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.

The Cat Returns (2002)

Director: Hiroyuki Morita

Writers: Aoi Hîragi and Reiko Yoshida

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!