Doraemon the Movie "Nobita's Little Space War 2021" Review: What is the new appeal of space adventure?

Doraemon the Movie "Nobita's Little Space War 2021" Review and Details

Overview

The Doraemon movie "Nobita's Little Space War 2021" is an animated feature film based on the original work by Fujiko F. Fujio, and was released on March 4, 2022. It is the 41st film in the Doraemon series and the 41st feature film. It was distributed by Toho and animated by Shin-Ei Animation. It was directed by Yamaguchi Susumu, written by Sato Dai, and character design and general animation direction were by Maruyama Koichi. The music was by Hattori Takayuki, and the film was produced in collaboration with Fujiko Productions, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shin-Ei Animation, ADK Emotions, and ShoPro. It is a 107-minute, one-episode film, and the copyright is ©Fujiko Productions, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shin-Ei, ADK 2021.

■ Story

One day during summer vacation, a palm-sized alien named Papi appears from a small rocket that Nobita picked up. He explains that he is the president of Pirika, a small planet in the far reaches of space, and that he came to Earth to escape the rebel army. At first, Doraemon and his friends are confused by Papi's small size, but they use a secret gadget called the "Small Light" to make themselves small, and as they play together, they gradually become friends. However, a whale-shaped space battleship that has come to Earth in pursuit of Papi attacks Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends in an attempt to capture Papi. Feeling responsible for getting everyone involved, Papi tries to face the rebel army alone, but Doraemon and his friends set off for Pirika to protect their precious friend and their home.

■Cast

Doraemon is played by Wasabi Mizuta, Nobita Nobi is played by Megumi Ohara, Shizuka Minamoto is played by Yumi Kakazu, Gian (Takeshi Goda) is played by Subaru Kimura, Suneo Honekawa is played by Tomokazu Seki, Papi is played by Romi Park, Piina is played by Mayu Matsuoka, Locoroco is played by Yuki Kaji, Gilmore is played by Teruyuki Kagawa, and Dracoluru is played by Junichi Suwabe. These voice actors express the personalities of the characters richly and add excitement to the story.

■ Main staff

The original work was by Fujiko F. Fujio, the director and storyboard artist was Yamaguchi Susumu, the scriptwriter was Sato Dai, the character designer and chief animation director was Maruyama Koichi, the mecha designer was Ishigaki Junya, and the music was by Hattori Takayuki. The animation was produced by Shin-Ei Animation, and the planning was done by Akatsu Kazuhiko (Fujiko Pro) and Umezawa Michihiko (Shin-Ei Animation). In addition, many other staff members were involved, including prop designer, mechanic animation director, director, animation director, effects animation director, animation inspection, color design, color design/inspection, art director, art setting, miniature production, CG production, monitor, prop design, cinematographer, cinematographer special effects, cinematographer, supervision, special effects, editing, editing studio, assistant editor, post-production, sound director, sound effects, sound production, music collaboration, production manager, production desk, co-production, chief producer, producer, and production.

■ Main Characters

Doraemon is a cat-shaped robot born on September 3, 2112, who came from the 22nd century with Nobita's descendant, Sewashi. His mission is to retrieve secret gadgets from the fourth-dimensional pocket in his stomach and help Nobita, but he is also clumsy and sometimes fails. He is Nobita's guardian and a close friend. He doesn't like mice, and his favorite food is Dorayaki.

Nobita Nobi is a 10-year-old elementary school student who is not good at sports or studying. Although he is clumsy and lazy, he understands the pain of others and has a kind heart that values ​​nature.

Shizuka Minamoto is a cute girl who is a classmate of Nobita. She is a reliable girl and good at studying. She is very clean and loves taking baths. She is popular with everyone, but in the future, she will choose Nobita as her marriage partner.

Takeshi Goda (Gian) is Nobita's classmate. He is a bully and a bully, but he is also a very friendly boy. He is always arrogant at school, but he can't stand up to his parents, and he is very kind to his younger sister, Jaiko. His dream is to become a singer, but his terrible voice is a nuisance to the whole neighborhood.

