AnimeSuki Forums

Lord Raiden · 2004-10-02, 09:58

I got the rather surprising opportunity today to watch a Studio Ghibli film that I had never heard of before called "The Cat Returns". It's not one of their best films and is a little short only running one hour and fifteen minutes (15 min less than the standard 90min minimum running time of most films) but it was in no way less enjoyable. The charecters were entertaining an engaging, the humor was great, and the adventure was fun. The concept of cats talking and the kingdom of cats was quite interesting too and well portrayed I believe. I wondered why I hadn't heard about this film before, but upon further research it turns out that it only came out in 2002. I can't find any R1 dvd's of it yet (it's licenced under the disney-tokuma deal), but it is available in R2 dvd, subs file is available courtesy of AXP (sorry, no linkage as I only my friend has the original subs file) if you really wanna watch it. If anything, I highly suggest you do go get this film, it's easly a 9/10 rated film in my book.

Has anyone seen this film yet? It's not a Miyazaki film, but instead is directed by Hiroyuki MORITA. The storyline/genre is fantasy adventure. It's definatley worth getting and watching I believe.

I'm going to keep hunting for someone who's selling the DVD's and report back if I find it, because even though I can't afford it right now, I'm most certainly going to add this one to my collection.

MartAnimE · 2004-10-02, 10:07

Yeah, I've seen it! It's wonderful! So light-hearted! It's the kind of movie that makes you feel happy

It also has some references to a previous Miyazaki/Ghibli movie called "Whisper of the heart" have you heard about it? It's a rather old movie... The characters of the Baron and Mootah (?) are also mentioned in that movie, so you get to know a little of their background, but they're not really main characters in "Whisper of the Heart". Also I think the main character from "The cat returns", the girl (what's her name?) has a really silly voice, it makes you laugh just to hear it!

And the ending song it's beautiful! It totallly reflects the mood of the movie!

stormy001_M1A2 · 2004-10-02, 10:40

It is charming, relaxing anime movie. It has it's moments but it lack the drive and imagination of Spirited Away or Nausicca.

AnimeOni · 2004-10-02, 10:50

Cat Returns is a spin off story from Whisper of the Heart. In Whisper of the Heart, it gives the background behind the Baron.

BTW, the girl's name is Shizuku Tsukishima

If you want to know more about the Baron...

Spoiler:

As to Muta

Spoiler:

darkchibi07 · 2004-10-02, 13:28

I'm surprised that the character designs of this Ghibli film are a lot more eye-candy than usual.

Lord Raiden · 2004-10-02, 13:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnimeOni

Cat Returns is a spin off story from Whisper of the Heart. In Whisper of the Heart, it gives the background behind the Baron.

Wow, I didn't even know about that film and I call myself an anime otaku! o_0

I checked out the details on it and it looks good. I'm going to have to round me up a copy of it. If it's as good as this movie it sould be very enjoyable!

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkchibi07

I'm surprised that the character designs of this Ghibli film are a lot more eye-candy than usual.

How so? I didn't think they looked all that key candy'ish myself. I think they were very well drawn though.

FarthingRedFox · 2004-10-02, 14:56

can any1 post sum screen shots of teh movie
maybe some of the girl in her anthro cat form

darkchibi07 · 2004-10-02, 15:23

I mean eye-candy where the characters has the "usual big anime eyes like every other anime series" than the usual "Ghibli" character designs where the eyes are small and black.

Lord Raiden · 2004-10-02, 17:21

Oh, ok. When you said eye-candy I was thinking like flashy effects and cool layouts and the like. hehe.

Za Paper · 2004-10-04, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Raiden

Wow, I didn't even know about that film and I call myself an anime otaku! o_0

Haha, seriously, if you havent seen every Miyazaki movie you cant call yourself an otaku.

Proto · 2009-12-17, 00:34

I just watched this movie myself, and although I have not yet watched all of Ghibli films, I can confidently that at least it's at least the best I've seen from them so far. The playful nature of the whole story, the sincerity and naive charm that the protagonist exudes, her friends and quirky antagonist just got to me. Everything coupled with Ghinli's usual great OST, and a great ending zone, Kaze ni Naru.
he ha
Some context of what can one expect: For the people who liked the human talking to cats plot background point found in Nyan Koi but where disgusted by how the series eventually devolved into harem, this movie is a must check.

Theowne · 2009-12-17, 02:21

The newbie director did a great job of trying to match the wonderful sense of imagination that Miyazaki's films do with such effortlessness. While I personally wouldn't rate it on the level of some of Ghibli's best, it's far better than, say, "Tales from Earthsea", which was also by a newbie director at the studio.

Have you watched Whisper, by the way, Proto? That's sort of the spiritual prequel to this one, and it is my favourite film, period.

Quote:

Ghinli's usual great OST

Indeed. The soundtrack was composed by Yuji Nomi, who unfortunately only has two Ghibli films under his belt, but his music, particularly the lovely orchestration, is so well-done that it's a shame he isn't more used.

wandering-dreamer · 2009-12-17, 22:14

I remember seeing this one about a year back since my mom, brother and I are complete Ghibli fans. I liked it quiet a bit even if it was lighter than some of the other fare that Ghibli has put out. Very cute and I was tickled to see how it was the story within the story of Whisper of the Hear.

Proto · 2009-12-17, 22:41

Quote:

Have you watched Whisper, by the way, Proto? That's sort of the spiritual prequel to this one, and it is my favourite film, period.

