I grew up with Doraemon, and the cartoon series has taught me a lot.

The movie has entertaining story plots. It’s a fun show that engages kids’ creativity with “what if” gadgets. The show follows a formula, starting with Nobita’s problems (usually caused by himself); Doraemon’s gadget solving the problem, but is then misused and thus causing another problem.

Every once in a while, the movie will break out from the formula, and teach deeper, more emotional values. I remember a couple episodes about Nobita dealing with loss, or going back in time to meet his late grandma, or the one where Doraemon is going back to the future. I didn’t like these episodes when I was a kid. As an adult now looking back, however, I appreciate what the author has done. These are the really weighty episodes with complex emotions.

Besides, it does teach friendship. All the main characters have flawed personalities, but the group of friends have learned to accept each other regardless. Nobita is a whiny, lazy kid, and Doraemon is a good buddy who bails him out in most cases.