Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Film |
| Founded | April 21, 2001 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Anime film |
is a Japanese anime film that premiered on April 21, 2001, marking the ninth entry in the Crayon Shin-chan franchise. Its title alludes to The Empire Strikes Back. PMP Entertainment released the film on VCD and DVD formats with English subtitles.
The narrative follows Shin-chan as he embarks on a quest to save Kasukabe's adults, who have shirked their responsibilities to nostalgically immerse themselves in a 20th-century exposition.
Praised for its animation quality, script, direction, soundtrack, and its effective fusion of humor and drama, the movie delves into themes of reminiscence and the tension between historical eras and modernity. The poignant sequence titled "Hiroshi's Reminiscence" has been likened to the opening scene of Up.
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series, this film is also esteemed among Japan’s finest animated features and has earned acclaim from critics and outlets like Kinema Junpo.
Plot
Shinnosuke and his family visit a 20th-century-themed exhibition. While adults such as Hiroshi and Misae become captivated, children including Shinnosuke and Himawari remain indifferent, concerned about their parents' nostalgic behavior. Ken and Chaco, who manage the expo, intend to eliminate the influence of the 21st century. Overnight, Hiroshi and Misae fall into a profound slumber.
The following morning, Shinnosuke observes his parents acting irresponsibly. Frustrated, he departs for kindergarten with Himawari but soon notices all adults behaving childishly, even at his school. Trucks arrive to transport adults to an area frozen in the 20th century. In their hometown, Shinnosuke and his friends convene to make sense of these odd occurrences.
They realize children are left to fend for themselves as media regress to the 20th century, compounded by power failures. The trucks claim they will reunite young children with their parents; however, Shinnosuke’s group uncovers this is a ploy to capture wandering kids. They seek shelter inside a department store.
As the pursuit escalates, Shinnosuke’s group oversleeps and must flee. After failing to evade pursuers—including familiar adults—they commandeer the school principal's bus to escape. Accidentally entering the 20th-century zone, they resolve to confront their parents directly.
Following a bus crash inside a building, Shinnosuke’s friends are captured; only Shinnosuke, Himawari, and their dog Shiro manage to evade capture. Shinnosuke encounters Hiroshi immersed in childhood memories, influenced by the 20th-century "scent." Utilizing his father’s unpleasant foot odor, Shinnosuke disrupts this effect.
Hiroshi comes to understand that aging has brought him family and returns to the present. After finding Misae, Ken explains that his device emits an amplified 20th-century scent powered by those trapped there. Hiroshi’s family must thwart this scheme before it succeeds. While distracting henchmen, Shinnosuke races toward the control room.
Although he does not arrive first, their efforts inspire those in the 20th century to desire returning to their time, causing the scent’s influence to dissipate. Defeated yet unwilling to accept the future, Ken and Chaco attempt suicide but are saved by a protective pigeon. Recognizing they must adapt to life in the 21st century, they abandon their plot. Children reunite with adults as everyone returns home, with Shinnosuke’s family ready to face what lies ahead together.
Cast
- Akiko Yajima voices Shinnosuke Nohara
- Keiji Fujiwara portrays Hiroshi Nohara
- Yūko Mita as Young Hiroshi
- Miki Narahashi plays Misae Nohara
- Satomi Kōrogi as Himawari Nohara
- Masane Tsukayama in the role of Ken
- Ai Kobayashi as Chaco
- Rokurō Naya provides the voice for Bunta Takakura (Principal)
- Mari Mashiba voices both Toru Kazama and Shiro
- Tamao Hayashi as Nene Sakurada
- Teiyū Ichiryūsai as Masao Sato
- Chie Satō portrays Bo Suzuki
- Nobutoshi Canna as Hero Sun
- Chafurin voices Razaya Dan (News Reporter)
- Ginzō Matsuo as Ginnosuke Nohara, father of Hiroshi and grandfather to Shinnosuke and Himawari
- Chie Kitagawa plays Tsuru Nohara, Hiroshi’s mother and grandmother to Shinnosuke and Himawari
Critical reception
In both Japan and South Korea, where Crayon Shin-Chan enjoys immense popularity, this film is celebrated as one of the finest entries in the franchise and is often hailed among the greatest animated works ever created. It secured 4th place in Kinema Junpo's All-Time Top Anime Films, standing as the highest-ranked title not directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and was positioned 103rd on their comprehensive list of top Japanese films. Moreover, it is one of only three Japanese movies to have topped Eiga Hihou's annual best-of lists and achieved 8th place at the 23rd Yokohama Film Festival. Among Japanese viewers, it was recognized as the third most popular non-Studio Ghibli film in the 100 Selected Media Arts in Japan Anime category.
Renowned writer Kazuki Nakashima, acclaimed for works such as Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, has expressed admiration for this film along with the tenth installment in the Crayon Shin-Chan series, later contributing to the production of the 22nd movie.
The film’s exploration of themes like nostalgia, memory, and the conflict between past and future has garnered widespread praise. Its depiction of adults who nostalgically cling to memories from the 20th century while children confront the dawn of the 21st resonates deeply with viewers. The poignant sequence featuring Hiroshi’s reflections is regarded as a milestone in animation, frequently likened to the emotionally powerful opening of Up for its significant impact on mature audiences.
Honors
- Ranked #19 in 日本のメディア芸術100選 Anime Section
- 4th place in Kinema Junpo's Top Anime Films of All Time
- 103rd position in Kinema Junpo's Top Japanese Films of All Time
- Chosen as best Crayon Shin-chan film during the franchise’s 20th anniversary "Bakademy Awards" in 2012
See also
References
- Katsuyuki Hidaka. Japanese Media at the Beginning of the 21st Century: Consuming the Past. Routledge. 2017. Chapter 4, beginning on hardback page 122 (ebook PT185).