The Cat Returns

The Cat Returns  

2002

75 minutes

Japanese w/subtitles (Probably in English, too)

I've seen this movie twice, and loved it both times. One of my favorite Studio Ghibli movies. A young girl, Haru, rescues a cat from starvation, and later she rescues another cat from being run over and soon learns that this is no ordinary cat, but the Crown Prince, and she is to be rewarded with all sorts of wonderful (to a cat) things — mice included. When she learns she is to marry the prince, she also learns she cannot turn all this marvelous largess off, and must find the Cat Bureau to seek help. Pulled into the Prince's land, she begins the process of becoming a cat in order to marry him. She doesn't want him, he doesn't want her, and oh, myyyy. Totally Family Friendly.

trailer

The Secret World of Arrietty

Japanese, English

2010

94 minutes

5 Stars

When I was in 5th or 6th grade, my neighbor gave me a copy of The Borrowers and later, when it came out, The Borrowers Afield. They have remained some of my favorite childhood books, and when I discovered this movie by Studio Ghibli, I had to order it. I was not disappointed! I watched it in Japanese with English subtitles, and loved every bit of it. Arrietty becomes friends with a human boy, and now the family must leave the home they love to find another place where they can settle and live without humans knowing about them. Borrowers only borrow what won't be missed — a cube of sugar, a leaf of tea, a dropped pin, a bit of gas and electricity, that bead you dropped and could never find. Family entertainment for all ages.

Trailer

My Neighbor Totoro

Japanese or English   

1988

86 minutes

5 Stars

This is another marvelous story from Studio Ghibli, and you have the choice of language and subtitles. I chose Japanese language with English subtitles. This fun story is about two sisters whose mother is in the hospital, and their father has moved them, for the summer, to a home in the country. Because they are children, and innocent, they find themselves in a marvelous wonderland, peopled by delightful creatures only they can see and hear. I have yet to see a Studio Ghibli movie I didn't find entertaining, delightful, and suitable for children of all ages. The music is marvelous! Listen to the soundtrack.

Trailer 

More Anime, Castle in the Sky

Castle in the Sky

Anime, English (or Japanese with subtitles)

1986, 125 minutes

5 Stars

Okay, Rainy Day admits it, she likes good anime. She finds it a little disconcerting that the anime from Japan is so, well, Western. The characters are western, and in this case the buildings were quite western, but none of that detracted from the story. Sheeta has a magic stone others want, and this is the story of how she, and her boy friend Paku find the magic land of Laputa and take care of the bad guys. They are pursued by the evil government officials who want the fabled gems of Laputa, her evil cousin who wants the power of Laputa, and a band of bumbling pirates who want wealth and riches and end up helping the kids. Rainy Day enjoyed listing to the Japanese version, with English subtitles. Great animation.

For a trailer, click here.

For the movie, in English, click here.