A short, interesting, fun movie. That’s the best way I can describe The Cat Returns. If you ever need a good pick-me-up type movie, and have an hour and fifteen minutes, then I highly suggest this wonderful movie.
The reason I’m making such a big deal about it is that it seems one of the lesser-known Studio Ghibli films. True, it’s not directed by either of the two head honchos of Studio Ghibli – Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata – which is an obvious reason for it not being as well know. Yet this doesn’t make it any less of a movie. This is Hiroyuki Morita’s first time directing, and I’d have to say that he did a very good job.
For those of you that don’t know much about The Cat Returns, I’ll give a brief overview. The main character, Haru is an ordinary schoolgirl (aren’t they all?). She’s late getting up, she’s depressed over her feelings for a guy that doesn’t seem to notice her, she’s just basically your typical teenage girl. Yet when she saves a cat from being hit by a truck, her life is turned upside down as she learns that the cat can talk! After being visited by the Cat King, who eventually invites her to his kingdom, she realizes that she doesn’t want to go, and finds the help of the Cat Bureau, which consists of the fat, grumpy cat Muta, the stone crow statue with a soul, Toto, and the Cat doll who’s alive, Baron Humbert Von Gikkemgen, or Baron for short.
Those of you that have seen the great movie Whisper of the Heart, will recognize the Baron, as well as Muta, although Muta looks slightly different in this movie. In Whisper of the Heart (another lesser-known Studio Ghibli movie), the main character Shizumo writes a story about the Baron, whom she sees in an antique shop, which is the basis for the story of The Cat Returns.
I know that many of you by now are thinking that this movie is probably just a little kid story, that won’t be interesting for anyone over the age of six. And that’s what I believe is the problem that makes this movie so underrated. Many people look at it, and think that it is just a little kid story. While the story may be childish, it doesn’t make it any less fun and interesting. That is why this movie is perfect for a short little pick-me-up. Unlike most other Studio Ghibli films which have many deep meanings that can only be found by the person who watches them, The Cat Returns is more of a fairy tale; one that is both fun and interesting, and that can be enjoyed by all ages.
So in conclusion, I highly suggest watching this movie. And not just because it’s so good, but also that it’s by a new director in Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki and Takahata will have to retire some time, so you might as well begin looking at one of the directors that may be filling their shoes. That’s not to say that the movie isn’t worth watching anyways of course!
