Key Details
- Title: Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West
- Japanese Title: ドラえもん のび太のパラレル西遊記 (Doraemon: Nobita no Parareru Saiyūki)
- Release Date: March 12, 1988
- Runtime: 91 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Language: Japanese
- Director: Tsutomu Shibayama
- Producer: Masami Hatano, Soichi Besso, Yoshiaki Koizumi
- Writer: Ryo Motohira
- Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
- Distributor: Toho
- Box Office Gross: ¥1.36 billion (approximately $12.1 million)
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
- Based on: Inspired by the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West”
🧵 Plot Summary
In this ninth installment of the Doraemon film series, Nobita and his friends are preparing for a school play based on the classic Chinese tale “Journey to the West.” Nobita desires to play the role of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, but the role is given to Dekisugi. Determined to prove that Sun Wukong exists, Nobita uses Doraemon’s time machine to travel back to ancient China.
During their journey, they encounter a boy named Linley and become entangled in a series of events where demons from the virtual world escape into reality due to a malfunction in Doraemon’s gadget. The modern world transforms into a demon-ruled dystopia. To rectify this, Nobita and his friends must return to the past, embody the characters from “Journey to the West,” and capture the demons to restore normalcy.
🎭 Voice Cast
- Doraemon: Nobuyo Ōyama
- Nobita Nobi / Sun Wukong: Noriko Ohara
- Shizuka Minamoto / Tang Sanzang: Michiko Nomura
- Takeshi “Gian” Gōda / Zhu Bajie: Kazuya Tatekabe
- Suneo Honekawa / Sha Wujing: Kaneta Kimotsuki
- Linley / Red Boy: Yuko Mizutani
- Bull Demon King: Hidekatsu Shibata
- Princess Iron Fan: Yōko Kuri
- Golden Horn: Takko Ishimori
- Silver Horn: Seizō Katō
🌟 Themes and Cultural Significance
The film delves into themes of friendship, courage, and the consequences of one’s actions. By intertwining the classic tale of “Journey to the West” with the futuristic elements of Doraemon’s gadgets, it offers a unique perspective on cultural stories and their relevance in modern times. The narrative emphasizes the importance of responsibility and the impact of technology on reality.
💰 Box Office Performance
Upon its release, the film garnered significant attention and achieved a box office gross of ¥1.36 billion (approximately $12.1 million). Its success contributed to the enduring popularity of the Doraemon film series and showcased the franchise’s ability to adapt classic tales into engaging animated features.Doraemon Wiki
🌍 International Reception
The film’s universal themes and engaging storyline allowed it to resonate with audiences beyond Japan. It was dubbed in various languages, including Hindi, making it accessible to a broader audience. Its blend of cultural storytelling and science fiction elements appealed to viewers worldwide, further cementing Doraemon’s status as a beloved international character.
🧠 Educational Value
By introducing viewers to elements of Chinese mythology and literature through the lens of a popular animated series, the film serves as an educational tool. It encourages interest in classic tales and highlights the importance of understanding and preserving cultural narratives.
🎮 Video Game Adaptation
While there isn’t a direct video game adaptation of this specific film, the Doraemon franchise has inspired numerous video games over the years. These games often incorporate elements from various films and episodes, allowing fans to engage with their favorite characters and stories interactively.
“Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West” stands as a testament to the franchise’s ability to blend adventure, comedy, and cultural storytelling. Its exploration of classic tales through the adventures of beloved characters offers both entertainment and educational value, making it a cherished entry in the Doraemon series.
