The appeal and depth of Chocolate Underground: A thorough analysis of the ultimate anti-establishment anime

Chocolate Underground: A sweet tale of rebellion

■Overview of the work

Chocolate Underground is an animated film based on the fantasy novel by Alex Shearer. It was released on June 12, 2008 and distributed by Hexagon Pictures. It is directed by Hamana Takayuki, written by Yoshimura Kiyoko, and animated by Production IG and Trans Arts. The 87-minute film follows a group of boys on their quest to regain their freedom in a world where chocolate is banned.

■ Story

It was a shocking law. The setting is probably a certain country in the present day. The Healthy Health Party, which won the election due to the indifference of the people, has issued a law called the "Chocolate Ban Law"! They have banned all chocolate, as well as other sweets, drinks, and basically anything delicious, claiming that they are "bad for health."

Meanwhile, Huntley and Smudger stop by Aunt Babi's sweet shop to see their idol Louise. The shop used to be very lively before the law was passed, but now it is nothing like it used to be. As Aunt Babi looks down, Louise tells the two of them that smuggling of chocolate is taking place in an abandoned mine on the outskirts of town. They immediately head to the mine, where they find a mysterious code.

After much effort, the two finally crack the code and infiltrate the illicit trade site... but they find a large group of people holding a chocolate party! Huntley and Smudger are thrilled to taste chocolate for the first time in a long time. However, their joy is short-lived as the chocolate police break into the party venue. People flee in panic. And unfortunately, Huntley's friend Dave is arrested!

It's unforgivable! He was just eating chocolate! Is that really so bad? With the help of their friends, Huntley and Smudger, along with Louise, start making and selling illicit chocolate! Can they use their wisdom and passion to bring back the "fun and delicious" free world they once knew?

■Explanation

"Chocolate Underground," written by Alex Shearer, has finally been adapted into a comic and anime!

What if chocolate and sweets disappeared from the world?

Due to the tyranny of the government at the time, a "Chocolate Ban Law" was enacted. Two boys stand up against this evil government with their courage and friendship. The fantasy novel "Bootleg" written by popular British author Alex Shearer has gained popularity in the UK and around the world, and in Japan it has been published as "Chocolate Underground" (published by Kyuryudo) and is supported by a wide range of people. Now this work has finally been made into a comic and an animation!

The comic is serialized in Bessatsu Margaret by Aiji Yamakawa. The animation is creatively produced by Production IG + Trans Arts. It will be the world's first original animation distributed on mobile phones. Watching these two new versions of "Chocolate Underground" will surely make you want to eat chocolate!

■Cast

• Huntley/Toyonaga Toshiyuki
• Smudger/Mizusawa Fumie
• Louise/Mikako Takahashi
• Blaze/Tatsuhisa Suzuki
• Head of the Countermeasures Headquarters / Katsuyuki Konishi
• Auntie Babi / Hiroko Mori
• Joe/Kenjiro Tsuda
• Frankie/Aki Kaneda
• Myrtle/Tomoko Akitani
• Dave/Kyoko Chigiri
• Ron/Keiji Fujiwara
• Trisha/Aika Fujiba
• Kylie/Rie Nakagawa
• Carol/Maaya Sakamoto
• Healthy Party Leader/Rintaro Nishi

■ Main staff

• Written by Alex Shearer
• Director: Takayuki Hamana
• Screenplay by Kiyoko Yoshimura
• Main character original design: Aiji Yamakawa
• Character design and chief animation director: Takayuki Goto
• Prop design: Yoshiyoshi Iwanaga
• Art Director: Seiko Akashi
• Color design: Misako Akama
• Special effects: Toshiki Hasegawa
• CG Director: Kaneji Isobe
• Director of photography: Daikenichi
• Edited by Junichi Uematsu
• Sound Director: Takuya Hiramitsu
• Music/SUPA LOVE
• Producers: Kazutaka Kimori, Yojiro Shirakawa, Shoji Yagi, Takeshi Ozaki, Hidehisa Yamada, Katsuji Morishita, Toshiaki Morita
• Animation production: Production IG, Trans Arts
• Produced by: Chocolate Underground Production Committee, Hexagon, SME Records, Muse International, Watermark, OCC, Celsys, Film School Graduate School
• Production cooperation: Hakuhodo, Shueisha, Kyuryudo, English Agency Japan
• Production cooperation: Hexagon Pictures

