The Cat Returns
Also known as 猫の恩返し | Neko no Ongaeshi
MovieSummer 2002Source OtherG - All Ages
AdventureComedyDramaFantasyAward Winning
7.5/10
Community score
#1366
Rank
305.9K
Members
1.7K
Favorites
Synopsis
The Cat Returns is something of a loose spin-off of "Whisper of the Heart" as it features two characters from that film: Muta (the cat from "Whisper") and the Baron (the cat statue from "Whisper"). There is no other connection between the two movies and this is not a sequel. The story is based on Neko no Danshaku (Baron of Cat) by Hiiragi Aoi.
The main character of the story, Haru, is a clueless, ordinary 17-year-old girl. She has no special abilities and neither is she an extraordinary beauty. When faced with reality, she is unable to make decisions for herself, thus often sways to others' opinions to avoid challenge. One day, Haru saves the life of a cat without considering her own safety. The cat turns out to be the Cat Prince from the Kingdom of Cats, however as a result, Haru is trapped in the world of cats. Can Baron and Muta rescue Haru who has wandered into the world of cats?
(Source: AniDB, edited)
Production Notes
The Cat Returns is a spin-off of the movie Whisper of the Heart, and although some characters are crossed over, the stories in the two films are not related. Studio Ghibli began work on the movie as the 20 minute "Cat Project" in 1999 for a theme park in Japan. Although the theme park canceled the project, the 20 minute short film turned into a 45 minute project, and then a feature length film. The movie was the second Studio Ghibli film to be directed by someone other than Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata. It won an Excellence Prize at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival. It also won the Feature Film Award in the 7th Animation Kobe Awards in 2002.
Cast Highlights
Baron Humbert von Gikkingen
Main
Voice: Elwes, Cary (English)
Yoshioka, Haru
Main
Voice: Ikewaki, Chizuru (Japanese)
Cat King
Supporting
Voice: Curry, Tim (English)
Hiromi
Supporting
Voice: Schadt, Shandra (German)
Machida
Supporting
Voice: Yasuda, Ken (Japanese)
Moon, Renaldo
Supporting
Voice: Boyle, Peter (English)
Natori
Supporting
Voice: Auberjonois, René (English)
Natoru
Supporting
Voice: Richter, Andy (English)
Core Staff
Suzuki, Toshio
Producer
Takahashi, Nozomu
Producer
Ishii, Tomohiko
Assistant Producer
Morita, Hiroyuki
Director, Storyboard
Yoshida, Reiko
Script
Akahori, Shigeo
Key Animation
Theme Songs
Openings
No opening theme information available.
Endings
"Kaze ni naru" by Ayano Tsuji
Latest Updates
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Quick Facts
FormatMovie
Episodes1
Duration1 hr 15 min
SourceOther
RatingG - All Ages
SeasonSummer 2002
AiredJul 20, 2002
StatusFinished Airing
Recommended
Monetizing Content
Ranking And Reach
Popularity#921
Scored by190.6K
BroadcastUnknown
ApprovedYes
Title Variants
English title
The Cat Returns
Romaji title
Neko no Ongaeshi
Japanese title
猫の恩返し
Synonyms
The Cat's Repayment, Das Königreich der Katzen, Haru en el Reino de los Gatos, Le Royaume des chats
Production Team
Main studio
Studio Ghibli
Producers
Unknown
Licensors
Disney Platform Distribution, GKIDS
Japanese title
猫の恩返し
Themes And Audience
Anthropomorphic