Cat lovers beware, this movie will make you wish you were cats.

PLOT

Haru was just an ordinary high school girl, she didn't expect that a single act of heroism towards a mere cat can change her life forever. After rescuing a cat from being run over by a truck she stumbles upon the fact that the cat that she saved can talk and is actually the prince of the cat kingdom. The cat prince promised to repay her kindness in due time.

After a few days Haru is showered with gifts only cats would like. Seeing this as a problem she seeks help from the Cat Bureau where she meets the charismatic Baron, a cat figurine that came to life. Not long after she finds the Cat Bureau, she is swept away into the cat kingdom. As her final gift, she is now to be wed to the cat prince. How she escapes her bizarre situation only depends on her trust in herself.

PROS

The story is very interesting. Characters are well thought of and very endearing. The fact that you see cats walking up straight like a person is truly an odd sight indeed which only fuels the interesting fire that burns throughout the movie. Not to mention that this is a movie produced under the famous Studio Ghibli. You'll definitely be embraced in whimsy with every minute that passes.

One interesting fact is that the art style is very different with that of the notable style of Studio Ghibli. This movie happens to be a spinoff of another Ghibli film that is very underappreciated as well, Whisper of the Heart. As expected from Ghibli films, the amazing world they create will surely whisk you away.

CONS

One thing that's wrong with this movie is it's fast pacing. The story reaches an abrupt conclusion, but that's just my own opinion. Towards the final half of the movie the story speeds up its pacing to wrap everything up. Though you might want the story to be longer enough it just starts to spiral down into the end not fully establishing the core message effectively enough.

CONCLUSION

All in all, this movie is an underappreciated gem. With its uplifting message of Always believing in yourself you'll surely find a sense of self appreciation. Not to mention the excellent portrayal of a sophisticated cat baron. You'll actually get to like cats after watching this.

Even if the pacing is still a bit fast, it doesn't really affect the overall story. Though there should be a bit more explanation to the whole concept it somehow is acceptable enough to be neglected at some point.

If you like fantasy and cats, this movie is perfect for you.