Gene (Hiroya Shimizu) is a young man working at a film production company in “Nyallywood.” His boss is Pompo (Konomi Kohara), a young maverick of the silver screen, who produces trashy yet world-famous B-movies. One day, after a long morning reading a new script, the producer’s assistant Gene is given the opportunity of a lifetime: Pompo wants him to direct her newest script as she believes only he has the artistic eye to capture her vision.
Strangely enough, Pompo has written the script to fit the strengths of the world’s greatest actor and an unknown upstart whom she didn’t cast for another film. Gene and the crew fly to Switzerland to begin shooting a complicated drama. Day by day, scene by scene, Gene must grow and learn to make sure his first movie isn’t a flop.
Pompo the Cinephile is a mixed bag of an animated movie. For every moment and element that I enjoyed, there was another which I found lacking or off-putting. Principal among these was the ‘fanservice’ on display, especially during the beginning of the film. This isn’t Dirty Pair or Cowboy Bebop: adult-oriented ‘fanservice’ can be funny or plot-relevant, but in Pompo it is empty and out of place, specifically since this film is billed as a kid’s movie.
While it is a small quibble, the title is confusing. Gene is the cinephile while Pompo is a young but powerful producer who vocally dislikes films longer than 90 minutes. The majority of the animation and the heart of the plot were very impressive, but the asynchronous storytelling and creative animation which drove the plot for the first third of the movie disappears once Gene begins shooting his film. This stifles the plot and kills the magic of Gene’s experience.
Teens and young adults may enjoy this film in particular, but older adults will be bored and I can’t recommend Pompo the Cinephile for children under 13 because of its surprisingly prominent objectification of women. Strong Optional Purchase.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Pompo the Cinephile belongs on animated movie or anime shelves.
What type of film series could use this title?
Pompo the Cinephile may make an interesting addition to stories about a love of film or art.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
$350 for PPR, $24.99 for Blu-Ray/DVD