Cast
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Omi Minami
as Shimajiro Shimano
Miki Takahashi
as Mimirin / Hana Shimano
Takumi Yamazaki
as Torippii / Lion Police Officer
Saori Sugimoto
as Nyakkii Momoyama
Kikuko Inoue
as Shimajiro's Mother
Chafurin
as Shimajiro's Father
Sayu Kubota
as Sea Fairy
Naoto Nojima
as Starfish Man
Aki Sasamori
as Zota
Akiko Toda
as Buta
Minoru Inaba
as Gaogao-San
Nobuo Tobita
as Kankachi
Kazumasa Katsura
as Gigi
Tatsuya Gashûin
as Hermit Crab
Yuko Kobayashi
as
Crew
Director
- Isamu Hirabayashi
- Hiroshi Kawamata
Writer
- Isamu Hirabayashi
- Yuka Osumi
Producer
- Yoshimi Ishii
- Tsutomu Chuji
- Shuhei Ishibasi
- Yukari Kiso
- Hiroki Fujiwara
- Yutaka Sugiyama
- Madoka Katsumata
- Takashi Nakamura
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Shimajiro and the Song of the Whale represents a fascinating example of Family/Animation/Adventure/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Isamu Hirabayashi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Shimajiro and the Song of the Whale took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 53 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shimajiro and the Song of the Whale shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Lost Continent, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shimajiro and the Song of the Whale subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Evan Almighty and Treasure Island explore similar territory, Shimajiro and the Song of the Whale stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 14, 2014
- Runtime: 53m
