Notable Films:
Jubanairu (Juvenile)

This is a heart-warming, somewhat sci-fi children’s/preteen film directed by Yamakazi Taka. The combination of video-game effects, youth-centered comedy, and even a little puppy love make this film suitable and enjoyable for family.

Four friends, Yusuke, Toshiya, Misaki and Hidetaka go camping one night, and are awakened by a flash of light coming from the woods. Of course, they follow the light to find a talking robot, Tetra, in need of their help.

The children help Tetra to develop himself and get used to the environment (secretly, of course) and after a time, they ask for Kanzaki, the town’s inventor and local genius to help them keep Tetra alive. At the same time, Yusuke begins to have feelings for Misaki, but worries that she doesn’t feel the same—after all, she and Toshiya are pretty close.

Later in the film, aliens try to take over the Earth and steal the planet’s water supply. In order to accomplish their mission, they begin duplicating humans like Misaki’s sister and try to eliminate robots like Tetra. The 105 minute film is available in color, and includes subtitles.