Cast
View AllKonomi Kohara
as Joel Davidovich 'Pompo' Pomponette (voice)
Hiroya Shimizu
as Gene Fini (voice)
Rinka Otani
as Natalie Woodward (voice)
Ai Kakuma
as Mystia Lyons (voice)
Akio Otsuka
as Martin Braddock (voice)
Ryuichi Kijima
as Alan Gardner (voice)
Rikiya Koyama
as Alan's Boss (voice)
Manabu Sakamaki
as Corbett (voice)
Mitsuru Ogata
as J.D. Peterzen (voice)
Hidenari Ugaki
as Nigel (voice)
Shinya Takahashi
as Miles (voice)
Ayaka Shimizu
as Nora (voice)
Ikuko Tani
as Natalie's Grandmother (voice)
Yoshikazu Nagano
as Coltman (voice)
Ryusuke Ohbayashi
as Bank President (voice)
Crew
Director
- Takayuki Hirao
Producer
- Kousuke Arai
- Motoki Mukaichi
- Motoko Kaneiwa
- Takumi Morii
- Tomohiko Iwase
- Yoshinori Hasegawa
Reviews
Chris Sawin
There’s something special about _Pompo: The Cinephile_ that just speaks to you. Yes, the animation is stunning and you absolutely adore every character in the film. Martin Braddock’s pickup line about wanting to network socially is hilarious and Mystia is an incredible character; a talented actress that doesn’t let her success go to her head. But the animated film also speaks to both film and art lovers alike. Showing what was discarded in pursuit of your dreams is important to making a life changing film. Pompo’s sweet spot for a fully completed film is 90-minutes and _Pompo: The Cinephile_ ends maybe thirty seconds after that. This makes you feel good and creative at the same time and is exceptional because of it.
**Full review:** https://hubpages.com/entertainment/Pompo-The-Cinephile-2022-Review-Tasting-a-Masterpiece
May 13, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pompo the Cinephile examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Takayuki Hirao 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pompo the Cinephile took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 835 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pompo the Cinephile shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike TIGER & BUNNY: The Rising, which focuses more on action than character development, Pompo the Cinephile offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fireworks and The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Summons the Stars explore similar territory, Pompo the Cinephile stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 4, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Revenue: $186,542