Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara
Starring: Ryohei Kimura, Blake Shepard, Subaru Kimura, Illich Guardiola, Miho Arakawa, Monica Rial, Marie Miyake, Emily Neves
Running Time: 300 minutes
Certificate: 12
It’s a scientific fact that everything is made better by the inclusion of penguins. That information has obviously now reached the world of anime with the arrival of PENGUINDRUM, in which penguins feature heavily. This bizarre mixture of comedy and drama sees a young girl, Hiromi (Arakawa/Rial), die and quickly come back to life thanks to a spirit placed in a penguin hat. It’s not all fun and games though as this spirit wishes to retrieve the Penguindrum and needs Hiromi’s twin brothers to do exactly that – unfortunately they have no idea what the Penguindrum is.
The very set-up of this show bravely mixes intense drama with surreal comedy. The brothers are constantly given orders to search out items, but are given little to no information about said objects resulting in frustration and slapstick as they try and unravel the mysteries of the Penguindrum. However, the show always reminds us that a young girl’s life is at stake, since Hiromi will die if the spirit chooses to leave her.
At times the show feels like it may be interesting science-fiction, or it may go the route of romantic comedy. It flirts with both of these ideas, but never distinctly chooses one. The romantic elements are complimented by the fact one of the protagonists is quite an aggressive stalker. This may sound dark, and it is certainly represented as such at times, but it is also used as comedy. We know that the stalker, Ringo (Miyake/Neves) isn’t dangerous towards the object of her affection, but it does take an emotional toll on her.
The real stars of the show are, of course, the three penguins sent to aid Hiromi and her two brothers. The deliciously cute little scamps are silent and only seen by the lead characters. They are forever providing us with enjoyable sight gags, which are sometimes the focus of the shot, but are often left in the background for viewers to spot. The cuteness isn’t hammered home with annoying voices or desperate writing. The penguins, simply named 1, 2 and 3, are more than capable with helping on the quest, but can also become distracted by a world they don’t fully understand.
The animation is a visual treat which uses colours impressively; even the home of Hiromi and siblings is a brightly painted abode. These bright colours bring every aspect of the show to life, but like the tone of the show itself, even the darker moments are well interspersed. PENGUINDRUM can also take a cheeky, but inventive, shortcut when necessary. Instead of animating incidental figures in the crowd, we are given plain looking bubble characters (the kind you’d find on bathroom doors), bustling through the streets. It may be a time and money saver, but it also helps to highlight the importance of certain characters.
If you’re one of the rare lot that likes cute and dark juxtaposed effortlessly, then PENGUINDRUM is certainly a show for you. One minute it elicits “Aaaaawws” and the next, sobs. Smile inducing and tear-tugging this is a fascinating show, even if a little confusing or chaotic at times.
PENGUINDRUM Box Set 1 is released on DVD on 6th May via Manga Entertainment.
