Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

This thoughtful, visually vivid sequel to anime mega-hit Poupelle of Chimney Town is an epic adventure about the power of belief.

Though now hailed as the hero of Chimney Town, Lubicchi is struggling to move on after the departure of Poupelle, his magical friend made of garbage. When an accident transports him to a mythical world populated by talking animals and impish spirits, he is told by the realm’s rat queen that he can only return home if he manages to restart the land’s giant clock, which has been frozen at 11.59 for decades. With the help of Fluff, a large white cat with attitude, Lubicchi discovers that a grieving clockmaker and a plant spirit in human form are two figures who hold the key to his quest.

The film adaptation of Poupelle of Chimney Town struck a chord in Japan and abroad when it emerged during the pandemic; Akihiro Nishino’s original picture book has since also been adapted into musicals, ballet and kabuki. Working from an original script by Nishino, this sequel is another grand family adventure dealing with big themes like grief and coming of age. Where Poupelle radiated streampunk vibes, however, Frozen in Time takes on a more fantastical, psychedelic style, constructing a visual world reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s all-time classic Spirited Away.

Content: Melbourne International Film Festival