The lines regarding this seemed forced or added on as a mere afterthought. Haru is as wishy-washy as they come, and the theme of her personal growth throughout the film just doesn't stick at all. Unfortunately, the main character is not one such person. Several of the main cast of The Cat Returns are extremely well-developed and interesting. First and foremost is the remarkably large gap in characterization.
The cat returns haru full#
So, what stops this title from getting full marks? There's quite a few flaws in the overall make-up that detract from the overall effect of the film. Overall, this isn't a bad way to spend an hour or so. From kitty-cat secret-service agents to the "Puma" golf bag the king carries, there's plenty to amuse and amaze.
The cat returns haru movie#
The best way to view this movie (and after watching through it three or four times over, I've had chance to experiment) is simply to sit back and enjoy all the finer details. The musical accompaniment is light, whimsical, and suits just right without ever being over-bearing. The overall affect is much more reminiscent of traditional cel animation. While there are a handful of scenes where CGI is apparent, you won't see a lot of fancy effects here. But on the flip side we have the magical cat kingdom where everything is wonderfully surreal. In many scenes we're treated to incredibly detailed scenes of Tokyo, you can even recognize individual streets.
And while I can't say that The Cat Returns is my favorite of their releases, I certainly don't think anyone will be sticking a negative label on the piece anytime soon. If a feature is anything LESS than breath-taking it's considered a disappointment. I think it goes without saying that when it comes to Studio Ghibli titles ( Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro) that a certain level of quality is expected. It's now up to the rag-tag members of the so-called Cat Business Office to rescue Haru before she ends up eating mice for the rest of her life. Just when Haru thinks everything is going to turn out fine after all, the royal entourage shows up and sweeps her off to their empire. Marrying a feline wasn't exactly on Haru's to-do list, so, following some anonymous advice, she seeks out the help of the "Cat's Business Office". It turns out she didn't save just any cat.but the prince of the cat kingdom! In order to show their respect, the kingdom of cats bestows many gifts upon Haru and eventually asks her to come to their lands and marry the prince.
One day after school, Haru, your average high-schooler, heroically saves a cat from being run over. The film is based on the novel Neko no Danshaku, Baron (literally "Baron, the Cat Baron") by Hiiragi Aoi. The film is only referenced once though, and you can enjoy The Cat Returns without having seen Whisper. Notes: The movie would probably be more appropriately titled "The Cats Return." Both the Baron and Muta appear in another Studio Ghibli title, Whisper of the Heart. I'm Standing On A Million Lives (Season One, part 2)ĭistributor: Currently licensed by GKids.Īlso Recommended: Whisper of the Heart, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service