The Cat Returns
is a 2002 Japanese anime fantasy film directed by Hiroyuki Morita from a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, based on the 2002 manga Baron the Cat by Aoi Hiiragi. It was animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network, Hakuhodo, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Mitsubishi and Toho, and distributed by the latter company. It stars Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Tetsu Watanabe, Yosuke Saito, Aki Maeda and Tetsurō Tamba. This is Hiroyuki Morita's first and only film as director for Studio Ghibli.
Plot
Haru Yoshioka is a shy but noble high school student who has a suppressed ability to talk with cats. One day, she saves a cat from being hit by a truck on a busy road. The cat she saved turns out to be Lune, Prince of the Cat Kingdom. As thanks, the cats give Haru unwanted gifts such as catnip and mice, and she is offered the Prince's hand in marriage. Her mixed reply is taken as a yes.
Awards
More details
author | Reiko Yoshida |
---|---|
award | Animation Kobe Theatrical Film Award Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division Excellence Award |
director | Hiroyuki Morita |
editor | Megumi Uchida |
events | escapism happiness house cat marriage maturity |
genre | adventure drama fantasy |
keywords | act catnip eat fish crackers force high school student learn marriage proposal meet the king trap whisper of the heart white cat |
musicBy | Yuji Nomi |
producer | Toshio Suzuki |
productionCompany | Studio Ghibli |
publisher | Toho |
theme | animated anime coming-of-age shapeshifting |