a.k.a. Neko No Ongaeshi (Japanese)
Directed by: Hiroyuki Morita
Format: DVD
DVD Features:
Starring (voices): Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Tetsu Watanabe, Takayuki Yamada
Trailer
For several years during my adolescence, I was fully devoted to Anime (ah-nee-meh), or Japanese Animation. My obsession started with Otomo's Akira and, back then, there wasn't any other way to view it aside from third-generation VHS copies, in the original language and sans subtitles. So, for a while, I'd sit in a church basement with my fellow Otaku and make fourth-generation copies. Ah...nostalgia. These days, we have things like DVDs and the internet. So, coming from the perspective of having been into the genre during that period of my life, watching anime seems a bit juvenile to me now. From time to time though, I like to revisit the land of Shojo and Hentai (okay, maybe not-so-much the Hentai) and recall just how magical it can be.
The Cat Returns is about an average teenaged girl named Haru (Ikewaki). One day, on her way home from school, she saves a cat from being flattened in the street. She's shocked when the feline stands up on his hind legs, brushes himself off and speaks a thank you to her. That night, she witnesses a bizarre procession of cats who stop in front of her door to announce that the fortunate creature she saved earlier that day is the prince of the cat kingdom! The following morning, Haru is treated to an overflow of gifts that would be perfect for any housecat, but a little disturbing for a young girl; catnip, boxes of mice, and the prince's hand in marriage! Not excited about the prospect of marrying outside her species, she seeks help from Baron (Hakamada) and Muta (Watanabe) who come to her rescue.
The characters in The Cat Returns are certainly adorable, if you're a cat person. Baron is a debonair toy cat who's come to life. He has a large, living raven statue for a friend and a rather scrappy, fat companion cat named Muta. The two of them are consistently trading insults! Yuki is a pretty little maid cat who also lends a paw to Haru's cause. When they're in their element, all of the kitties trot around on their hind legs, wearing clothes. Some of my favorite side characters are the king's bodyguards - tuxedo-colored cats who kick the neighborhood strays out of the way. Not all of the cats in this story are the same though, and I couldn't figure out why. It appears that some cats are gifted with human speech and mannerisms, while others are just normal cats. I couldn't really sympathize with Haru at all though. It seems like a delightful gift to be able to live as a cat and she's hardly appreciative of the Cat Kingdom's efforts to find suitable presents for her.
This film is a directorial debut for Hiroyuki Morita, though he's worked as animator on familiar titles like Gunsmith Cats and Tenchi Muyo. The movie reminded me a great deal of Hayao Miyazaki's work (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke), but without his focus on environmental issues and sweeping drama. The Cat Returns does have a nice moral though, which is "believe in yourself". The animation is smooth and not heavily reliant on CGI. The character design is not overly "bug-eyed" or astoundingly odd.
Although by no means is all Anime suitable for children, The Cat Returns is an all-ages adventure. The tale moves along fairly quickly and, except for a few small quirks, is easy to follow. There are no giant robots or magical transformations. So, be aware, if your taste in film runs toward mechs or sailor-girls. If you've enjoyed films like the Miyazaki works mentioned above, you won't be disappointed with this one.
*A note on language: Regardless of what language a movie happens to be filmed in, I have made it a rule to be appreciative of the original actors. As such, whenever possible, I view the subtitled version. I'm also a bit leery of the translations in some instances and it's nice to have the authentic soundtrack available. All movies reviewed on this site were viewed with their original audio track.*
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Hottie Rating: 0 stars
Alternate Recommendation: My Neighbor Totoro (a.k.a. Tonari No Totoro)
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