Last night I sat down with IJ to watch a review copy of Tamagotchi the Movie (Certificate U) which will be launched on 14th September. I was interested in receiving the free copy because I was intrigued as to how well the Tamgotchi concept could be translated into a movie.
I had my doubts about how interesting the characters would be but in fact I was pleasantly surprised as it did seem to work, mainly because the plot line was very good although a little too detailed for a 6 year old who, in addition, had no understanding of the Tamagotchi world and how they work. She now thinks babies hatch from eggs!
Unfortunately for us it all ended in tears. If I could have a word with the writers I would tell them to rewrite the ending because for us it was a disaster.
The film was very colourful and easy on the eye. Although the Tamagotchi characters look a little unusual and their names too difficult to remember, IJ did not seem to mind, and after a slowish start she was gripped.
In a nutshell the film tells the story of a little girl called Tanpopo who is transported from Earth to the Tamgotchi Planet when a new Forwarding Machine that has just been invented aims off course. Once there she enjoys meeting the Tamagotchi characters safe in the knowledge that a rocket will be invented that will take her back home to the exact time she left. So the ultimate aim is for Tanpopo to return home to her family. Wikipedia provides a far more details description HERE.
IJ found the movie funny in parts, silly in others and she seemed to enjoy the friendship theme that ran throughout. More than anything she was keen for Tampopo to return home, which she did. However,in one of the final scenes Tampopo has to say a final goodbye to all her friends and they were all in tears. IJ was in tears too. Shortly after that the film ended and IJ was devastated. A film that could have been about lifelong friendship ultimately turned out to be about loss, at least that is the feeling we were left with. I was left with a distraught 6 year old and obviously that did not please me.
So will we be watching the film again? Definitely not.
Would I recommend it to a nine year old? Definitely.
It was a well-written film let down by the final scenes, but on the whole I was pleasantly surprised. No doubt it will result in the sale of lots of Tamagotchi products but if your child is a little on the sensitive side, I'd recommend you avoid it.
Well, no doubt the Tamagotchi phenomenon will reach us here in India sooner or later - would you believe that my kids - all the four - enjoy watching Japanese cartoons dubbed into Hindi? Cartoons with names like Doraemon, Kiteretsu, Asarichan and Shinchan! Anyway, I'll look out for this one!
Posted by: gaelikaa | September 04, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Ahhhhh poor IJ. I can just imagine her sat sobbing poor babe. Great review hon. Brilliant.
Posted by: Jo Beaufoix | September 04, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Well, it was known from the beginning of the film that Tanpopo had to go home eventually...
Also, the mood kind of lightens when you realize Tanpopo becomes a great big sister from her experience. :)
Posted by: Wolf Nanaki | September 12, 2009 at 12:59 PM