‘The Cat Returns’ celebrates its 20th Anniversary by heading to theaters!

(Featured Image Source: © 2002 Nekonote-Do – Studio Ghibli – NDHMT)

The Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns is heading back to theaters to celebrate its 20th anniversary!

“In this sequel to Whisper of the Heart, a quiet suburban schoolgirl, Haru, is pitched into a fantastical feline world and must find her inner strength to make her way back home. Walking with her friend after a dreary day at school, Haru eyes a cat with a small gift box in its mouth attempting to cross a busy street. The cat fumbles the package in the middle of the road as a truck is rapidly bearing down. Haru manages to scoop the cat away to safety. To her amazement, the cat then gets up on its hind legs, brushes itself off, and thanks her very politely.

Strange behavior indeed, but this is nothing compared to what happens later that evening when the King of Cats shows up in a feline motorcade replete with vassals, maidens, and even Secret Service cats. In a show of gratitude for saving his son’s life, the king cat showers Haru with gifts – including a large supply of individually wrapped live mice – and decrees that she shall marry the cat prince and come to live as a princess in the secret Kingdom of Cats.”

via GKIDS

A spin-off of Whisper of the Heart, the film was released in Japan in 2002. the story follows a quiet and reserved girl who must call upon her inner strength to escape a magical cat-filled world. The movie is based on the manga by Aoi Hiragi. It was directed by Hiroyuki Morita with a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, music by Yuji Nomi, and animation by Studio Ghibli.

The Cat Returns heads to theaters on June 26 & 27. Take a stroll over to GKIDS to see what theaters near you will be screening this fan-favorite movie.

You can take home the movie by ordering it on Blu-ray/DVD and digitally. You can also stream it on HBO Max.

(Source: GKIDS)

Like anime? Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll 2022 is set for November 18-20th! Check out the official site to grab your ticket, learn more about exhibitors & attending guests, and what awaits you at Anime NYC!

And stay tuned to Nerdier Tides as we get you ready for it!