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The Cat Returns Actors: Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada Director: Hiroyuki Morita Number of Items: 2 Format: Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen Audience Rating: G (General Audience) Running Time: 75 minutes Studio: Buena Vista Home Vid Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2005-02-22 Buy from Amazon |
 ""The Cat Returns" One of Studio Ghibli's Lesser Achievements"Being a longtime fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, when I saw "The Cat Returns" advertised on Disney's recent DVD release of Miyazaki's "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind", I knew I had to buy it. Like "Nausicaa", it boasted a star-studded English cast contributing their vocal talents, and of course all the digital magic the big black ears could fund. Nevertheless, despite all the effort taken to bring "The Cat Returns" to American viewers, it proved to be a lesser child birthed of Studio Ghibli's usually fertile and exceptional visions. That is not to say that "The Cat Returns" is a bad film; in fact, compared to much of what is released as children's entertainment nowadays, it is actually very good. But in comparison with what Studio Ghibli has done in the past, what preceded "Cat" and what came afterward, it does not quite meet what I would consider the Ghibli standard. Animated pieces such as "Grave of the Fireflies", "My Neighbor Totoro", and the aforementioned epic "Nausicaa" had more than a singular endearing quality that pummeled them forward as films tour de force. Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have distinct reputations for releasing animated features that are masterpieces of storytelling, animation, music soundtracks, and everything in between; and while "The Cat Returns" is an imaginative tale, with very nice animation and a lovely, unusual music score, for the veteran Ghibli fan it concludes almost with a sense of something missing. Young Haru (voiced by Anne Hathaway), a typically unfocused high school student, unintentionally transforms her life by rescuing a very genteel cat from certain death. This cat turns out to be the Prince of the Cat Kingdom, Lune, who thanks her verbally for the deed rendered. Yet it is not only Lune who decides to express his appreciation to the still-shocked Haru, for late at night his father, the King (Tim Curry), personally makes a trip out to her house with an extensive feline enterouge. During that strange meeting, Haru learns that she is to wed Lune as reward for her daring rescue. Realizing quickly that she has no desire to marry a cat, Haru is led mysteriously to the Cat Bureau where she meets the Baron (Cary Elwes), a very proper and nattily-dressed cat statuette who has come to life. Determined to assist Haru from this unquestionably awful predicament, the Baron and his companions follow her to the Cat Kingdom where, after many strange adventures, she is finally released from her "reward" and returns home a much more self-assured girl. While "Cat" contains many of the elements that have helped propel so many other Studio Ghibli films to indisputed "classic" status, those same elements somehow never managed to congeal as firmly in this final product. The first half of the movie starts out strong: an everyday-girl kind of character, very likeable, stumbles into sudden fantasy and adventure of a particularly surreal variety. However, the second half of the movie lacks a definite focus, and borders at times upon being silly. Also, the animation is not as breathtaking as in other films; and while Hiroyuki Morita is not an untalented director, he certainly must still bow to Miyazaki in that regard. Consequently, "The Cat Returns" (in my opinion) was an entertaining watch but by no means earns the same respect as "Nausicaa", "Totoro", or "Fireflies". It's more on par with "Laputa: Castle in the Sky"--another fine movie but certainly not one of Ghibli's greats. The documentaries and making-of included in Disney's two-disc set I actually almost found to be more interesting. Adults may find it cute yet somewhat shallow, but certainly this movie will be a hit with young children, especially those who already have an affinity for cats and other animal friends.  "Wonderful movie!!!"The Cat Returns was made by a studio in Japan which I and many many other people love, Studio Ghibli. The Cat Returns is a magical movie and will take anybody (no matter the age!) through a magical adventure! I don't like to spoil the movie for people, so I rather say: Read the other reviews for a review on the movie, but read my review if you want to know if its going to be a good movie. And it is! I purchased it knowing it would be a good one because I enjoyed watching Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Kiki's Delivery Service. Also available from Studio Ghibli on Amazon! This movie is truly a touching tale... so purchase it today... you will not be regretful, at least, I wasn't. "An eminently likeable film"The purpose of this review is to encourage Amazon.com browsers to take a look at "The Cat Returns". Filled with likeable characters and lush watercolors, this is a real charmer of a movie. Other reviewers have indicated that this film doesn't show the same polish and elan of Ghibli films by Hayao Miyazaki. This is true, but at the same time, the film stands heads and shoulders above most of the drivel produced in both Japanese and American movie studios. Having spent several years in Japan, the opening scene, in which we are introduced to the heroine as she fumbles her way to school (not really a spoiler) not only acts as a cute way to introduce the main character, but, fyi, is deadly accurate in terms of realism. I rewatched the scene several times just because of the nostalgia it evoked. Think of the film as "Ghibli Lite" - less filling than stuff by the Master Miyazaki, but still filled with darn great taste. "really good"This cartoon is for children and adults alike. It takes people into a magical world where cats rule. It's really cute in a fairytale style, as they kidnap a highschool girl to reward her for rescuing a cat and she goes on a magical adventure. It's reallt cute. All the cats in it have defininte personalities and are neat.  "Fairly good, but not up to the expected standard"I've greatly enjoyed all of the other Ghibli features released by Disney, and am easily persuaded by the name Miyazaki on anything! So, even though Miyazaki was only credited with the "project concept", I was eager to get this DVD. Well, I don't regret the purchase or the viewing, but I have to say it's much the weakest of the bunch I've viewed. The story line is like a highly simplified and weaker version of "Spirited Away" in several respects, the animation and imagination are not the equal of any of the other features in the group, and character development is not near as deep. Even so, there are some good points. Muta and the Baron are amusing, and actually hint at more depth than does the heroine. Bits of the animation and colors in the picture are pretty good. Overall, not a good introduction to the worlds of Miyazaki. If you want an introduction to his great talent, stick with any one of the other features. If you have seen all of the other available features, and want more, you might find this one worth the price. |