Suneo Honekawa is a classmate of Nobita's, and is proud of his wealthy family. He is eloquent and good at getting by in life, but he is actually concerned about his short stature. He is good with his hands and has many hobbies, including painting and model making.

Papi is the president of the planet Pirika, and despite his small size, he has a strong sense of responsibility. Piina is Papi's older sister, and she let Papi escape and stayed on the planet Pirika. Locoroco is Papi's pet dog, and although he is friendly, he has a drawback in that he talks a lot. Gilmore is a general who started a rebellion on the planet Pirika, and is a dictator who rules through fear. Dracoluru is the head of the rebel army "PCIA" and comes to Earth in pursuit of Papi.

Nobi Tamako is Nobita's mother, she is clumsy and kindhearted. She always scolds Nobita for his uselessness. Nobi Nobisuke is Nobita's father, she dreamed of becoming an artist, but now she is an ordinary office worker. Shizuka's mother is a beautiful woman who looks just like Shizuka, and she cares for her only daughter Shizuka above all else. Gian's mother is a strict but unpretentious mother who runs a general store. Suneo's mother is a rich wife who is very enthusiastic about education. Gian's younger sister, she is good at drawing and wants to be a manga artist in the future. Nobita's teacher at school is Nobita's homeroom teacher, and she scolds Nobita almost every day for forgetting his homework and being late. Dekisugi is an honor student who is good at both sports and studying, and is good friends with Shizuka and is also Nobita's rival. Dorami is Doraemon's younger sister, but she is more reliable than Doraemon and comes to Nobita's rescue when her brother is in trouble. She likes melon bread and hates cockroaches. Her time machine is in the shape of a tulip.

■ Related works

This film is linked to the Doraemon TV series and other Doraemon films. The TV series depicts the daily life and adventures of Doraemon and his friends, while the films tell a new story every year.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song "Universe" was written and composed by Satoshi Fujiwara, and arranged and sung by Official Hige Dandism. The inserted song "Kokoro Arigatou" was written by Goro Matsui, composed by Susumu Sugawara and Tomoko Sugawara, arranged by Masaaki Mori, and sung by Billy Banban. These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the movie.

■Review

The Doraemon movie "Nobita's Little Space War 2021" is a must-see for fans of the Doraemon series. The story depicts universal themes such as friendship, courage, and responsibility, but the introduction of new characters and a new worldview gives it a fresh feel. In particular, the encounter with a small alien named Papi and his adventure to protect his hometown are enjoyable for both children and adults.

Visually, Shinei Animation's technical capabilities are fully displayed, with the beautiful scenery of the planet Pirika and the powerful battle scenes of the whale-shaped space battleship being spectacular. The character and mecha designs are also meticulously crafted, making for a visually appealing film. The music, with a fantastic score by Hattori Takayuki and the theme song "Universe" by Official Hige Dandism, livens up the story and enhances the emotional excitement.

The voice actors' performances are also excellent, especially Romi Park who plays Papi, who perfectly expresses the cuteness and strong will of the little alien. Wasabi Mizuta who plays Doraemon and Megumi Ohara who plays Nobita also carefully portray the emotions of their characters. Subaru Kimura who plays Gian and Tomokazu Seki who plays Suneo also firmly portray the individuality of their characters.

This movie follows the traditions of the Doraemon series while also incorporating new ideas. It is a story about the importance of friendship and courage, beautiful images and music, and the performances of the wonderful voice actors combine to make it a worthwhile film. It can be enjoyed by the whole family, so please go see it at the theater.

■Recommendation

The Doraemon movie "Nobita's Little Space War 2021" is recommended not only for fans of the Doraemon series, but also for those who are experiencing the world of Doraemon for the first time. In particular, it will be a good opportunity to teach children the importance of friendship and courage. It is also recommended for adults who want to enjoy beautiful images and music. Watching it together as a family will also deepen communication between parents and children. Please experience this wonderful movie.