THE
CAT RETURNS: This is very different compared to other Studio Ghibli films --
for the better
One
day, Haru saves a cat from being hit by a truck. It turns out that the cat is
the prince of the Cat Kingdom. On hearing the news of Haru’s heroic deed, the
king personally expresses his gratitude by giving her gifts and whatnots. Haru
thinks that the cats are going a little overboard. But the king is just too
persistent, persistent enough to force her to be the princess.
This
is a Studio Ghibli film by Hiroyuki Morita. What I really like about Hiroyuki
Morita is that he shows the mundane in everyday things, creating a surreal
atmosphere. The overall impression is very different compared to Hayao Miyazaki’s
works. This difference is a good thing by the way. It gives variety to Studio
Ghibli.
The
first half of the film is the best example on how Morita incorporates the weird
with the ordinary. We get to see talking cats in the streets, and the people don’t
even know that they could talk. The fantasy just blends well with the regular
life. The style reminds me of the books by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. The
second half of the film gives us a full-on fantasy however.
Comparing
it to other Studio Ghibli films, the story structure of The Cat Returns also
stands out. It is very direct. The girl saves the prince. The king expresses
his gratitude and then goes a little overboard. Then the girl tries to escape.
That’s it. It doesn’t have subplots that could drive the story to different directions.
I’m not saying that having subplots is bad. I’m just saying that the
storytelling of The Cat Returns is very straightforward, and it’s a breath of
fresh air after watching Hayao Miyazaki films in a row.
There
are a couple of mysteries in the story too, and they add some flavour to the
direct storytelling. There are also a few minor conflicts here and there, and
they are often associated with comedy; this makes the film a light-hearted one
overall.
Another
thing I like is the characterization. Each prominent character leaves an
impression. Each is very distinct. Haru is your typical, laid-back high school
girl. Baron is probably the coolest cat in fiction next to the Cheshire cat.
Muta and his grumpiness is also fun to watch.
The
art is also admirable. It is not very detailed but not very bland to be
considered uninspired either. It’s somewhat similar to The Girl Who Leapt
Through Time. Also, the overall colour of the film is a bit washed out, giving
it a unique atmosphere. As for the music, I’m afraid I couldn’t remember much
about it. I was too entertained with the story, the art, and the characters to
give it particular attention. The only vague thing I can assure you is that it’s
not bad. I just don’t remember it being good either.
Overall,
The Cat Returns is a really good Studio Ghibli film. The storytelling and the
art style is very fresh for those who are used to the usual styles of Hayao
Miyazaki. The story, even though it’s very direct, also has a deeper level to
it. Its underlying messages of ‘being yourself’ is the best proof of that.
Related
posts:
Having now seen two of Miyazaki's films, Nausicaa and Mononoke, I am very more interested in any of Studio Ghibli films, and I will eventually to around to watching this one. Just from the pictures you have posted, I like the different artstyle compared to Studio Ghibli's other work. Thanks for recommending his work, I will try and comment with more of my thoughts of each of those films tomorrow hopefully.
ReplyDelete-James
Glad you're enjoying them! I think you should review the films in your blog too! But that's for you to decide. And yes, The Cat Returns is very different it terms of art style. And that just makes the experience better. It's refreshing.
DeleteI definitely plan to review the films on my blog, as well as several anime series I have seen. Hopefully, within the next two weeks, I will post my review for NGE or Code Geass, and then some Studio Ghibli film reviews after that.
Delete-James