don't know what Tanuki are so I'll explain: They are raccoon-dogs that are usually found in Japan. They have gone down in folklore that they can transform into many different things using their *ahem* testicles. They are usually mischevious and play tricks on humans. If you're a gamer then you might recognise the Tanooki suit from Super Mario Bros. 3.
The film delivers a powerful message throughout (and then actually says it right at the end): Be more considerate of all the wild animals and don't destroy their living space.
It's a funny little film that can be hilarious at some times and sad at another, this all adds up to an excellent film. Before watching it though, research a little bit into Japanese culture otherwise you will find this film extremely weird (and rude seeing as the Tanuki stretch their balls to transform).
90%
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