Pompo The Cinephile Review

Date: 2022 June 23 16:19

Posted by Joe

Pompo The Cinephile hits screens across the UK and Ireland next week courtesy of the good folks at Anime Limited. We've been lucky enough to catch this joyous film. So have written up a review for you to decide if it's worth watching (psst, it is).

Pompo The Cinephile it in cinemas on Wednesday 29th June 2020. You can find a screening by visiting pompofilm.co.uk.

Full Story

Set in the fictional Nyallywood the movie making capital of the world, which is not unlike Hollywood. Pompo the Cinephile focuses on a film studio's endeavour to make a new movie. There isn't really a bad guy or villain. The only real threat is the looming deadline of the release date and the logistics of a film project.



Pompo herself is a young film producer with a reputation for being talented and bold. She's part of a film producing dynasty with her Granddad regarded as a legendary producer, creating many critically acclaimed films in his time. After he retired he handed over the producing reins to Pompo. This isn't a case of nepotism as Pompo has also inherited her granddad's ability to make movies. She has a distinct knack for finding hidden talent and decides to get her assistant Gene to direct her next movie based on the screenplay she's written.



The film itself is a love letter to movies and cinema, its art, craft and production. There are subtle nods to cinema that you might not notice at first glance such as the scene transitions which are intelligent and playful. I think it's one of those titles that will be worth a rewatch or two just for this.



The story is straight forward and very well executed. They make a movie. That's it, that's the whole story. It feels like one of those simple dishes with high quality ingredients. The premise is straightforward, but it's the whole execution of it that makes it such a joy to watch as you join the characters in the ups and downs of a creative project, willing them to overcome the hurdles. The run length is perfect too. There isn't a scene I'd cut out or wish they'd extend, which feels appropriate for a movie about making movies.



We've got a compelling cast of characters, from the "greatest actor in the world" Martin Braddock (clearly a homage to screen legend Marlon Brando). Along with an established director who offers advice to Gene now and again. We also have acting newbie Nathalie Woodward who is trying to get her big break in industry.



The film is well animated. With a bright colour palette reflects the films tone overall. It's a happy light hearted feature. The world of Nyallywood feels real as if is a direct pastiche of Hollywood and the idealised world of how it should be.



There are movies that you look forward to, you hear about since pre-production and there are movies that fly under the radar and appear in front of you and catch you off guard with just how good they are. Pompo is the latter. There hasn't been much hype about this movie, but I've always felt there should have been. Just go out and enjoy this. It's a happy feel good get things done type of movie. Your time will be well spent just crashing out and enjoying this film. Pompo the Cinefile has been added to my own list of comfort movies, it just really hits the spot, it sets out to tell a story in a fun way and does that with bells on.

This film also has got me excited as I want to see what Takayuki Hirao and new animation studio CLAP do next. If it's half as good as Pompo it won't disappoint.

Rating: 10/10

Pompo The Cinephile hits cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 29th June 2020. You can find a screening by visiting pompofilm.co.uk.