Watch Doraemon: Moon Exploration Movie (2019) – Story, Ratings & More

Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration (2019) – A Cosmic Journey of Friendship and Imagination

Few animated films can capture the boundless imagination of children and adults alike quite like the beloved Doraemon movie franchise. "Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration," released in 2019, continues this tradition with heart, humor, and a stunning adventure set against the mysterious backdrop of the Moon.

This film marked the 39th entry in the long-running Doraemon movie series and was particularly special because it came during the franchise's 50th anniversary celebrations. Directed by Shinnosuke Yakuwa and written by Midzuki Tsujimura (a notable Japanese novelist), the movie was a thrilling blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and emotional storytelling, proving once again that Doraemon stories are timeless.

Plot Overview: A Dream Turned Reality

The movie begins with a seemingly innocent question from Nobita: "Is there really life on the Moon?" Teased by his classmates for believing in such an idea, Nobita returns home feeling defeated. As always, his loyal friend Doraemon steps in with a gadget that can turn fantasy into reality. Using the “Divergent View Badge” and “Animal Modification Eggs,” Doraemon and Nobita create a civilization of anthropomorphic Moon rabbits on the dark side of the Moon.

What starts off as a playful imagination exercise soon spirals into a grand-scale adventure. Nobita and his friends—Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo—travel to the Moon to explore their creation. There, they meet Luka, a mysterious boy with a hidden past, and discover the secrets of the Espal—a group of telekinetic beings from another world.

The story unfolds into a cosmic battle between good and evil as the children and their Moon friends face Diabolo, an antagonist who aims to conquer the Moon and enslave its inhabitants. With Doraemon's gadgets, Luka's powers, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship, Nobita and his team rise to the challenge in an epic showdown that defines courage and teamwork.

About the Film: A Mix of Imagination and Real Science

"Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration" isn't just a flight of fantasy. It cleverly blends imaginative elements with actual space science. The film incorporates theories about the Moon’s dark side, gravitational anomalies, and the concept of parallel evolution. While the movie’s approach remains child-friendly, it subtly introduces young viewers to the wonder of astronomy and space travel.

Moreover, the animation quality in this movie surpasses many of its predecessors. The visual effects used to portray lunar landscapes, spacecrafts, and energy battles are polished and engaging. The characters remain familiar in design but are presented with more dynamic expressions and fluid motion, a sign of the franchise’s continuous improvement in animation techniques.

Box Office Performance

"Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration" performed exceptionally well at the box office, particularly in Japan and several other Asian countries. The film was released in Japan on March 1, 2019, and opened to a strong commercial response. It earned over ¥5.2 billion (approximately $47 million USD) domestically, making it one of the top-grossing anime films of the year.

In addition to Japan, the movie also found success in countries such as China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Its international popularity demonstrates Doraemon's continuing appeal among fans of all ages and across various cultures.

Fan Reception: Loved Across Generations

Doraemon has always had a multi-generational fan base. Fans praised the movie for its emotional weight, balanced storytelling, and the theme of believing in one's dreams. The character of Luka, who is introduced in this film, quickly became a fan favorite due to his mysterious origin and telepathic abilities.

The climax scene, where the children unite to protect their lunar friends, was particularly well-received, earning admiration for its animation, pacing, and message. Children enjoyed the gadgets and fun, while adults appreciated the deeper themes of courage, acceptance, and empathy.

Social media platforms in Japan were flooded with positive reviews from families who watched it together, with many calling it one of the best Doraemon movies of the Reiwa era.

Critical Ratings and Reviews

The film was well-received by critics and general audiences alike. Here’s a look at how it performed across major rating platforms:

• IMDb: Rated 6.8/10 – Users appreciated the visual storytelling and character development but noted it is primarily geared toward a younger audience.

• MyAnimeList (MAL): Rated 7.3/10 – The anime community praised the unique Moon setting, engaging plot, and Luka’s addition to the franchise.

• Rotten Tomatoes: While the movie hasn't been officially reviewed by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, audience ratings average around 80% in fan circles and forums.

• Yahoo! Japan Movies: Scored 4.1 out of 5 stars, reflecting its strong domestic popularity.

Critics also noted that this installment stood out for its more science-fiction-based narrative, diverging from the usual earthbound or fantasy-themed stories seen in many Doraemon films.

Budget and Production Insights

The budget for "Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration" was reportedly around ¥2 billion (approximately $18 million USD). The film utilized updated animation tools and visual techniques that added significant polish to its lunar scenes. Voice talents included veteran seiyuus like Wasabi Mizuta as Doraemon and Megumi Ohara as Nobita, contributing to the emotional authenticity of the performances.

The production was handled by Shin-Ei Animation, known for their consistent work on Doraemon and Crayon Shin-chan films. Music for the film was composed by Takayuki Hattori, and the theme song, “The Gift” by Dai Hirai, added a heartfelt emotional layer to the movie.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

This movie continued the tradition of combining fun with life lessons. One of the reasons Doraemon remains evergreen is its ability to subtly teach values—teamwork, friendship, resilience—through adventurous narratives. "Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration" is a shining example of that.

The movie also reignited interest in space science among children in Japan. Many schools and educational TV shows referenced the film when teaching about the Moon, which led to a rise in children's interest in science fairs and space-related activities in 2019.

Final Thoughts

"Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration" is more than just another entry in a long franchise—it's a celebration of imagination and the human spirit. The mix of creative storytelling, heartwarming characters, and meaningful life lessons make it a must-watch, especially for fans of classic anime and those who want to introduce their children to the magical world of Doraemon.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this movie delivers a heartwarming adventure that’s both entertaining and educational. So get ready, grab your bamboo-copter, and launch into a journey across the stars with Nobita and friends!