Yûsuke Hirota makes his directorial debut with Chimney Town: Frozen In Time, a feature-length animated film. With a background in CGI, art direction, and animation, one would expect the visuals to form the backbone of the film—much like Jan de Bont’s work on Speed.
While the animation and CGI are spectacular at times, showcasing top-tier craftsmanship, there are moments that feel rushed or underdeveloped. One example is the rooftop chase where tiles begin to fall as the characters run. The scene stands out awkwardly, interrupting the otherwise polished visual flow. Yet, most of the film features crisp, carefully executed sequences that highlight Hirota’s technical skill.
The film opens with force: the characters feel dynamic yet inviting, evoking a tone reminiscent of Howl’s Moving Castle. This approach could have set a strong foundation for a story that is both kid-friendly and narratively satisfying.
However, within the first ten minutes, the tone shifts abruptly due to the script, which Hirota also penned. Dialogue moves from firm and steady to overly tongue-in-cheek, flipping the narrative direction almost instantly. While the repeated tonal shifts become less jarring over time as the audience adjusts, they continue throughout the film, leaving the story struggling to fully recover.
At times, the script seems unsure of its intentions. It oscillates between a story-driven, intelligent children’s tale and segments that dip in quality or coherence. The score follows a similar pattern: occasionally it complements the scenes beautifully, landing on just the right emotional notes, but too often it misses the mark and feels disconnected from the film’s context. Unlike subtle scores that influence the subconscious, this one frequently draws attention to its own inconsistencies.
Hirota’s direction shows moments of promise, but the overall execution is uneven. Pacing and tone fluctuate, pulling the viewer out of the film at points where a more seamless transition would have enhanced immersion.
In conclusion, Chimney Town: Frozen In Time presents a concept with real potential, yet it is held back by inconsistent tone, pacing, and execution. While flashes of brilliance in animation and character design are evident, the film ultimately falls short of the timeless quality and narrative cohesion found in Howl’s Moving Castle.