*This article contains spoilers
Directed by Masakazu Hashimoto and inspired by the 2022 film "RRR", the movie follows Shin and his friends on an adventure to India. There, Bo unknowingly purchases a backpack containing ancient dark magic, transforming him into the tyrannical "Bo the Despot" with the power to destroy the world. Shin and his friends must unite to prevent this catastrophic outcome.
Set in India, a nation with over 5,000 years of rich history and culture, the film showcases elements like traditional dances, Sari clothing, curry, naan bread, and the local custom of eating with hands.
On Yahoo!, director Masakazu Hashimoto stated, "To authentically depict the local culture, the crew visited India to experience everything from the sweltering weather to the spicy curry firsthand,".
One of the unique aspects compared to previous installments is Bo's character development. Transforming from a quiet, somewhat overlooked member of the group, Bo becomes the central antagonist when possessed by an evil force. His innocent demeanor is replaced by a powerful presence and ruthless personality.
The supporting characters also possess depth. Ariana, a cheerful Indian girl, hides the pressure of meeting others' expectations behind her smile. Her encounter with the Kasukabe group, especially Shin, helps her shed this "perfect" facade and confront her true feelings.
 |
Bo's character design in the film. Photo: Shin-Ei Animation |
Balancing humor and emotion, each character contributes to the film's entertainment value. The theme of overcoming challenges through unity is prevalent in the Crayon Shin-chan series. This installment emphasizes the importance of true friends who stand by you even through change, while also encouraging the courage to be true to yourself.
Music and dance are prominent throughout the film. The soundtrack blends modern and traditional melodies. The theme song, "Spice" by Saucy Dog, features an upbeat tempo and positive lyrics. "Indian Power 120%" highlights characteristic Indian musical influences.
However, some viewers found the frequent song and dance sequences occasionally disrupted the film's pacing.
 |
The character Ariana (right) in the film. Photo: Shin-Ei Animation |
Crayon Shin-chan is a popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Usui Yoshito. It revolves around the daily life of Shinnosuke "Shin" Nohara, his family, friends, and other characters. The manga debuted in 1990.
In Vietnam, Kim Dong Publishing House first published the series in 2006, but later halted distribution due to some inappropriate content. The edited version returned in late 2011.
Thu Giang
