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: 18
Remember the delightful, if sometimes emotionally draining, first set of episodes from earlier this year? Well then, you may be shocked to see an 18 certificate slapped on the box of the most recent collection. This may hint at a much darker path for the show, which there most certainly is, but the elements that equate to the 18 rating are mostly suggestive. However, it is some of the darkest suggestive material imaginable, and although handled with restraint and intelligence, the BBFC have deemed it adult.
Although a shame in some ways, it is also very understandable. The scenes in question take in to account themes of bondage, adult/child relationships, and sees feelings used as a vicious weapon. There’s no gruesome violence, foul language, or explicit sex and most viewers will wonder what the issue is, but in a show with cute cuddly sidekick penguins, it does amplify any darker plot strands. It probably also warrants a sterner rating as the events are as a result of the two heroes negating people outside of their family, and thus questions good intentions resulting in trauma.
Outside of the controversial subject matter, the show gets darker in other places. As our heroic brothers continue on their quest to find the Penguindrum and save their sister’s life, it becomes apparent that they may be willing to do things that bring their morals into question. How much value can be put on a person’s life? We certainly don’t want to see a young girl die, but at the same time we are seeing the souls of her brothers put to the test. This very idea questions the nature of family in general, which is a very difficult topic to challenge. If dedication to a particular group of people can lead to easy manipulation and cruel deeds, then is it a good thing to begin with?
The slower and more friendly build-up of the previous 12 episodes pays off here, as the penguins are still used for comedy, but are also an obvious trick to place themes of family and morality in a series disguised as a family show. It may cause more thought than perhaps the audience are willing to give, but it’s also what keeps the show as fresh and vibrant as its animation. Penguin related slapstick humour, action, romance, and a thought provoking story which challenges ideals. PENGUINDRUM may hook you in with cute little critters and hilarity, but it’s those talking points that will have you returning. Just don’t expect to enjoy all the plot twists. It wants to challenge you.
PENGUINDRUM Box 2 is released on DVD on 21st October via Manga Entertainment.
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