I thought it was cute, but it's creepy, and when I look at it with a smile, I feel sad that it somehow feels like my story about people going through all sorts of crises with insignificant abilities. Japanese animation 'Chiikawa' is gaining sympathy from adult audiences with its unique worldview that captures the hardships of reality.
'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island', which was released on September 30th, has been a long-term box office hit, topping the weekend box office for five consecutive weeks.
According to the integrated movie theater ticket network on the 12th, the cumulative number of viewers for 'Chiikawa theatrical version' was 2.825 million as of the previous day, and is on the verge of exceeding 3 million viewers.
Chiikawa is a character created by Japanese writer Nagano, and in Korea he is known by the name 'Monjagwi' (something small and cute). Although they are characterized by their round faces and cute bodies, the world they live in is not easy.
The characters basically work to make a living, and face countless dangers in the process. The world view that reflects the hardships of reality is considered a factor in gaining sympathy from adult audiences.
Culture critic Kim Seong-soo said, "These characters are inherently optimistic and want to be happy, but they go through trials through no fault of their own and find themselves in situations where their daily lives are disrupted." He added, "It stimulates the emotions of modern people, especially the MZ generation, who want to be optimistic about the future while feeling anxious in a rapidly changing world."
The mysterious narrative unique to the theatrical version also contributed to the box office success.
The movie was produced based on the popular full-length episode 'Siren Arc' serialized in 2023 from the original manga 'Chiikawa'. The original author, Nagano, wrote the script and supervised the work himself.
The story begins when Chiikawa and his friends leave for an unknown island after discovering a leaflet saying they can receive 100 times the usual compensation.
While having a great time receiving hospitality from the island residents, the group learns that the giant monster 'Siren' is kidnapping the residents one after another. They jump into the incident after receiving a request from the residents to defeat the siren, but the story takes an unexpected turn as secrets hidden on the island are revealed one by one.
Film critic Yoon Seong-eun explained, “It has cute characters, but the content is almost in the form of a thriller,” adding, “Rather than a happy ending or a warm, touching story for children, it takes the form of a genre film for adults.”
The CGV app says, ‘A very good black comedy. There are audience reviews that reflect on the characters' actions and the meaning of the story, such as 'My life is Chiikawa', 'It was deeper than I thought', and 'The perpetrator becomes the victim and the victim becomes the perpetrator'.
The fact that the film's complex narrative evokes various interpretations and discussions among audiences also appears to be a factor in 'Nth viewing'.
The audience interprets the meaning of the lyrics of the inserted song, deduces foreshadowing hidden throughout the scene, and actively shares online their interpretations that connect Japanese folk religion with the setting in the work.
Critic Yoon said, "If only enthusiasts had watched it, (the number of viewers) would have been around 1 million, but the original plot that made even people who didn't know Chiikawa curious was attracting general audiences as well," and added, "As the mise-en-scène and details were analyzed, the Nth viewing began."
Empathy for the characters in the movie extends even outside the theater. There is a goods craze as fans who see Chiikawa in their own situation are collecting character goods.
Reservations for the Chiikawa Goods store at I'Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul are sold out early, and fans waiting to purchase products are lining up at the store from early in the morning.
Even in theaters, limited-edition popcorn containers and special parking privileges are gaining popularity. Some fans watch movies multiple times to collect different perks at each theater.
Culture critic Seongsu Kim explained, “For the younger generation who experience anxiety and fear when going out into society, Chiikawa is a character who is like their own alter ego. The desire to look at and touch the alter ego and carry it around like a talisman leads to the desire to own it.”
