Pompo the Cinephile movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Pompo the Cinephile

This wonderful tribute to moviemaking in the style of Japanese Anime is now playing in select cities in the USA.

RATING: G – PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes (Pompo explains that films that go over 90 minutes are insulting to audiences.)

IN A NUTSHELL:

Pompo is a talented and gutsy producer in “Nyallywood,” the movie-making capital of the world. Although she’s known for B-movies, Pompo tells her movie-loving but apprehensive assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about a tormented artistic genius, starring the legendary and Brando-esque actor Martin Braddock, and a young actress seeking her first break. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director?

It’s both a satirical look at Hollywood’s filmmaking industry, as well as a tribute to the magic of motion pictures. For anyone who absolutely loves movies as I do, this is a must-see. It’s already been nominated for “Best Animated Feature” at the Fantasia Film Festival and the Annie Awards. The director and screenwriter are both Takayuki Hirao. This is the debut feature of the animation studio CLAP, well deserving of applause.

Welcome to the world of dreams and madness! (Pompo)

THINGS I LIKED:

I watched the Japanese version, although an English-language version is also available. I absolutely loved loved loved it and it reminded me why I love movies so much.
Super clever transitions
I love the use of actual film to draw borders and images in various frames.
I thought it was interesting when Pompo tried to teach Gene how to create a movie trailer. She explained that he needed to include a misleading image to provide intrigue. Do you think that was good advice or do you think audiences get angry when a trailer is misleading? Comment down below!
The animation is extremely creative and entertaining.
It’s fascinating to watch a film being made right before our eyes.
The insights into filmmaking and life are inspiring and entertaining.
If you’re not used to watching Japanese Anime, you’re in for a treat. While the people look Caucasian and are generally considered to be American, you’ll see the gentle, sweet nature of the Japanese in their mannerisms. I had the immense pleasure of going to Japan a few years ago and was so impressed with the kind, respectful people we met there.
Fun fact: Hollywood is called “Nyallywood” in the movie. The “nyaa” part is the sound that the Japanese use to represent a cat’s meow. Because of that, you see a lot of cat symbols when the characters are in Nyallywood. The statues of the “Oscar” awards are even in the shape of cats. Super cute.
I love the scene that showed Gene typing madly on his computer just like a pianist would play an aria.
Keep watching during the rolling credits to see images of what happens next and some “outtakes”.
The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is an impressive 100%!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Pompo’s name is on the title of the film, but the movie is really about Gene, her assistant.
Some viewers might not catch all of the sarcasm.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

One of the characters is a sexy female actress who wears a bikini and other revealing clothing. We often see close-ups of her scantily-clad body.
1 word of profanity (D-word).

THEMES:

Filmmaking
Pursue your dreams
Collaboration and teamwork
Building confidence
The creative process
Mentors
Vision
Trust
Power in memories
Getting your break to prove yourself

FUNNY LINES:

“Amazing! Such a trashy story, but a great movie!” – Gene Fini (Hiroya Shimizu)

INTERESTING LINES:

“As long as the lead actress looks attractive, it’s a good movie.” – J.D. Pomponette/Pompo (Konomi Kohara)
“With a good lead, I can make any movie into a hit. Making a tearjerker moving is easy; making a silly one moving takes genius.” – Pompo
When Gene asked Mr. Peterzen, “Is there a secret to making a great movie?”, Peterzen replied, “There’s no correct way to make a movie. However, a film set is a living thing: The actor’s mood, the changing scenery…You need sharp visual senses so you never miss a moment that sparkles.”
“Happiness destroys creativity.” – Pompo
“People who run from realty create their own world in their mind. The expanse and depth of an outcast’s inner world equals their untapped creative potential!” – Pompo
“Making them concentrate for two hours or more is unkind to the modern audience. Filmmakers should choose wisely and express their vision as concisely as possible.” – Pompo (coincidentally, this movie is short: 1 hour 34 minutes)
“Films gave me the chance to dream.” – Nathalie Woodward (Rinka Otani)
“Don’t just look down, look ahead or you’ll lose something important.” – Alan Gardner (Ryuichi Kijima)
“The editor is the first audience. Directing is subjective but editing is objective.” – Pompo
“To create something great, you have to sacrifice everything else.” – Martin Braddock (Akio Otsuka)
“Life is a series of choices.” – Gene Fini (Hiroya Shimizu)