Pom Poko (1994) Subtitles

J.K. Simmons, John DiMaggio, Clancy Brown, Mary Mouser

Pom Poko is a Japanese animated fantasy film that follows the story of a group of shape-shifting raccoon dogs, known as tanuki, living in Tama Hills on the outskirts of Tokyo. The tanuki's forest home is threatened by rapid urban development, and they are forced to find a way to save their habitat from destruction. Led by the wise and elderly tanuki, the group decides to use their magical abilities to fight against the encroaching human civilization. They transform into various forms, from humans to monsters, in an attempt to scare the construction workers away. However, their efforts are not entirely successful, and they realize that they need to come up with a more effective plan. The tanuki seek the help of the elders and learn ancient transformation techniques to increase their powers. As they continue their resistance, they also face internal conflicts and struggles, as some tanuki question the morality of their actions and the toll it takes on their community. The film captures the emotional journey of the tanuki as they grapple with the loss of their home and the challenges of adapting to the changing world. Ultimately, Pom Poko is a poignant tale of environmentalism, resilience, and the bittersweet reality of progress, as the tanuki fight for their survival and the preservation of their beloved forest.