The Cat Returns (2002)

Title: The Cat Returns
Original Title: Neko no ongaeshi
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Film Studio: Studio Ghibli
Language: English Translated
Animation Origin: Japan
Release Date (Japan): July 19, 2002
Release Date (USA): May 02, 2003

Film Review: Not a long film. Simple & Just Good.
by Otakore Literantadodist, November 17, 2013 | Rating: 8 / 10 stars

The version of the animation i watched is English-dubbed. It's weekend and there's not much i need to do so i just watched this anime film produced by Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is best known for producing quality animation film in Japan. I remember watching "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" when i was young and i liked it. Latter the time i'm already old, there i realized Studio Ghibli produced that Nausicaa movie. I looked up for their other anime films and i found one in AnimeCrave.com (here's the link of the free to watch video here). The title is "The Cat Returns".

I like the twist of the story. It's just hour and half long. Simple and good. There is good humour to it aside to her talking to cats. Though it's a little old, the quality of the animation is still fine.

I would recommend this to young ones, to my niece, I think. It's worth a watch.

Lesson (Warning: Spoiler Alert):

I noticed something in the ending part of the story where Haru and her friend saw two young moms passed by carting their babies. Haru stare at them and said "That's too bad." (see screenshots below):

Haru's friend gossiped that Machida broke up with his girlfriend.

Then, two young moms (i just think they're young) passed by. Haru stare at them.

Haru judged the two young moms. Why?!

Did she assumed Machida (her crush), pregnated his ex-girlfriend? Well, Machida wouldn't like her in the first place because she's messing all around (first part of the story). She got no confidence about herself. She just changed after exiting the Kingdom of Cats.

Popular Actress Dubbed The English Version of this Film:

I am surprised about who dubbed Haru in this anime film. I saw Anne Hathaway's name in the ending credits (see screenshot below):

Why i did not knew about this back 2002? I became familiar with Anne Hathaway with her role in The Princess Diaries film back in 2001 but not her dubbing this good animation. Well, I think, this animation film didn't reach Philippines back 2002. In my opinion, Philippines' Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB), the governing body who decide what films to release here in this country, think this film will not generate money. Are we not overfed with western-made films already? To new MTRCB chair, heed my request, change the game, take Japanese animated films like thos showing to local cinemas.

Looking On Buying The Film?

Buy it on Amazon.com:


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References:
IMDB Film Listing: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347618/
More About The Film: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cat_Returns
More About Studio Ghibli: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_Ghibli

Film Review: Life of Pi

Film of adaptation of book by Yann Martel

Film Directed by: Ang Lee

The story may compare to 2000 film Cast Away, where Pi (Piscine Molitor Patel) - main character of the story and Richard Parker - a Bengal tiger were drove away from a sinking ship.

It's a story of patience, survival and hope. There are many points of the story that I can relate about. Like Pi getting friendship with a wild tiger.

I remember when i was a kid, we have a pet dog. I am afraid of this dog because it's not a typical dog you can tame about - it's an "askal" or a street dog in our local term. Our dog used to guard on our front door. Whenever I pass through our front door, this dog is at threatening stance, It look like it would bite me any moment I pass. I give it food every time i pass. Weeks passed, I continue with the routine and It's treating me back that time as his owner.

Another point I can relate about Pi is that he tried to join different religion. With my current belief, I'm sticking with one religion but I am not a full pledge devotee. I believe there's God who created us but I just leave it to that we can't scientifically explain where, what, who is God.

Lesson I learn from this film is - don't lose hope though you're on a misarable situation like floating at the center of the sea. Moment that there are no ways to survive, just wait, think calmly and things that can brought up ways will find you.