Delightful and charming - these two words sum up this film perfectly. My only gripe is that the story takes a little bit to kick into gear, but when it does you find yourself utterly drawn into the magical world this tale inhabits. And an utterly bizarre tale this is, with enough laughs, emotion and poignant moments anyone could want.

With beautiful animation, appealing character design and a wonderfully fitting score, Neko no Ongaeshi is now amongst my favorite animated pieces. For anime buffs, animated film buffs, ANYONE - I can't recommend this highly enough.

I have seen just about every Studio Ghibi film released in the US and must say that "The Cat Returns" is unique among them. Sure, it's strange...but so are most of the rest of them (especially "Spirited Away"). But it manages to be very different and a bit different from the Miyazaki films when it comes to the animation but especially the story.

The film begins with a young girl, Haru, racing into traffic to save a cat from being squashed. Have you ever heard the expression "No good deed goes unpunished"? Well, this is sort of what happens next. Late at night, a strange procession of cats walking on two legs is carrying a litter with their fat king. They stop to announce to Haru that she is going to receive many wonderful rewards for saving that cat, as it's their Prince!! When she awakens the next morning, she thinks it's all been a dream...until weird presents start arriving. But the weirdest part is yet to come...the cats are going to honor her by allowing her to MARRY the Prince!!! What!?! So, after hearing a voice telling her to find the Cat Bureau, she ends up meeting a cat Baron and going in search of the cat kingdom!!

Mega-weird...but also mega-charming and fun. I loved this film because it dared to be so different and it really hooked me. I have no idea why this one was released here in the States with zero fanfare...just a direct to DVD release a few years ago. Well worth seeing.

I have this anime on DVD, and for me it is just stunning. i have also enjoyed Princess Mononoke and Castle of Cagliostro, but what makes this movie stand out for me is that it is so relaxing to watch.True, it is one of the weaker Ghibli efforts, but I think some of the criticisms are a little unfair. The only problem is that it is a little too short, only 75 minutes, but you'll love it anyway. the animation is beautiful, some lovely colours in the ballroom scene. The music was gorgeous, and being a singer I look out for this in every movie. The storyline while simple, is surprisingly well told, and is also fast-moving. The voice talents is where I have to make a confession. I have only watched the version with the English voices, which were a delight. Anne Hathaway voices Haru wonderfully, and there was a lot of screaming, I noticed. Likewise with Cary Elwes as the Baron, who was a sheer delight as the Baron, just perfect for the character. Peter Boyle and Elliot Gould were really funny, and their tongue-in-cheek dialogue was just inspirational. The Cat king isn't Tim Curry's finest voice over, but he was still delightful and at least he kept me entertained. All in all, a beautiful and charming fantasy film, that is recommended. 9/10. Bethany Cox