Today’s quick review: The Cat Returns. After saving the life of a mysterious cat, Haru (Anne Hathaway), an ordinary high school student, learns that the cat was actually the prince of the Cat Kingdom. In gratitude, the Cat King (Tim Curry) whisks her away to the Cat Kingdom to marry the prince she saved. To escape her unwanted engagement, Haru seeks the help of the Baron (Cary Elwes), an animated cat figurine who specializes in solving tricky problems.
The Cat Returns is a Japanese animated fantasy adventure from Studio Ghibli. The loose successor to Studio Ghibli’s earlier film Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns borrows the characters of the Baron and Muta (Peter Boyle) for another, unrelated adventure. The movie features beautiful animation, a colorful voice cast, and a breezy tone. However, its story and characters are a slight step down from Studio Ghibli’s best work.
Suitably enough, The Cat Returns’ biggest draw is its cats. The Cat Kingdom contains a cavalcade of anthropomorphic cats, ranging from courtiers and buffoons to its sleazy, self-absorbed king. The Baron himself is a dapper, polite gentleman who insists on helping Haru, while his enormous sidekick Muta serves as muscle and comic relief. Haru fits neatly into all the chaos, a diffident but tenacious girl who sees the magic of the Kingdom with fresh eyes.
Still, The Cat Returns is light on substance. Haru is a pleasant enough protagonist, but she undergoes little growth compared to, say, Chihiro from Spirited Away. The Baron works well as an ally, a companion, and a friend, but the film misses the chance to give him a story arc of his own. The result is a fun but shallow story that’s missing the extra layers of the best children’s fantasy.
Watch The Cat Returns when you’re in the mood for a light, kid-friendly fantasy in the vein of Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz. While its story isn’t quite rich enough to make it a classic, its inventive characters and upbeat tone make it an enjoyable experience. For a better take on a similar premise, check out Spirited Away. For a Studio Ghibli movie with less fantasy and more meaning, try Whisper of the Heart.
7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a strong animation and a charming story that’s missing the superlative quality of Studio Ghibli’s other work.