What are your favorite animated films?
Probably for most they are some of the countless hits from brands like Pixar and Disney Animation. There are a few gems from Dreamworks as well and Warner Animation Group (WAG). Then you might be a huge fan of arthouse house studios like Laika and Cartoon Saloon. But there are many movie lovers out there that adore the world of anime. The Japanese animation world is broad and wonderous. Whenever a new anime hits theaters, it certainly grabs my attention. And that is why I went in to check out Poupelle of Chimney Town.
How did this risk of going in blind turn out?
Excellent. Director Yusuke Hirota brings this incredible world to life in a poignant and meaningful way. This steampunk city of gears and chimneys is perfectly detailed and lived it. The importance of garbage gives the world a lived-in feel. The thick and discussing cloud of smoke that encloses this city is meaningful and impressively visual. But Hirota does not just deliver a beautiful-looking mix of 3D and 2D animation. There is incredible emotion at every turn. The story is emotionally resonant as we have a boy who has lost and now finds man-made garbage in his life which brings tons of emotions. There are plenty of tear-inducing beats but that is not the range of emotions. There are thrilling action moments (including a big-time flight through the clouds and a big brawl during the climax). There is real weight in the story as well that causes some scenes to be thrilling or even scary. Hirota can do so much with this inspiring story.
But what is the story that drives the film forward?
Lubicchi is a young boy living in this isolated steampunk city under the rule of an intimidating authoritarian government. There is plenty of mystery behind the origins of this town and the film plays that tension up incredibly well. Hirota knows when to show his narrative hand and keep the film engaging. Lubicchi’s kind and daydreaming father has died under mysterious circumstances after he made a living by inspiring others to look for stars beyond the clouds. These stars mean so much to the characters and are symbols of freedom. The themes are deeply moving and impactful. But this town gets turned upside down when a gem falls from the sky to create a garbage man. This garbage man connects with young Lubicchi (after fun and catchy musical number for Halloween) which becomes a moving heart of the film. Hirota can balance this intimate friendship that is developing and the overall revolution story which finds the populace finally revolting against this dictatorial city.
But what about the characters who are responsible for carrying this film?
Garbage Man is an endearing and naïve character who is a perfect conduit for the audience as he learns this wonderful science fiction world.
There is a mysterious origin to this character that has a deeper emotional impact on the overall story (which Hirota is able to play out with fine touch).
Lubicchi is also a sweet and endearing character who is stronger than he looks. He works full time as a chimney sweep (horror child labor laws in this dystopia) which is admirable. There are plenty of other side characters who fill out this world in a meaningful way. But the biggest and most impactful is Lubicchi’s father who is introduced through flashbacks. His energy is big and fun while inspiring everyone around him. His drive was unrelenting as he tried to convince others to believe in their dreams and other things bigger than them. I watched the dubbed version of the film which boasted fun and committed performances from the likes of Tony Hale and Stephen Root.
What a wonderful surprise this film was, right?
Poupelle of Chimney Town is sweet, exciting, endearing, moving, tense, and layered with plenty of commentary on authoritarian societies.
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Where films like Turning Red, Spider-verse, and Lightyear have a big buzz around them due to the House of Mouse, this little anime sneaks into the New Year but wows incredibly well. A score full of emotion and animation that is a visual delight elevates a wonderful script to be a special experience worth seeking out.
