Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata's 1994 animated feature Pom Poko has arrived on Netflix, complete with an English dub and subtitles. The film follows a clan of shape-shifting tanuki who employ their magical abilities in a whimsical, and often desperate, battle against urban development encroaching on their forest home.
Acclaimed for its vibrant animation and unique blend of ecological themes with Japanese folklore, Pom Poko garnered significant awards, including Best Feature Film at the 1995 Annecy International Animated Film Festival. While categorized for kids, its mature themes and slapstick comedy resonate strongly with adult audiences.
The film scored a 7.3 on MyAnimeList from over 71,000 voters. It stands as a testament to Studio Ghibli's distinctive storytelling, offering a poignant look at environmentalism through the eyes of mischievous, mythological creatures.
