Just got done watching Pom Poko. Its actually one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films from one of my favourite directors Isao Takahata, but totally underrated. I think many people avoid seeing this film because they assume its a boring unoriginal cliche tale about animals desperately trying to save their forest. In reality its so much more than that. What I like most about the film is that its a mesh of a docu-drama and a fantasy. Instead of watching a boring documentary about Japans urban development, Ghibli went all out with part non-fiction and part mythology. Despite it being an animated film, it does preach some deep messages, albeit craftily sprinkling in some witty humour for the kids. But dont let the cutsey animation fool you. Its depressing as heck. I think I relate to this film a lot mainly because to me its not a story about tanuki fighting to keep their forest. Its somewhat reminiscent of any human struggles, even though the main characters were sympathising for are far from human, despite taking on anthropomorphic shape-shifting personalities. While watching the film tonight I was vaguely reminded of my own struggles as an oppressed minority. Were forced to admit that although we want to see the forest animals triumph and win their battle against the humans we already know how their story ends. They dont win. It cant be realistic if they win. Unlike Disney, Studio Ghibli has never been about happily ever afters. Even their fantasy films have an edge of realism, which is why Ive always liked their storytelling methods. They kinda give you the nuts and cereal--the cold hard facts. We want them to have a happy ending but unfortunately we know thats not possible. Even if the tanuki dont win, what keeps the spirit of the film is that theyre so positive. Despite everything that happens...and despite losing so many of their loved ones in their efforts, they somehow keep smiling and keep moving forward, hoping things will turn out in the end. It reminds me how Ive had to fight-- myself and 11 million-- for our rights every single day. At the end of the day were tired and want to give up sometimes. We know we cant win, but we kinda keep hoping. Thats the only thing that keeps you going. Arasoi ni kizutsuite hikari ga mienai nara Mimi wo sumashitekure uta ga kikoeru yo Namida mo itami mo itsuka kieteyuku Sou sa kitto omae no hohoemi ga hoshii If youre hurt in a struggle and cant see the light Please listen closely, and youll hear a song Your tears and pain will one day fade Thats right, Im sure theyre waiting for your smile
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 07:16:13 +0000