Crayon Shin-chan: Intense Battle! Robo Dad Strikes Back
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Entertainment |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Animated film |
is a 2014 Japanese animated science fiction comedy film produced by Shogakukan. Serving as the 22nd entry in the popular Crayon Shin-chan manga and anime franchise, it debuted in Japanese cinemas on 19 April 2014. Directed by Wataru Takahashi and scripted by Kazuki Nakashima—noted for his work on Kill la Kill—the narrative was also adapted into a manga serialized in Manga Town, featuring Nakashima's writing alongside artwork by Aiba Kenta. The film earned a nomination in the animation category at the Japanese Media Arts Festival.
The storyline explores issues surrounding Japan’s shrinking population and labor shortages, focusing on the replacement of humans with robots. It reflects societal debates about artificial intelligence adoption and automation in the workforce. Additionally, the film incorporates themes related to the emergence of anti-feminist sentiments within Japan, providing cultural depth to its plot.
Plot
During playtime with Shinnosuke "Shin" Nohara, his father Hiroshi injures his back. To recover, Hiroshi accepts an invitation to a spa that transforms him into a robot. Although initially doubtful, Hiroshi’s wife Misae comes to accept this transformation after engaging private investigator Dandanbara Teruyo to find the spa; her conviction grows when Hiroshi saves Shin and his friends on a school excursion.
Omega Ranran, who invited Hiroshi to the spa, gifts Shin a mustache attachment for Hiroshi; once activated, Hiroshi—previously subjected to abuse by Misae—becomes violently misogynistic and initiates an antifeminist movement among fathers. Shin and his companions remove the mustache, but Hiroshi is captured by Tekkenji Doukatsu, Ranran’s leader. Shin discovers the original human Hiroshi at Tekkenji’s factory; it is revealed that the robotic Hiroshi is a clone implanted with his memories. Together, they stop the campaign as the robot defeats Tekkenji.
As both versions of Hiroshi debate their identities, the Nohara family and Dandanbara are taken hostage by Tekkenji, who is under the control of police chief Kuroiwa. Kuroiwa’s misogynistic behavior stems from years of mistreatment by his wife and daughter. He attempts to force-feed Shin green bell peppers using Hiroshi’s robotic form, but Shin persuades the robot to break free from Kuroiwa’s influence. A confrontation unfolds, moving from Kuroiwa’s destroyed headquarters to a construction site visited earlier by Shin, culminating with Shin and both Hiroshis overcoming Kuroiwa. Following an arm wrestling contest against his robotic counterpart, human Hiroshi witnesses the robot’s collapse due to its injuries.
Cast
- Akiko Yajima as Shinnosuke Nohara
- Keiji Fujiwara as Hiroshi Nohara and Robot Hiroshi
- Miki Narahashi as Misae Nohara
- Satomi Korogi as Himawari Nohara
Guest cast
- Korokke as Ganma Hakase
- Emi Takei as Dandanbara Teruyo
Opening theme song
- "Kimi ni 100 Percent" (Warner Music Japan) performed by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Ending theme song
- "Family Party" (Warner Music Japan) performed by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
International release
The movie made its debut in India in 2015 under the title Shinchan Movie: Robot Dad on Hungama TV.
Reception
In Japan, the movie earned approximately US$17.09 million (JP¥1.82 billion), positioning it as the fourth top-grossing Crayon Shin-chan installment within the country by 2015. It also stands as the second most successful film in the series since those released in the early 1990s.
Home media
The DVD and Blu-ray editions were made available by Bandai Visual on November 7, 2014.