CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Friday, November 9, 2007

Friday Movie Review - The Cat Returns

Today I am reviewing an anime called "The Cat Returns." The original Japanese title is "Neko no Ongaeshi." My mommy loves anime and has a huge interest in Japanese culture, so we kitties get to see a lot of it. This film is a Studio Ghibli production, which has recently become famous in the United States for the award winning film "Spirited Away." The Studio Ghibli films are very easy to find and have all been dubbed in English thanks to the interest that Disney has shown in their work.


Director: Hiroyuki Morita



This film is about the adventure a Japanese schoolgirl named Haru goes on after saving a cat from being run over by a car. Haru doesn't realize that the cat she saved is really a prince! When the cat actually speaks to her and thanks her for her bravery, she is shocked and thinks that it is just her imagination, because everyone knows that cats can't talk. (Ha ha ha . . . silly humans.) Later on that night, Haru is visited by the prince's father, the King of Cats, and his entourage, who promises to repay her for saving his son's life.

The King and his entourage visit Haru

Soon Haru finds herself abducted to the land of cats, and engaged to the prince . . . and turning into a cat herself! Along the way she finds help from the Baron, a beautiful cat statue that comes to life at sunset, and Muta, an overweight and lazy kitty.

Haru discovers the Baron in a window


This film is beautifully animated, and has some VERY funny moments. There is also a little romance involved, as Haru develops a crush on the handsome and dashing Baron! (You ginger kitties should appreciate this, since the Baron is a ginger!) All of the characters have wonderful and engaging personalities, and if you are anything like me (and my mommy) you are sorry when the movie ends. I definitely feel that there should be a "The Cat Returns 2."

Haru and Muta


One of the funniest momets in the movie is between Haru and Muta.


Haru: Thank you, Moo-ta...


Muta: What? 'Moo'? So now you're saying I'm a fat cow?


Haru: No! You're just fat... Oh!


This movie includes action, adventure, fantasy, romance, humor . . . and lots and lots of cats! There are tuxies and gingers and floofies and widebodies (MUTA!) . . . just about every type of cat is represented. I definitely recommend this movie as must-see viewing for kitties everywhere.

The Baron defends a kittified Haru

I give "The Cat Returns" two paws up!

19 meows:

Mr. Hendrix said...

Great review. That is a movie we'll have to see. I love movies with lotsa cats in them! And birds, I love watching birds...mmmm birds...oh sorry, I lost my train of thought....

Guess what! My VET appnt got canceled. I got a reprieve!

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

That sounds like a very cool movie. :) Great review! There's probably no Sphynx in it, though.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Hmm, maybe we'll have to send mom out to get dis movie. We love cartoons and movies wif cats so dis would be a good one fur us.

Captain Jack and Sir Dante said...

Ginger cats are quite princely - just ask ol' Squint over there! Sorry Dante, but it had to be said! You are quite full of yourself sitting around winking at everyone. Sigh - Love Captain Jack

PS - You should let our Mommy borrow the movie so we can watch it!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Terrific review...we are hooked on your reviews. You are gonna be our next Roger Ebel!

Purrs
Abby

Daisy said...

I never watched any anime before. This movie sounds great, though. You done a good review!

Forty Paws said...

This sounds like a wonderful movie!

Luf, Us

HRH Yao-Lin said...

wow what a great rview. I must watch this film! The land of cats..ah, one can only dream!! z

Jimmy Joe said...

Oooo, that sounds like a good movie. Of course she gets a crush on the Baron--the ladies like the ginger, oh yeah.
Your buddy, Jimmy Joe

Sassy Kat said...

Two paws up, wow. This is a must see. Thanks for the review and the heads up.

Mickey's Musings said...

Cool review.Mom does not watch many movies,so it's good to have someone review movies for us ;)
I like watching birds,I do it every day,heehee

Queen Snickers, Empress and Princess Renna said...

OH, Thanks for the review! My beans are huge anime fans and momma loves Spirited Away! She is going to get daddy to go get it tonight.

Hot(M)BC said...

Cat movie! That's purrfect!
Purrrrrrrrs,
Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree and Pepi

PB 'n J said...

Thanks for the great review - it sounds like a good movie. And it's about a kitty, even better!

Sassy Kat said...

I stopped in to remind you that tomorrow is Opus & Roscoe's Mafia Movie Marathon in Italy. They will posting photos of their guests who come in costume. If you don't want to dress up that is OK. Oh boy another all day party!!!

Oh I almost forgot, I am bringing some bootleg gin & beer with me that I picked up while I was visiting Chicago. Hope to see you there.

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

Great review! I heard of the movie some time ago but SS couldn't get it for me. Maybe she can prevail on her friend working in Hong Kong to look for it. Is it in English or has subtitles?

The Misadventures Of Me said...

Mommy bean says shes goin to hafs to find thats movie for us alls to watchs.

Sassy Kat said...

Stopped by to let you know that there is a new ballot for the soap title. Voting will start Monday at 11:00 am est and end Tuesday at 9:00 pm est. There were so many entries that there are two ballots so be sure to look at both of them but please vote for only one title.

Myst and Blackie said...

Mom's Neice asked for this DVD for Christmas (along with Pom Poko too). Since you gave it such a good review, Mom will have to look for it online.

Ghost