Pom Poko (1994) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Pom Poko1994

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Pom Poko is a refreshing throwback, prioritizing storytelling and cultural themes over ideological messaging. Traditional folklore, genuine conflict, and nuanced perspectives take center stage. Hardly any signs of Hollywood-style wokeness in sight.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Pom Poko focuses on storytelling and folklore without shoehorning ideology or modern identity politics. Casting serves the narrative, with character traits and transformation fitting the world of shape-shifting Tanuki. No character is flawless to the point of undermining the plot, and the tension feels real.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film touches on environmental themes but is rooted in Japanese folklore, tradition, and reverence for nature. Rather than undermining cultural foundations, it highlights the clash between modernization and tradition, treating both sides with a sense of nuance rather than contempt.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Some may see an environmentalist slant, but there’s no mockery or one-sided villainization of tradition or alternative viewpoints. Human expansion is shown as a force, not as a cartoonishly evil antagonist. There’s a healthy amount of pluralism and conflicting motives among characters.

User Reviews

No user reviews received yet.

Please leave a review and let the world know what you think.
Your review will be kept completely anonymous.

Your Review

Comments

Users Also Viewed

12%

Movie poster for My Neighbors the Yamadas

Movie poster for Kiki's Delivery Service

12%

Movie poster for The Story of Yanagawa's Canals

Movie poster for Macross II: Lovers Again

12%

Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.