Review of the movie "Shima Jiro": What is the appeal of the prince of the sparkling kingdom?

Review and recommendation of the movie "Shimajiro: The Sparkling Kingdom Prince"

■ Public Information

The film "Shimajiro: Shimajiro and the Sparkling Kingdom Prince" was released in theaters on March 11, 2022 by Toho's Visual Arts Division. It is a 60-minute episode based on the Benesse Corporation character "Shimajiro". It is directed by Takamitsu Kawamura, animated by Answer Studio, and produced by Benesse Corporation and TV Setouchi. Copyright ©Benesse Corporation1988-2022/Shimajiro.

■ Story

One day, Pearl, the prince of the Kirakira Kingdom, arrives on Challenge Island. Pearl, who is expected to become the future king, has so much to do every day that he runs away from the kingdom. However, while Pearl is away, the kingdom faces a dire situation in which its precious sparkles are lost. In order to save the kingdom from this crisis, Shimajiro and his friends set out on an adventure to find the "three keys" with Pearl, who is a little insecure about herself. Will Shimajiro and his friends be able to save the Kirakira Kingdom? This is an adventure story of friendship, courage, and family love, where the power of believing in yourself can create miracles.

■Explanation

The movie "Shimajiro: Shimajiro and the Prince of the Sparkling Kingdom" is an adventure story with themes of friendship, courage, and parent-child love. Prince Pearl, a little insecure, runs away from the Sparkling Kingdom. While Pearl is away, something terrible happens in the kingdom, and Shimajiro and his friends set out on an adventure with Pearl to find three keys to save the kingdom from crisis. This movie teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, and is a story that deepens bonds with friends and family.

■Cast

• Shimano Shimajiro: Minami Omi
• Mimirin Midorihara: Miki Takahashi
• Momoyama Nyakkii: Saori Sugimoto
• Sorano Trippy: Takumi Yamazaki
• Sakura Shimano: Kikuko Inoue
• Shimano Shimataro: Chafurin
• Gaogao: Minoru Inaba
• Queen Emeralda: Shoko Nakagawa
• Pearl Prince: Yuuna Mimura
• Colon: Junichi Suwabe
• Maron: Hiro Shimono

■ Main staff

• Planning: Kodomo Challenge
• Original: Benesse Corporation
• Producers: Yukari Kiso, Kotaro Tani
• Screenplay: Koji Miura
• Storyboard: Kenji Kodama
• Character design: Chie Maruyama
• Lead animators: Keisuke Kondo, Ayako Tsutsui, Sayuri Yoshida, Jun Shinsaka
• Animators: Yoshiki Okino, Natsumi Katsumata, Atsushi Shimazaki, Tatsuya Hasegawa
• Modeling: Reika Koyoshi, Eriko Tanbo
• Character rig: Takayuki Kondo
• Layout: Atsuhiko Hara, Chie Maruyama, Kenichi Tsuchiya
• Color design: Takako Nakajo
• Art director, background: Eri Yamanashi
• Rendering: Shunsuke Tsukamoto, Shuji Ueda, Eisuke Sato
• Composite: Kei Suzuki, Shinji Saito, Yasufumi Watanabe, Hohono Fujita, Ririka Nakajima
• Offline editing: Seyama Editorial Office, Takeshi Seyama, Akane Shiraishi
• Online editing: Imagica EMS, Yoshiaki Kimura
• Digital Manager: Yasunori Hayama
• Relaxed Time: Kyosuke Sawada
• Director: Takamitsu Kawamura
• Sponsors: AEON Mall, Kagome
• Animation Production: Answer Studio
• Produced by: Benesse Corporation, Setouchi Television

■ Main Characters

• Shimajiro: A popular boy who loves soccer and donuts, and also loves playing with everyone.
• Mimirin: She gets along with everyone. She is a kind and dreamy girl who dreams of becoming a princess.
• Torippi: His favorite food is takoyaki. He's a joker who always entertains everyone.
• Nyakkii: She is good at running and jumping rope. She is a lively girl who is good at sports.
• Mr. Gaogao: An inventor and adventurer who always creates amazing machines.
• Queen Emeralda: Prince Pearl's mother. She is busy working for the Kirakira Kingdom.
• Prince Pearl: The prince of the Sparkling Kingdom who lacks confidence in himself.
• Colon/Maron: Prince Pearl's companion and tutor. They are a bit clumsy.

■ Related works

• Shimajiro TV series
• Shimajiro the Movie: Wow!
• Shimajiro and Fufu's Great Adventure: Save the Seven-Colored Flowers
• Shimajiro and the Whale Song
• Shimajiro and the Big Kid
• Shimajiro and the Book Kingdom
• Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis
• Shimajiro the Movie: The Great Adventure on the Magic Island
• Shimajiro the Movie: Shimajiro and Ururu's Hero Land
• Shimajiro the Movie Shimajiro and the Flying Ship

■ Theme songs and music

• TM1
• I like you just the way you are
• Lyricist: Hyadain
• Composer: Hyadain
• Vocals: Shoko Nakagawa

■ Evaluation

The movie "Shimajiro: The Sparkling Kingdom Prince" has received high praise as an animated film for children. Although the story is simple, it skillfully depicts universal themes such as friendship, courage, and family love, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. In particular, the story of Prince Pearl's growth until he gains self-confidence deeply moves viewers.

The character settings are also attractive, and the story is made more exciting by the unique characters, including Shimajiro. The friendship between Prince Pearl and Shimajiro is the central theme of the film, and it warms the hearts of viewers. Gaogao's inventions and adventure scenes are also elements that attract children's interest.

In terms of visuals, the beautiful animation by Answer Studio shines. The colorful world of the Kirakira Kingdom and the dynamic movements in the adventure scenes are visually very enjoyable. In particular, the production of the scene where you search for the three keys will stimulate children's imaginations and draw them into the story.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the movie. The theme song "Kimi no Manma ga Iindayo" by Hyadain is a perfect match for the theme of the movie and resonates with the viewers. In addition, the background music used in the movie is also used skillfully to match the development of the story, effectively creating a heightened emotional impact.

Overall, this is a very well-made animated film for children that the whole family can enjoy. It teaches children the importance of believing in themselves and the value of friendship, and adults can also relate to the message. I highly recommend watching it with your family.

■Recommendation

The movie "Shimajiro: The Sparkling Kingdom Prince" is a wonderful work that teaches children the importance of self-confidence and the value of friendship. It is a must-see movie especially for fans of the Shimajiro series. It is also enjoyable for those who are experiencing the Shimajiro series for the first time.

I recommend this movie for the following reasons:

• A story that teaches children the importance of believing in themselves
• A moving story about friendship, courage and family love.
• Characters with unique personalities
• Beautiful animation and a colorful world
• Heartwarming theme songs and background music

Please take your family to the cinema to experience this wonderful adventure story. Not only children, but adults too will be able to relate to its message and have a heartwarming time.