Pom Poko

What’s it about?

A community of magical shape-shifting raccoon dogs, or “Tanuki”, fight to prevent their forest home from being destroyed by impending urban development.

The facts 

• Directed by Isao Takahata
• Japanese language, with English subtitles
• Runtime: 119 minutes
• Animated film by Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo)

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Adult themes

The Tanuki inflate their testicles to a comically large size, using them as gliders and weapons. This is done in a cartoonish, humorous and non-sexual way.

Low level violence

There is one bloody scene where a Tanuki (raccoon-like being) gets run over by a car. A large pool of blood is seen under the Tanuki afterwards. Many Tanuki die trying to save their homes, from starvation, road accidents, or traps.

The tanuki assault humans, beating them with their testicles.

In one scene, the raccoons kill three workers in trucks by tricking the trucks into driving off tall cliffs.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters