The Cat Returns

Directed by: Hiroyuki Morita
Screenplay by: Reiko Yoshida
Based on: The Cat Returns by; Aoi Hiiragi
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki, Nozomu Takahashi
Starring: Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Tetsu Watanabe, Yosuke Saito, Aki Maeda, Tetsuro Tamba
Music by: Yuji Nomi
Production company: Studio Ghibli
Release date: July 20, 2002
Content: Youth

Plot: Haru Yoshioka, a reserved yet honourable high school student, possesses a hidden talent for communicating with cats. When she rescues a cat from a dangerous situation, she discovers that the feline is actually Lune, the Prince of the Cat Kingdom. In gratitude, the cats shower Haru with unwanted presents like catnip and mice, and she is unexpectedly proposed to by the Prince. Despite her hesitant response, it is interpreted as an acceptance.

Haru doesn't want any of this, but then she hears a gentle female voice advising her to find Muta, a big white cat, and ask him for directions to the Cat Bureau. Muta guides her to meet Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (the same Baron from Whisper of the Heart), who is a cat figurine brought to life by his artist, and Toto, a stone raven who also comes to life like Baron. Shortly after meeting them, Haru and Muta are forcibly taken to the Cat Kingdom, while Toto and Baron stay in the human world and follow the group from above. They discover the entrance to the Cat Kingdom on Earth: five lakes forming a cat's paw.

Haru enjoys a lavish meal at the Cat King's castle. Slowly, she starts to transform into a cat, with fangs, whiskers, a tan tail, paws, and cat ears and nose, while still mostly human. The King hopes she will be a suitable bride for the Prince. During the feast, Baron (in disguise) dances with Haru as part of the entertainment. He tells her that the more she loses herself in the kingdom, the more catlike she will become, and that she needs to believe in herself.

When Baron is discovered and forced to fight the guards, he and Haru are aided by Yuki, a white cat maiden in the palace who had previously tried to warn Haru to leave the Cat Kingdom. After Yuki shows them an escape tunnel, Haru, Baron, and Muta navigate through a maze to a tower that contains a portal to Haru's world. The King makes several attempts to keep them in the kingdom long enough for Haru to remain trapped in her cat form; his ultimate plan is to force her to become his daughter-in-law.

End of Spoilers

HOME SCRIPTURE BOOK REVIEWS POETRY RECIPES GARDENS FILM REVIEWS	The Cat Returns Directed by: Hiroyuki Morita Screenplay by: Reiko Yoshida Based on: The Cat Returns by; Aoi Hiiragi Produced by: Toshio Suzuki, Nozomu Takahashi Starring: Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Tetsu Watanabe, Yosuke Saito, Aki Maeda, Tetsuro Tamba Music by: Yuji Nomi Production company: Studio Ghibli Release date: July 20, 2002 Content: Youth Plot: Haru Yoshioka, a reserved yet honourable high school student, possesses a hidden talent for communicating with cats. When she rescues a cat from a dangerous situation, she discovers that the feline is actually Lune, the Prince of the Cat Kingdom. In gratitude, the cats shower Haru with unwanted presents like catnip and mice, and she is unexpectedly proposed to by the Prince. Despite her hesitant response, it is interpreted as an acceptance. Haru doesn't want any of this, but then she hears a gentle female voice advising her to find Muta, a big white cat, and ask him for directions to the Cat Bureau. Muta guides her to meet Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (the same Baron from Whisper of the Heart), who is a cat figurine brought to life by his artist, and Toto, a stone raven who also comes to life like Baron. Shortly after meeting them, Haru and Muta are forcibly taken to the Cat Kingdom, while Toto and Baron stay in the human world and follow the group from above. They discover the entrance to the Cat Kingdom on Earth: five lakes forming a cat's paw. Haru enjoys a lavish meal at the Cat King's castle. Slowly, she starts to transform into a cat, with fangs, whiskers, a tan tail, paws, and cat ears and nose, while still mostly human. The King hopes she will be a suitable bride for the Prince. During the feast, Baron (in disguise) dances with Haru as part of the entertainment. He tells her that the more she loses herself in the kingdom, the more catlike she will become, and that she needs to believe in herself. When Baron is discovered and forced to fight the guards, he and Haru are aided by Yuki, a white cat maiden in the palace who had previously tried to warn Haru to leave the Cat Kingdom. After Yuki shows them an escape tunnel, Haru, Baron, and Muta navigate through a maze to a tower that contains a portal to Haru's world. The King makes several attempts to keep them in the kingdom long enough for Haru to remain trapped in her cat form; his ultimate plan is to force her to become his daughter-in-law. End of Spoilers Review: This is a clever story of mismatched love and aggressive courtship. The protagonist, Haru Yoshioka, is a likeable and charming young girl. Who seems to be on the look out for a suitable boy friend. While, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (the same Baron from Whisper of the Heart), is a dashing and aloof male cat. Could there be sparks? I'll let you decide for yourself. The film would be great for a family Saturday night with, you should guess by now, plenty of popcorn. MJ Flack