Pom Poko (1994)

Pom Poko (1994)

Dir. Isao Takahata

When their peaceful but playful way of life comes under threat by mankind's push for "urban development," a tanuki community is forced to abandon the rundown farmhouse in which they live, a building that was previously abandoned by its human occupants.

To combat the destructive 'modernisation', the critters call upon the past, rekindling the ancient tanuki art of shape-shifting.

There are references to the role of religion and superstition in the modern world, but foremost is the themes of ethics and nature and how both are often trodden on by an encroaching and money-hungry industry.

It's a Ghibli film directed by Takahata, whose work is often more hard-hitting and arguably more daring than a lot of Miyazaki's, so if you're planning to let the kids watch it, be aware that there are some unpleasant deaths.

And you may be required to explain what testicles are. Good luck with that part.

Although I suspect that most kids will watch it dubbed into their own language so they don't have to read, so maybe the dub overcame that hurdle. I don't know. I choose subs.