I have watched a number of Studio Ghibli movies in my time and all of them I?ve enjoyed, with the possible exception of Tales from Earthsea.
I recently saw another and so decide to write a review, while it was still fresh in my mind.
The Cat Returns is a story of a young high school girl named Haru who one day saves the life of a cat which was crossing the street. Much to her surprise the cat actually speaks to her and thanks her for doing so. Later that night she finds a procession of bipedal cats all outside her home waiting for her. It turns out that the cat she saved was the son of their king and he wished to thank her personally for it.
I would say more of the plot but that would be spoiling things.
From a story perspective this is a fairly simple story, perhaps even the most bare-bones story Studio Ghibli have come up with yet. Despite that I never found myself unable to enjoy the film. The pacing was good and there were no gaping plot hole that ruined my experience of the film.
In terms of animation this film is once again a great achievement from Miyazaki. While it may not have the same level of detail and fantastic visuals of it?s immediate predecessor, Spirited Away, it?s still very good animation that easily puts any 2D animation in the West in the last few years to shame. It?s simple but it?s good.
Now bear in mind that this is a very short film, about 75 minutes at most. But that doesn?t detract from the film at all. It stays for as long as it needs to show what it has to offer before going on it?s merry way.
Short but sweet I think is the best way to describe this film.
I recommend it to any fans of Studio Ghibli or to anyone who likes their animated stories to be simple and fun.
I recently saw another and so decide to write a review, while it was still fresh in my mind.
The Cat Returns is a story of a young high school girl named Haru who one day saves the life of a cat which was crossing the street. Much to her surprise the cat actually speaks to her and thanks her for doing so. Later that night she finds a procession of bipedal cats all outside her home waiting for her. It turns out that the cat she saved was the son of their king and he wished to thank her personally for it.
I would say more of the plot but that would be spoiling things.
From a story perspective this is a fairly simple story, perhaps even the most bare-bones story Studio Ghibli have come up with yet. Despite that I never found myself unable to enjoy the film. The pacing was good and there were no gaping plot hole that ruined my experience of the film.
In terms of animation this film is once again a great achievement from Miyazaki. While it may not have the same level of detail and fantastic visuals of it?s immediate predecessor, Spirited Away, it?s still very good animation that easily puts any 2D animation in the West in the last few years to shame. It?s simple but it?s good.
Now bear in mind that this is a very short film, about 75 minutes at most. But that doesn?t detract from the film at all. It stays for as long as it needs to show what it has to offer before going on it?s merry way.
Short but sweet I think is the best way to describe this film.
I recommend it to any fans of Studio Ghibli or to anyone who likes their animated stories to be simple and fun.
