Poupelle of Chimney Town
Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
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Poupelle of Chimney Town
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Poupelle of Chimney Town is a Japanese animated steampunk fantasy (the English-dubbed version is reviewed here) based on the popular picture book by author-illustrator Akihiro Nishino. The movie, directed by first-time filmmaker (but veteran animator) Yusuke Hirota, follows the story of a young boy who befriends a talking creature made of garbage. Together they try to prove that beyond their dark, smoke-filled sky is another sky full of light and stars. Expect violence between law enforcement officials and town citizens, as well as several close calls for the protagonists, who end up in intense, life-or-death situations. A character's drinking is also featured in a few scenes. The story promotes empathy, perseverance, and teamwork.
Community Reviews
A different kind of movie... And a good one
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To cheesy even for 5 yo
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What's the Story?
POUPELLE OF CHIMNEY TOWN is a Japanese animated fantasy based on the picture book by Akihiro Nishino about a town that's engulfed in darkness and smoke because all of the chimney use has obscured the natural sky. In this steampunk dystopia, a lonely young boy named Lubicchi (voiced by Antonio Raul Corbo) befriends someone dressed as a garbage man (Tony Hale) for Halloween, only to discover that it's a costume: His new friend is actually a sentient creature made of trash who gets renamed Poupelle. Lubicchi believes in the stories his father told him about there being stars in the sky beyond Chimney Town's perpetually smoke-filled sky. But Poupelle's presence in Chimney Town has attracted the attention of the authorities, who consider the duo -- and the idea that anyone would believe there's a different sky -- a serious threat to their lifestyle.
Is It Any Good?
Japanese animator Yusuke Hirota's steampunk directorial debut is a moving, accessible tribute to legacy, nature, and unexpected friendships. Viewers may not immediately understand exactly what happened to Chimney Town to make its infrastructure completely dependent on buildings that created a layer of smoke so thick that the natural sky isn't visible (or believed in). But that lack of thorough world-building is for the best so that everyone can focus on the budding friendship between Lubicchi and Poupelle, who's like a trash-based Wizard of Oz Scarecrow meets WALL-E meets Beetle in Kubo and the Two Strings. Their friendship isn't just sweet; it's also a reminder of how much of a difference one person, one team, and one story can make.
Although the movie's setting is dark, the animation is vibrant, and viewers will find something interesting to focus on in every scene. Like most adventures involving a partly orphaned character on a mission, the story capitalizes on the idea of Lubicchi being a "chosen one" hero who needs to believe in himself (and in the teachings of his father) to save the day -- with help from his new friend/mentor. Hirota and the STUDIO4C team briefly explore serious themes about capitalism, hoarding resources, tyrannical societies, and environmental wastelands, but it's not deep enough to divert attention from Lubicchi and Poupelle's desire to find and share the stars with the people of Chimney Town. Hirota's first film is a good indicator that he has more moving stories to share.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Poupelle of Chimney Town. How much violence is appropriate for younger viewers?
Discuss the values and worldviews that led to the creation of Chimney Town. Were they initially good? What happened over the years to corrupt that vision?
What role does storytelling play in the movie? Why are stories important? Do stories have to be truthful to be relevant?
Who, if anyone, acts as a role model? What character strengths do they display? How do they show empathy, perseverance, and teamwork?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 30, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: May 3, 2022
- Cast: Tony Hale, Stephen Root, Antonio Raul Corbo
- Director: Yusuke Hirota
- Studio: Eleven Arts
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: violence, some action and thematic elements
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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