The Cat Returns
Synopsis
High school student Haru Yoshioka is bored with the monotony of life. One day, she saves Prince Lune of the Cat Kingdom from being run over by a truck. As a token of gratitude, the Cat King sends her "presents" and invites her to the Cat Kingdom to become Lune's wife. Haru's inability to properly communicate with the cats leads to the misunderstanding that she has accepted the proposal. As Haru ponders on ways to escape the predicament, a mysterious voice instructs her to search for the Cat Bureau. However, not long after she finally arrives at the bureau, a horde of cats swarms in and forcibly takes her to the Cat Kingdom, along with a member of the Cat Bureau. Concerned for their safety, owner of the Cat Bureau, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, follows close behind. The more Haru immerses herself in the activities of the Cat Kingdom, the more cat-like she becomes. To her dismay, she soon learns that, unless she can find her true self, she may become a cat permanently. Haru's adventures in the world of cats lead her down a path to self-discovery, allowing her to return as a more confident person. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The Cat Returns is generally viewed as an enjoyable, lighthearted Ghibli film, though not one of their best. While praised for its humor, characters, and pleasant tone, it is criticized for a predictable story, underdeveloped protagonist, and somewhat lacking artistic depth compared to other Ghibli productions. Overall, it's a fun, whimsical adventure that is easy to enjoy but may not leave a lasting impact.
Strengths
- Enjoyable and humorous story, especially for Studio Ghibli fans.
- Memorable and lovable characters with distinct personalities.
- Pleasant music and well-done English dub.
- Well-paced and concise adventure.
Weaknesses
- Predictable plot and lacks tension.
- Underdeveloped characters, especially the protagonist Haru.
- Mediocre art style compared to other Ghibli films.
- Story feels too easy with deus ex machina solutions.