I have. It is usual Ghibli quality, but unfortunately I didn't find the characters that compelling or the story that appealing. I guess I have a knack for super natural elements and high fantasy, hence why I found this to be on the lower side in my personal Ghibli ranking. Which is pretty high anyway when compared to the rest of the anime movies i've seen anyway.

2004-10-02, 09:58	Link #1
Lord Raiden Uber Coffee for da win! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Middle of insanity	The Cat Returns (Neko no Ongaeshi) - Another amazing Ghibli film!! I got the rather surprising opportunity today to watch a Studio Ghibli film that I had never heard of before called "The Cat Returns". It's not one of their best films and is a little short only running one hour and fifteen minutes (15 min less than the standard 90min minimum running time of most films) but it was in no way less enjoyable. The charecters were entertaining an engaging, the humor was great, and the adventure was fun. The concept of cats talking and the kingdom of cats was quite interesting too and well portrayed I believe. I wondered why I hadn't heard about this film before, but upon further research it turns out that it only came out in 2002. I can't find any R1 dvd's of it yet (it's licenced under the disney-tokuma deal), but it is available in R2 dvd, subs file is available courtesy of AXP (sorry, no linkage as I only my friend has the original subs file) if you really wanna watch it. If anything, I highly suggest you do go get this film, it's easly a 9/10 rated film in my book. Has anyone seen this film yet? It's not a Miyazaki film, but instead is directed by Hiroyuki MORITA. The storyline/genre is fantasy adventure. It's definatley worth getting and watching I believe. I'm going to keep hunting for someone who's selling the DVD's and report back if I find it, because even though I can't afford it right now, I'm most certainly going to add this one to my collection. __________________ Visit my new writing website at: www.realmsofimagination.net

2004-10-02, 10:07	Link #2
MartAnimE willingness to die Join Date: May 2004	Yeah, I've seen it! It's wonderful! So light-hearted! It's the kind of movie that makes you feel happy It also has some references to a previous Miyazaki/Ghibli movie called "Whisper of the heart" have you heard about it? It's a rather old movie... The characters of the Baron and Mootah (?) are also mentioned in that movie, so you get to know a little of their background, but they're not really main characters in "Whisper of the Heart". Also I think the main character from "The cat returns", the girl (what's her name?) has a really silly voice, it makes you laugh just to hear it! And the ending song it's beautiful! It totallly reflects the mood of the movie! Last edited by MartAnimE; 2004-10-10 at 12:57.

2004-10-02, 10:40	Link #3
stormy001_M1A2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	It is charming, relaxing anime movie. It has it's moments but it lack the drive and imagination of Spirited Away or Nausicca. __________________ My Anime Blog

2004-10-02, 10:50	Link #4
AnimeOni Raid-the-mods Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sol System	Cat Returns is a spin off story from Whisper of the Heart. In Whisper of the Heart, it gives the background behind the Baron. BTW, the girl's name is Shizuku Tsukishima If you want to know more about the Baron... Spoiler: The Baron was the Cat Statue in Mr. Nishi's shop. The Baron was purchased as a pair when Mr. Nishi was in Paris. unforunately, the female pair was damaged and was waiting for repairs. Louise waited for the female pair to be fixed as Nishi returned to Japan. War broke out and both 'pairs' were seperated forever. Shizuku uses the Baron as the main character in ther story. She uses Nishi's story as the background for her own story and the history of the Baron. You will see this in the Cat Returns. As to Muta Spoiler: He was the cat that roams the city where Shizuku lives. Nobody knows where he goes but we get an idea in the Cat Returns. He was the Guide that leads Shizuku to the Nishi's shop. He goes by many names such as Moon. You see that he is the guide. Notice the similarities between how he leads both leading girls through the back allies.

2004-10-02, 14:56	Link #7
FarthingRedFox Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004	can any1 post sum screen shots of teh movie maybe some of the girl in her anthro cat form __________________ LUCKY WAN! Puuchi (Mr.Driller)-

2004-10-02, 13:28	Link #5
darkchibi07 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Age: 28	I'm surprised that the character designs of this Ghibli film are a lot more eye-candy than usual.

2004-10-02, 15:23	Link #8
darkchibi07 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Age: 28	I mean eye-candy where the characters has the "usual big anime eyes like every other anime series" than the usual "Ghibli" character designs where the eyes are small and black.

2004-10-02, 17:21	Link #9
Lord Raiden Uber Coffee for da win! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Middle of insanity	Oh, ok. When you said eye-candy I was thinking like flashy effects and cool layouts and the like. hehe. __________________ Visit my new writing website at: www.realmsofimagination.net

2009-12-17, 00:34	Link #11
Proto Knowledge is the solution Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: U. of Pittsburgh, Previously in Mexico City. Age: 28	I just watched this movie myself, and although I have not yet watched all of Ghibli films, I can confidently that at least it's at least the best I've seen from them so far. The playful nature of the whole story, the sincerity and naive charm that the protagonist exudes, her friends and quirky antagonist just got to me. Everything coupled with Ghinli's usual great OST, and a great ending zone, Kaze ni Naru. he ha Some context of what can one expect: For the people who liked the human talking to cats plot background point found in Nyan Koi but where disgusted by how the series eventually devolved into harem, this movie is a must check. __________________ How to play Japanese games in Linux

2009-12-17, 22:14	Link #13
wandering-dreamer reads too much Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: in bed with lots of plushies	I remember seeing this one about a year back since my mom, brother and I are complete Ghibli fans. I liked it quiet a bit even if it was lighter than some of the other fare that Ghibli has put out. Very cute and I was tickled to see how it was the story within the story of Whisper of the Hear. __________________ If it has a plot I have something to say about it! Twitter time!