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Pom Poko film image

Pom Poko

Heisei tanuki gassen ponpoko

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Imagine Watership Down, Studio Ghibli-style. Instead of rabbits, we have raccoons. And not just any raccoons – these critters have magical powers of transformation, albeit grown a little rusty in the modern age. As their habitat is stripped and paved by the encroaching humans, the good-natured but rather undisciplined forest creatures relearn their ancient powers and embark on a campaign of disruption and distraction.

Pom Poko ranks among Ghibli’s best; it’s incredibly free and imaginative in its animation, and effortlessly combines pathos, comedy, surreal imagery and a heartfelt ecological message. Director Isao Takahata cofounded Studio Ghibli with Hayao Miyazaki. His other films include Graveyard of the Fireflies, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Only Yesterday.

Our matinee family-friendly shows will feature the English-language version, all ages welcome. Evening screenings will play in Japanese with English subtitles.

March 23: Introduced by Jeff Chiba Stearns

 

Pom poko is a delightful, often uproariously funny film, at once childishly irreverent and thoughtfully mature. Being a Ghibli work, it is beautifully rendered and technically impeccable, with a great number of memorable set pieces.

Tom Mes, Midnight Eye

 

Presenting Partner

Media Partner

Director

Isao Takahata

Country of Origin

Japan

Year

1994

Language

Matinee: English

Evening: In Japanese with English subtitles

PG

Violence, nudity

119 min

Book Tickets

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