Furthermore, it is arguably the most "meta" Doraemon film. It celebrates the 40+ year history of the franchise by referencing almost every gadget ever drawn (over 200 gadgets make cameo appearances). For long-time fans, spotting a gadget from a 1979 episode in a glass case is pure dopamine.
Following a cryptic clue left behind by the thief, Nobita and the gang travel to a location hidden outside of time and space: . This massive, steampunk-inspired floating fortress is curated by Dr. Harley, a genius inventor and distant relative of Doraemon’s original creator.
For long-time fans, the movie is a nostalgic victory lap. For new viewers, it is the perfect crash course in "What Doraemon is."