The Cat Returns - Studio Ghibli Fest 2024

Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she’s ever imagined. Her good deed is rewarded with a flurry of presents, including gift-wrapped mice, and one very shocking proposal of marriage - to the Cat’s King’s son! Haru embarks on an unexpected journey to the Kingdom of Cats where her eyes are opened to a whole other world and her destiny is uncertain. To change her fate she’ll need to learn to believe in herself, and in the process she will learn to appreciate her everyday life. and inspire everyone. The third Studio Ghibli feature to be directed by someone other than Miyazaki or Takahata. A spin-off from WHISPER OF THE HEART, THE CAT RETURNS is a light-hearted fantasy infamous for its adorable, if bizarre ‘Cat Parade’ scene , wherein scores of cats awkwardly shuffling through the streets on their hind legs ahead of their king. Worth the price of admission for this scene alone, as it confirms what many of us often suspect about our feline partners’ secret lives.