The big issue with Pom Poko is that it feels like a first draft that needed significant revisions.
The big issue with Pom Poko is that it feels like a first draft that needed significant revisions. The idea of the tanuki slowly losing their identity as they spy on and assimilate with the humans is an interesting conflict, and its "ghost parade" sequence is amazing. Unfortunately, the terrible pacing, half-hearted characterization, off-putting tone largely hold its successes back.