I wish, I really wish I liked it better. I mean, I know from the synopsis that it's not that much original or innovative storyline but yet I still have hope for it. It is still good because of the duration, it's not dragging... but I think it could be better.
The elements are just way too "familiar" and therefore I felt like nothing new is presented by the movie, I must say it feels a little bit of "Alice In The Wonderland" and then some other fairy tales at the other scenes, like... 'hey, it reminds me of...' moments keep happening to me. I thought at least there'd be anything new. But there's none...
The characters also, are not so memorable... , I mean I can get a grasp of their personalities but there is nothing like, impressive... it's like each character personality are adopted from some other characters produced before in another movie.
I'm sorry, but I really think it could be better. Or, I'm just not the target audience for this movie. Maybe...
The Cat Returns
2002 [JAPANESE]
Action / Adventure / Animation / Comedy / Family / Fantasy / Romance
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
It Could Be Better
Beautiful film.
Delightful and charming - these two words sum up this film perfectly. My only gripe is that the story takes a little bit to kick into gear, but when it does you find yourself utterly drawn into the magical world this tale inhabits. And an utterly bizarre tale this is, with enough laughs, emotion and poignant moments anyone could want.
With beautiful animation, appealing character design and a wonderfully fitting score, Neko no Ongaeshi is now amongst my favorite animated pieces. For anime buffs, animated film buffs, ANYONE - I can't recommend this highly enough.
imaginative and fun
Nothing is going right for Japanese teen Haru. She saves a cat from getting run over by a truck. The cat walks upright and thanks her. Later, a procession carrying the Cat King formally thanks her with promises of gifts for saving his son Prince Lune's life. The cat gifts are numerous and not necessarily to Haru's liking. The boxes of live mice are especially bothersome. The King's minion Natoru offers to take her to the Cat Kingdom and have her marry Prince Lune. Haru objects too late. A voice tells her to seek out the Cat Bureau. The Bureau consists of dashing cat figurine Baron, chubby cat Muta, and crow Toto. Haru is taken to the Cat Kingdom where she is slowly turning into a cat.
This is a follow up to 'Whisper of the Heart' where Baron was introduced. This is a much more fanciful fantasy and more fun. It is funny to fat shame Muta. The whole idea of a real fantasy cat world strikes me as hilarious fodder. I find this better than the original and more compelling. There is a drawback with the Cat King. It's never really explained why he wanted to take Haru to the Cat Kingdom other than it simply struck his fancy. Nevertheless, this is light charming fun.