 | Welcome to the Space Show (宇宙ショーへようこそ)
Director: MASUNARI Kouji
Script: KURATA Hideyuki
Screenplay: KURATA Hideyuki
Music: IKE Yoshihiro
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Description: A tiny mountain village in a remote woodland region. Five primary school kids have come together in this idyllic spot in order to spend their summer holidays at a camp. At first the children enjoy carefree days amidst unspoiled nature far away from adult supervision. But their life changes dramatically when they come across what they believe to be a small dog, badly in need of help. The creature – known as Pochi – turns out not to be a dog at all but an alien on an important mission.
It seems there is a mysterious substance on earth that is coveted throughout the universe. Pochi had almost found it but was so badly injured during a fight that he had to give up his search. Thanks to the children's help, the alien survives – and decides to reward them generously. “Where would you most like to travel?” is the question Pochi puts to his rescuers. Their answer is prompt, if vague:
“As far as possible!” Pochi suggests they try the moon first of all, and so, the alien whisks away the kids to the satellite next door. This marks the beginning of an absolutely amazing adventure.
During the course of their travels they discover that the substance coveted throughout the universe is in fact also integral to Japanese cuisine – and it just so happens that one of the kids has some of this mysterious substance in their pocket.
(Source: Berlinale.de)
Genres: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Space
Links: Official Website, MyAnimeList, ANN |
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It is a rare occasion for us to experience an animated setting with as much creativity and excellent animation as with Welcome to the Space Show. But for all its mighty strengths, this film is heavily impeded by its bad characterization, questionable moral themes, and overly slow pacing. The pacing was especially bad during the first half: while I was marveling at the amazing animation, I just wanted the story to 'get on with it'. This is a very ambitious film, but it doesn't hit all the correct buttons. It is still very much worth seeing for any animation lovers.
2011-08-29, 05:06
