Jarinko Chie

Jarinko Chie (Japanese: じゃりン子チエ; lit. 'Chie the Brat'), also known as Downtown Story, is a 1981 Japanese animated film directed by Isao Takahata. Based on the 1978 seinen manga by Etsumi Haruki, the film was co-written by Takahata and Noboru Shiroyama, it stars the voices of Chinatsu Nakayama, Norio Nishikawa, Kiyoshi Nishikawa, Kyoko Mitsubayashi, and Gannosuke Ashiya. Taking place in a working class town in Osaka, the young and independent Chie navigates the adult world around her, seeking to reform her father's behaviour and keep her family together. Distributed by Toho, Jarinko Chie was released in Japan on 11 April 1981. The film has received praise, particularly for its social consciousness and comedy. After its success, Takahata served as the chief director for a follow-up TV series. The film makes extensive reference to the local geography and culture, the characters use Kansai dialect, and Chie herself has remained a popular character in Osaka.