A Film by Hiroyuki Morita

Studio Ghibli rarely produces any sort of sequel to any of their films, although Totoro does have a short sequel that only airs in a museum that I should review because you can find a bootleg of it out there. Aside from that sketchy aside, there is one notable, fully-realized, exception with 2002’s The Cat Returns, a semi-sequel to another Ghibli film, Whisper of the Heart. Released as an anniversary special that was supposed to only air in a theme park, the film was a project to test young directors within the company. That theme park collaboration was cancelled, and thankfully the film (reworked and extended) met the public as a TV film instead. Clocking in at only 75 minutes, its a short watch that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and somehow has all the charm of many of its longer siblings.

While this is not part of the Ghibli Fest series of films (although it was last year apparently) I have been reviewing, I figured that I’d continue on from The Castle of Cagliostro and watch some more Ghibli films this year. It’s been a while since I’ve watched some of these, and for most it has been so long since my previous watch that I barely remember the finer details. The Cat Returns is a somewhat atypical film from the company – one that rarely ends up on favorite lists, but holds a special place in my heart. This was a film that my college anime club absolutely adored after it hit DVD like fifteen years ago. If I recall, we even had a cat-themed party that showcased it!

“High school student Haru (Chizuru Ikewaki) rescues a cat that was about to be run over by a truck and discovers the cat is actually a prince named Lune. Out of gratitude, Lune’s father, the Cat King, asks her to marry Lune. Haru is brought to the Cat Kingdom, where she starts to develop feline features. When she is prevented from leaving, the Baron (Yoshihiko Hakamada) and Toto, two statues that have magically been given life, provide assistance in gaining her freedom.”

I mentioned that The Cat Returns is a semi-sequel to Whisper of the Heart largely because it does not actually continue the story of that film in any way. There is a lot of speculation i anime fandom on just how it fits in with its other half, but I’d like to agree with some commentors that The Cat Returns is a sequel to or fully realized final draft of the story Shizuku was writing in the previous 1995 film. The film leaves this open for fans to speculate, and in turn creates a movie that stands on its own without any previous knowledge of any of the returning characters. I actually saw The Cat Returns long before its predecessor and always sort of take it as its own wonderful little thing.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its humor, especially its ability to capture the essence of cat behavior, both lampooning it and infusing it with fantastical elements. There are some genuinely hilarious moments peppered throughout the film, usually revolving around the twisted cat royal court. One of my favorite scenes involves a pre-wedding royal dinner, hosted by the King of the Cats, wherein various entertainers put on a show to entertain Haru.

Try as they might, none of these acts seem to please Haru, likely because she is being forced to marry someone she does not like in a strange world and her friend appears to have died (he didn’t), so when it cuts back to Haru either crying hysterically or looking completely uninterested the entire time, it’s pretty funny. Eventually this angers the king, and one of the acts eventually gets tossed out the window in a fit of pure rage. Later on, one of the guests gets tossed out the same window for laughing.

The characters in The Cat Returns are endearing and memorable. I’m a dub guy (unless the dub is terrible) and this is one of the better ones from Disney from that early-2000s era. The voice work helps the characters stand out a lot and, you really can’t beat some of the actors that signed on. The movie stars Haru, voiced by Anne Hathaway in the English version, and The Baron, brought to life by Cary Elwes. Other notable roles include Tim Curry as The King of Cats, Elliott Gould as Toto, Peter Boyle as Muta, and so many more in smaller parts it’s a veritable who’s who of voice actors from twenty years ago. Elwes especially exudes the raw sophistication and wisdom befitting The Baron, providing guidance and support to Haru throughout her adventure.

The film’s pacing is well-balanced, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. The narrative seamlessly blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, appealing to audiences of all ages. The imaginative world-building creates a sense of wonder, and the film’s underlying messages about self-discovery, bravery, and staying true to oneself are conveyed with subtlety and charm.

If there is one minor drawback, it is that The Cat Returns may not reach the same level of depth and emotional resonance as some other Studio Ghibli masterpieces. It’s on the short side, has a much smaller animation budget, and lacks some of the drama Ghibli fans are used to. However, it more than compensates with its whimsical charm and light-hearted storytelling.

The Cat Returns is a must-watch for fans of Studio Ghibli and anime enthusiasts alike. With its enchanting visuals, delightful characters, amazing voice acting, and a fun storyline, this film transports viewers to a world where cats hold court and adventure awaits at every turn. So grab a cozy spot, let yourself be whisked away, and immerse yourself in this delightful feline fantasy!