The Cat Returns [G]

For Haru, life is not going as smoothly as it could be. She’s always late for school, is laughed at by her classmates, and is a little clumsy to boot. But when she saves the life of a strange cat, her worst problems just start beginning. So overcome with gratitude, the Cat King, whose son was the cat Haru saved, sends her a multitude of inappropriate gifts, including a proposal of marriage to his son, the Cat Prince. Along with the dashing Baron and the overweight Muta, Haru embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime to escape from the Cat Kingdom and learn to be at peace with herself. 

I will admit that I am a little bit under the influence right now and that may have some effect on my perception and response the to this film. It’s isn’t Hayao Miyazaki, but it is Studio Ghibli, which brought us such anime classics as Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. Anything from Studio Ghibli is lovely cinema and this is another anime classic that I am proud and elated to have watched. 

For Haru, life is not going as smoothly as it could be. She’s always late for school, is laughed at by her classmates, and is a little bit clumsy to boot. But when she saves the life of a strange cat, her worst problems just start beginning. So overcome with gratitude, the Cat King, whose son was the cat that Haru saved, sends her a multitude of inappropriate gifts, including a proposal of marriage to his son, the Cat Prince. Along with the dashing Baron and the overweight Muta, Haru embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime to escape from the Cat Kingdom and learn to be at peace with herself. 

I have to say that I have always loved cats and to see this film give cats a voice and personified life of their own was admirable and lovely. The story is a wonderfully original idea filled with fantasy, drama, and subtle romance. The Sydney Morning Herald said it “has a sweet charm and an old-fashioned storyteller’s feel” and I completely agree with that as the film is rather quick, but covers everything from romance, to action, to drama, suspense, and escape. 

I will admit though that, although the story was wholly original and wonderfully refreshing, the film did have one or two flaws: the subtle, yet slightly annoying fact that the Baron has fingers instead of paws, and the most anticlimactic swordfight in the history of cinema; lasting for a record of less that one minute. Aside from these minor details, The Cat Returns was a lovely little anime film that had an original story and loveable characters. 

Featuring the voice talents Anne Hathaway, Carey Elwes, Peter Boyle, Elliot Gould, Judy Greer, Avril Lavigne, Kristen Bell, and Tim Curry, The Cat Returns is a lovely anime classic from Studio Ghibli that’s filled with fantasy, romance, action, and loveable characters. I thought this movie was awesome!