Tomihiko Morimi wrote Penguin Highway as a novel before it was adapted into a manga and animated film. Morimi's other work titled Night Is Short, Walk On Girl has also been translated into English along with an animated film. Both works has received critical acclaim in Japan as well as internationally. Penguin Highway took the tenth spot at the Japanese box office during it's release. Mega star singer Utada Hikaru's song "Good Night" was used as the film's insert song.
A young boy goes about his life experiencing much of the same things a boy his age experiences. Suddenly a crowd of Penguin come running through the town, None knows where they came from and they seem to always leave trash in their wake. Soon the boy's investigation leads to a women who can somehow produce Penguins out of objects……..
The biggest charm that's brought by the story of Penguin Highway is the growing pains of becoming an adult. Sometimes we try to grow up too fast instead of letting the process guide us along smoothly. There's also a hint of science fiction that's not easy to figure out. It might take you two or three watches to fully grasp the complete picture of what's transpiring in this wacky film. It's a cute story about a boy's school life that gets crashed by Penguins who's appearances feels youthful and lighthearted in themselves. My problems with this film comes from the pacing. I understand after finishing the film, why Penguin Highway takes so long to get to the meet of the matter but it doesn't mean that I didn't lose interest a few times either. Holding out to get to the meat is defiantly worth all the smart boy maturing conflicts the main character has with himself however. Mainly because you find that what you waited through ties deeply into the story. I will say that Penguin Highway takes a turn that I didn't expect as far as storytelling which takes place during the latter half of the film. Some science fiction takes a front seat to the story making Penguin Highway a different experience from other animated films. Then the ending makes you want to rack your brain after the credits roll. You kinda experience an "AH HA!" moment. If you don't then watch the film again. Here you have the fun of Penguin Highway folks. [INSERT ME LAUGHING.]
Penguin Highway's cast of characters are ones to remember. Certain characters end up having a bigger role than I thought they would. I'm not sure all elements of this film are for kids though. The main character shows signs of maturing as a boy who takes interest in women's breasts. Audiences even get a good view in one scene. Still this film is considered a child's film. Well, to me I would consider it a kid's film with slight adult suggestive themes. I like the relationship between the main character and the woman. They cared for each other without putting a definite label on their feelings, making the ending all the more emotional.
The animation is a strong contender for the one of the best looking films in recent years. Especially when the science side of the film comes up front. A Penguin Highway actually makes an appearance in the film using computer CGI. I defiantly consider this scene one of the best in the whole film. The way that it's done just brings to life all that this film stands for.
Most people might see the flaws I pointed out when watching Penguin Highway. This doesn't mean that these flaws totally ruin the film. I went away from Penguin Highway wanting to watch it again for the film's original content not to be compared to other animated films out there now.
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