Obatalian
オバタリアン
The pejorative word obatalian is a pun between the Japanese word obaasan (old lady) and the English word battalion. Obatalian are known to always enter a train running as fast as they can, bumping others people in order to catch a free seat before the others. They haggle things that aren't normally haggled like grocery store produce. They are fearless and pitiless, just like a battalion of barbarians. This anime is follows 6 stories of one such Obatalian and her wake of destruction. (Source: kabuki21.com)
Synopsis
The pejorative word obatalian is a pun between the Japanese word obaasan (old lady) and the English word battalion. Obatalian are known to always enter a train running as fast as they can, bumping others people in order to catch a free seat before the others. They haggle things that aren't normally haggled like grocery store produce. They are fearless and pitiless, just like a battalion of barbarians. This anime is follows 6 stories of one such Obatalian and her wake of destruction. (Source: kabuki21.com)
Reviews(1)
jadedXotaku
December 30, 2023
Produced by Sunrise, and based on Katsuhiko Hotta's manga of the same name, Obatalian (aka Obattalion, or Obatarian based on Japanese youtube comments), is a 1990 tv movie about the comedic misadventures of a pushy old lady and the affect she has on those around her. While it was produced as a movie, it's structured like random episodes of a show edited together, giving it an anthology feel. There isn't a story per se, rather segments that feature the main character, with no real bearing on what came before or after. While certainly silly, as it follows a particular "obatalian" in her day to daylife, it's at least grounded in a way. With the exception of the final segment (which is all kinds of wtf), the movie doesn't reach Ranpou levels of slapstick ridiculousness, but there's still fun to be had. And considering it's based on a gag comic strip, the art style reflects that, having a simplistic cartoony vibe that suits it well. As is no surprise, there isn't an English sub or dub, so I watched this raw, and my Japanese isn't exactly the best, but I still enjoyed it well enough. Not entirely sure if I'd recommend this, but if goofy SOL stuff is your jam, then I suppose this little known flick may be to your liking. If not, then go ahead and give this a pass.