Poupelle of Chimney Town (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Poupelle of Chimney Town is a 2021 fantasy animated film directed by Yusuke Hirota, starring Masataka Kubota as Poupelle, Mana Ashida and Shingo Fujimori. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $22.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Yusuke Hirota
- Original language
-
Japanese
- Studio
- Eleven Arts
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Poupelle of Chimney Town About?
The premise of Poupelle of Chimney Town without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In the soot-covered Chimney Town, Lubicchi, a young man with a thirst for knowledge, dreams of uncovering the truth behind his father’s stories of the mysterious "stars." During a magical Halloween night, he encounters Poupelle, a unique protector of discarded items and the town's refuse. Together, they embark on an adventure to discover the secrets of the stars and challenge the traditions that have long defined their world, revealing a surprising connection between the town and the sky above.
Poupelle of Chimney Town Cast & Characters
Masataka Kubota leads the cast as Poupelle, with Mana Ashida as Lubicchi and Shingo Fujimori as Scoop. Directed by Yusuke Hirota; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Yusuke Hirota
-
Masataka Kubota as Poupelle - Mana Ashida as Lubicchi
-
Shingo Fujimori as Scoop -
Sairi Itô as Antonio
Also Starring in Poupelle of Chimney Town
· 6 more- Kazuki Iio Mr. Sue
- Jun Kunimura Dan
- Sumire Morohoshi Rebecca
- Eiko Koike Rola
- Rina Honizumi Dorothy, Claire
- Seiji Miyane Toshiaki
Poupelle of Chimney Town Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Poupelle of Chimney Town 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Poupelle of Chimney Town Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Poupelle of Chimney Town delivers a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience that leans toward the positive end of the spectrum. Critics highlight the dazzling animation, rich steampunk palette, and a heartfelt friendship at the story’s core, while user feedback underscores its appeal to families and younger viewers. Some reviewers note a tendency toward sentimentality and a limited exploration of the world‑building potential, which prevents the film from reaching full originality. In sum, the film’s strengths outweigh its flaws, offering a commendable animated adventure.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
Artistic execution stands out as the film’s strongest asset. Critics repeatedly commend the lush animation, intricate steampunk design, and vivid color palette that render Chimney Town visually immersive. The blend of hand‑drawn and CGI techniques is praised for its cohesiveness, though a few notes mention occasional odd rendering choices. Overall, the production design and cinematography achieve a high level of craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 82
When it comes to character and emotion, the film succeeds in fostering genuine empathy for its unconventional protagonist. Reviewers note the moving friendship between Lubicchi and the trash‑person, describing it as heartfelt and accessible across ages. Performances are seen as nuanced enough to convey optimism, while criticisms of depth are minimal, resulting in a solid emotional core.
- Story & Flow 70
The narrative presents an aspirational fairy‑tale about hope against authoritarian constraints, which many critics find uplifting and family‑friendly. However, several reviewers describe the plot as somewhat derivative and note that the film shies away from deeper, darker themes, limiting its originality. Consequently, the story balances warmth with a modest level of innovation.
- Sensory Experience 86
In terms of sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack is highlighted as a symphonic complement to its vibrant visuals, reinforcing the optimistic tone. Sound design and musical motifs blend seamlessly with the steampunk aesthetic, creating an immersive atmosphere. While a few critics mention occasional uneven audio cues, the overall auditory and visual cohesion remains strong.
- Rewatch Factor 78
The rewatch factor is bolstered by its universal themes of friendship and perseverance, which resonate with both children and adults. Critics label it an instant classic suitable for wide audiences, and its family‑oriented storytelling encourages repeat viewings. Some users note the film’s appeal skews younger, but its lasting emotional message sustains interest beyond a single screening.
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Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 71%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
User score 7.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
3 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Poupelle of Chimney Town Plot Summary
What happens in Poupelle of Chimney Town from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As the thick smoke shrouds Chimney Town, the whispers about obscured stars, once dismissed by the townsfolk, echo in the background. On a fateful Halloween Day, an unexpected entity emerges from the nearby landfill—an unusual being born from refuse, it possesses a budding consciousness. This peculiar creature captures the attention of Lubichi, son of Bruno, who is desperate for help. In a twist of fate, Lubichi seeks refuge with the Inquisitors, only to find himself escaping from the very authority he hoped would protect him.
Full summary
The whole story of Poupelle of Chimney Town, scene by scene
Poupelle of Chimney Town Box Office
Poupelle of Chimney Town grossed $22.7 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$22.7M
- International
- $22.7M
Poupelle of Chimney Town Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 1 clip.
- Trailer Poupelle of Chimney Town – Trailer (Japan 2020/12/25, Worldwide 2021)
- Teaser Poupelle of Chimney Town – Teaser (Japan 2020/12, Worldwide 2021)
- Clip Poupelle of Chimney Town – Opening 3 Minutes (Japan 2020/12/25, Worldwide 2021)
How Well Do You Know Poupelle of Chimney Town?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the main setting of the movie?
Poupelle of Chimney Town Also Known As
17 alternative titles, including “Entotsu-chou no Poupelle” and “Entotsu Machi no Poupelle”.
- Also known as
-
- Entotsu-chou no Poupelle
- Entotsu Machi no Poupelle
- Eiga Entotsu Machi no Poupelle
- Entotsu-chō no Poupelle
- Poupelle et la Ville sans ciel
- Eiga Entotsumachi no Puperu
- えんとつ町のプペル
- 烟囱小镇的普佩尔
- De l'autre côté du ciel
- Пупелль из города дымоходов
- Poupelle da Cidade das Chaminés
- 映画 えんとつ町のプペル
+5 more Show fewer
- 굴뚝마을의 푸펠
- 煙囪小鎮的普佩
- Baca Kasabası Poupelle / Poupelle of Chimney Town
- Poupelle und die andere Seite des Himmels
- Poupelle della città dei camini
Seen Poupelle of Chimney Town?
Poupelle of Chimney Town FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Poupelle of Chimney Town, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Poupelle of Chimney Town?
Poupelle of Chimney Town runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Poupelle of Chimney Town released?
Poupelle of Chimney Town was released on December 30, 2021.
Who directed Poupelle of Chimney Town?
Poupelle of Chimney Town was directed by Yusuke Hirota.
Who is in the cast of Poupelle of Chimney Town?
Poupelle of Chimney Town stars Masataka Kubota as Poupelle, Mana Ashida as Lubicchi and Shingo Fujimori as Scoop, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Poupelle of Chimney Town make at the box office?
Poupelle of Chimney Town grossed $22.7 million worldwide.
How is Poupelle of Chimney Town rated?
Poupelle of Chimney Town has 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic, 65% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Poupelle of Chimney Town have a post-credit scene?
No. Poupelle of Chimney Town has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Poupelle of Chimney Town in?
The original language of Poupelle of Chimney Town is Japanese.
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