Review of The Cat Returns

Background

The Cat Returns (猫の恩返) is a japanese animated drama film directed by Hiroyuki Morita of Studio Ghibli. The story based on the The Cat Returns by Aoi Hiiragi and reproduced by Studio Ghibli in 2002.Originally planned as a 20-minute short back in 1999, it was then turned into a manga by Aoi Hiiragi. After deliberations between Hayao Miyazaki and various other staff members, Morita became responsible for translating Hiiragi’s work into a film. It received an Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival.


In 1995, Studio Ghibli released a movie titled Whisper of the Heart (or If You Listen Closely), based on a manga by Aoi Hiiragi, about a young girl writing a fantasy novel. Although the girl's life had no magical elements, short fantasy scenes depicted what the girl was writing about. Those short scenes were so popular that fans demanded that a movie be made of the fictional girl's novel: that movie was The Cat Returns.

About

Haru is a teenage schoolgirl who saves a cat from being hit by a truck. It's not just any cat though, but Lune , son of the "King of the Kingdom of Cats". Things start to get weird for Haru when she's told that "the King is expecting Prince Lune to accept Miss Haru as his bride." She soon finds herself imprisoned in the Kingdom of Cats, with only her own wits and the dashing Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen to aid her escape.

Characters

Haru
A young girl and the protagonist of the film

Baron Humbert von Gikkingen
a cat statue with a soul and owner of the Cat Bureau. Previously appearing in Whisper of the Heart, he serves as this film's deuteragonist

 Muta
A fat, cynical cat who leads Haru to the Baron

Prince Lune

The Cat King's son. He shares his father's odd eyes, but unlike his father, he is a well-mannered and orderly person.

Yuki

A beautiful white servant cat of the Cat Kingdom

 

Toto

A statue of a raven who comes alive, much like the Baron. Though friends with Muta, he enjoys making cynical comments at the latter's expense. He shares a tritagonist role with Muta.

The Cat King
King of the Cat Kingdom and the main adversary. He is portrayed as rude and slightly demented. He is notable for his heterochromatic eyes and the cat eye opal he wears on his forehead.

Review

The Cat Returns is a short but sweet movie; it has a simple and exciting storyline and is suitable for everyone. The colourful and cute characters would attract viewers, especially children. The good use of colours creates a clear distinction between the ‘fantasy‘ elements and the ‘realistic‘ setting. The amazing soundtrack is another successful part of the movie, as it is a perfect match for the mood of the story and leads you to further immerse yourself into the movie. The story is pretty meaningful – the girl has to escape from the Cat Kingdom with her cat 'friends' – and it shows the importance of friendship, as they help each other to escape and try going back to reality. This is an enjoyable movie produced by Studio Ghibli and I recommend it to everyone.




References:
Wikipedia
Studio Ghibli Wiki
Online Ghibli
Youtube
Google Images




Post by Kenneth