Movies - Pom Poko

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	Movies - Pom Poko

Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ; Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko, "Heisei-era Raccoon Dog War Pom Poko") (1994) is an anime (Japanese animation) film written and directed by Takahata Isao at Studio Ghibli.

Synopsis

The story begins with a prologue set in late 1960s Japan. A group of Tanuki (Japanese "raccoon dogs", Nyctereutes procyonoides) is threatened by a gigantic and ongoing suburban development project in the hills of Tama on the outskirts of Tokyo, cutting into their forest habitat and dividing their land. Construction continues in contemporary (early-90s) Japan, and with the amount of living area and food decreased, the Tanuki begin fighting for the diminishing resources of their habitat, but then decide to unify against the humans to stop the development.

Consistent with Japanese folklore, the Tanuki are portrayed as a highly sociable, mischievous species, able to use "illusion science" to transform into almost anything, but too fun-loving and too fond of tasty treats to be a real threat (unlike the wicked kitsune and other shapeshifters). Visually, the Tanuki in this film are depicted in three ways at various times: as realistic animals, as anthropomorphic animals which occasionally wear clothes, and as cartoony figures based on the manga of Shigeru Sugiura (of whom Miyazaki is a great fan). They tend to assume their realistic form when in view of humans, their cartoony form when they're doing something outlandish or whimsical, and their anthropomorphic form at all other times.

It's worth noting to western viewers that prominent testicles are an integral part of the Tanuki of folklore, and thus shown on the ones in the movie who also use them in their shapeshifting. They remain unchanged in the DVD release, though the English dub (but not the subtitles) refers to them as "pouches."

Several prominent Tanuki lead them, including aggressive chief Gonta, old guru Tsurugame, Oroku the wise-woman personage, and the young and resourceful Shoukichi. Using their illusion skills, they rally help of the Tanuki elders from Shikoku and stage a number of diversions, culminating in a "ghost parade" to make humans think the growing town is haunted. When all efforts fail, in an emotional scene they stage one last grand illusion, temporarily transforming the urbanized land back into its pristine state before dissolving into the human world. Finally, one group of Tanuki desperately attempt one option that was previously unthinkable; they arrange television coverage and publicly reveal themselves to plead their case against the destruction of their habitat. While this moving appeal comes too late to stop the construction, the favourable public reaction pushes the developers to at least include some parks for the Tanunki.

Their strength exhausted, the Tanuki most trained in illusion are left with no choice but to abandon those who can't transform into humans, disperse, and blend into the human society. One day Shoukichi, who also did so, is coming home from work when he sees another Tanuki running toward a golf course to meet his companions. Overjoyed, Shoukichi transforms back into a Tanuki and joins in the gathering.

In an emotional final scene, Shoukichi's friend, Ponkichi (pictured above) addresses the viewer, asking humans to be more considerate of Tanuki and other animals less endowed with transformation skills, and not to destroy their living space.

Although it is often regarded as surreal by Western audiences because of heavy references to Japanese superstitions, folklore, and traditions, Pom Poko is a thoughtful, humane, humourous and entertaining film which powerfully presents the themes of humanism and ecological distress.

Cast

Here are the Japanese/English voices:

Narrator - Kokondei Shinchou/Maurice LaMarche
Shoukichi - Makoto Nonomura/Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Okiyo - Yuriko Ishida/Jillian Bowen
Seizaemon - Norihei Miki
Fireball Oroku - Nijiko Kiyokawa
Gonta - Shigeru Izumiya
Inugami Gyobu - Gannosuke Ashiya
Bunta - Takehiro Murata
Kincho Daimyoujin the Sixth - Beichou Katsura
Yashimano Hage - Bunshi Katsura
Abbot Tsurugame - Kosan Yanagiya
Tamasaburo - Akira Kamiya

Trivia

The film plays heavily upon Japanese folklore and here are some basic facts which may help you find the film less baffling.

Tanuki in Japanese folklore are mischievous, lazy, cheerful and gullible creatures who use their supernatural shape-shifting powers to trick humans. It is often said that a Tanuki would put a leaf on top of their head and chant in order to change its form into anything (for example, a monk). They are also said to try to con humans with leaves turned into banknotes, although in the film this act is meant to be prohibited.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Pom Poko ]

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