■ Main Characters

• Smudger: Bold and proactive. Positive in everything, but sometimes goes too far and ends up failing. When he gets engrossed in something, he comes up with one idea after another. Huntley's best friend.
• Louise: A girl who helps out at Auntie Babi's shop. She is cheerful and active. She is a kind older sister who gives advice to Huntley and Smudger. She is an original character from the anime.
• Blaze: The owner of a second-hand bookstore on Almond Street. He is a bit gruff, but he is intelligent, strong, and a reliable, passionate man. He is always willing to help the three chocolate lovers.
• Auntie Babi: The owner of the sweets shop that the boys frequent. She usually has her granddaughter Louise look after the store, but she is a brave aunt who will stand up to the police when necessary.
• Kylie: Smudger's little sister. She's a little precocious, but she loves her big brother and chocolate. She's a lively girl who often helps out at her dad's bakery.
• Dave: A classmate of Huntley and Smudger. A bit timid, but a fun and popular guy. His love of chocolate has grown so much that even after it was banned by law...
• Healthy Party Leader: Leader of the "Healthy Health Party" that took power. He kept his campaign promise in the last election and was the one who issued the chocolate ban law in the hope of improving the health of the people.
• Chief of the Task Force: Chief of the Chocolate Task Force, a member of the "Chocolate Police." He values ​​order above all else, faithfully carries out his duties, and thoroughly eliminates those who break the law.

■ Theme songs and music

• TM1: MAKE UP
• Lyrics by Kana Nishino
• Composer: Kazuhiko.M
• Arrangement: Kazuhiko.M
• Chorus arrangement/SiZK from
• Sung by Kana Nishino
• IN1: Kirari
• Lyrics by Kana Nishino
• Composer: ViVi
• Arrangement: SiZK from ★STAR
• Chorus Arrangement by GUiTAR
• Sung by Kana Nishino

■ Review

"Chocolate Underground" is a story about a group of boys' adventure to regain their freedom in a world where chocolate is banned. This work is not just a fantasy, but also a story with a social message. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and themes of the work.

1. The appeal of the story

The story of this film begins with a unique setting: a world where chocolate is banned. This setting asks viewers the questions, "What is freedom?" and "What is truly important?" Huntley and Smudger's adventure is not just about smuggling chocolate, but also a fight to protect the values ​​they believe in. Their actions give courage and hope to viewers.

The story is also consistently full of humor and emotion, so viewers will never tire of it. In particular, the chocolate party scene and the showdown with the chocolate police are full of tension and laughter. Furthermore, the story also depicts universal themes such as friendship and family love, which will resonate with people of all ages.

2. The appeal of the characters

Each character in this series is unique and charming. In particular, the friendship between Huntley and Smudger is at the heart of the story. Their drive and friendship leave a strong impression on viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Louise, Blaze, and Auntie Babi also play an important role in enriching the story.

Louise is a bright and active character who supports Huntley and Smudger. Her presence warms the story. Blaze is an intelligent and reliable character, and the story would not have progressed without his cooperation. Auntie Babi is a brave and passionate character, and her actions move the audience.

3. The appeal of visuals and music

The visuals of this film are a testament to the technical capabilities of Production IG and Trans Arts. In particular, the scenes of smuggling chocolate and the confrontation with the chocolate police are impressive with their realistic and beautiful images. The color design and special effects are also excellent, making it a visual treat.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. Kana Nishino's theme songs, "MAKE UP" and "Kirari," not only enhance the atmosphere of the story, but also stir the emotions of the viewer. In particular, "MAKE UP" is a powerful song that symbolizes the beginning of the adventure, and "Kirari" is a beautiful song that evokes friendship and hope. These pieces of music play a role in further deepening the emotion of the story.

4. Social Message

This film raises questions about freedom and individual rights through its setting of a world where chocolate is banned. In particular, the "ban on chocolate" symbolizes excessive government regulation and the taking away of individual freedom. The boys' rebellion against this law teaches viewers the importance of "protecting the values ​​we believe in."

The story also includes criticism of excessive regulations carried out in the name of "health" and acts that take away individual freedom. The characters of the Healthy Party leader and the task force chief symbolize the people who promote such excessive regulations, and their actions give viewers a strong sense of discomfort. Through these characters, viewers will be able to think deeply about questions such as "what is true health?" and "what is freedom?"

■Recommendation

"Chocolate Underground" is a fascinating work that combines fantasy with a social message. In particular, there are many scenes that make viewers think about freedom and individual rights, deeply moving the viewer. In addition, the characters are charming, and the visuals and music are also excellent, making it a visual and aural pleasure.

This film can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations, from children to adults. I would especially recommend it to those who value friendship and family love, and those who are looking for a film that makes them think about freedom and individual rights. It is also a film that chocolate lovers should definitely see. You will be moved by the adventures of the boys while enjoying the sweet taste of chocolate.

Furthermore, this work allows you to enjoy the technical capabilities of Production IG and Trans Arts. It is recommended for animation fans and those who want to enjoy visual beauty. Kana Nishino's theme song is also wonderful, so it is a work that will satisfy those who want to enjoy music.

Please watch "Chocolate Underground" and empathize with the boys' adventure and their fight for freedom. I'm sure you will come to appreciate the sweet taste of chocolate and the importance of freedom.