After a failed and in every sense shameful animated series “Ghost in the Shell: Lone Syndrome 2045»Company Netflix released a really touching social drama with a touch of Japanese mysticism – “Through tears I pretend to be a cat“.
The project from the directorial duet Junichi Sato and Tomotaki Sibayama with the support of Marie Okada offers a new look at the genre of teenage romance with the addition of the problems of modern Japan.
Sato ate a dog at school dramas, such as the Tamayuri series of feature-length animated films unknown in Russia, and even earlier managed to work on Sailor Moon.
Shibayama is known only for its quality “Grimgal of Ashes and Illusions”.
Beautiful in all senses, Marie Okada has long been creating very delicate stories with interesting characters, ranging from “Decorate the farewell morning with the flowers of promise” and ending with the “Season of Restless Maidens” and “The Cat from Sakuraso”.
Given Sato’s love for cats, the story “Through tears I pretend to be a cat” was not to be a surprise.
Schoolgirl Miyo Sasaki is very worried about her parents’ divorce. Life for her became gray and meaningless, until during the summer festival she meets a mysterious seller of masks. Having put on the mask offered to her, Miyo turns into a white cat, which walks by itself.
A sudden meeting in the form of an beast with a schoolboy Kento changes her whole life. She gradually falls in love with a guy, but cannot admit that the cute white Tarot kitten, who supported him in difficult times, is actually herself.
Gradually, Miyo’s life in the animal body begins to prevail over humanity, and the border between the girl and the cat begins to disappear.
The authors perfectly beat the hackneyed story, creating memorable and deep characters, with the exception of the boring and too bland protagonist – Kento.
The eternally cheerful Miyo, her best friend, sister Kento, and even a stepmother’s domestic cat, have depth and character.
In addition, as in the recent Arte, this story raises the theme of freedom of choice for a teenager under the yoke of circumstances and family. Heroes, in addition to many mystical barriers, must convey to the family the importance of their aspirations and hobbies.
The story itself, thanks to an interesting presentation and lyrical mood, resembles “Spirited Away” with emphasis on the social aspect of single-parent families and internal problems of ordinary Japanese people.
At the same time, excellent drawing, which sometimes achieves photorealism, delivers exceptional visual pleasure.
As for music, Yorushika, who presented the anime title theme, is one of the main artists of the new generation along with RADWIMPS and Kensi Yenedzu.
“Through tears I pretend to be a cat“Is a very sweet, sometimes naive, fabulous and incredibly warm story with a happy ending. Heroes make you empathize, and even enemies cause a slight pity due to their villainous charm. This is definitely one of the best animated films of this year, designed to cheer up and family viewing.
8 out of 10
Author: Alexander Loginov (xtr),
Editing: Mikhail Shaginyan (ACE) and Denis Korolev (Skyerist)
See also: Tea Party in Wonderland: Hollywood devours itself in order to fight against “white privileges”.
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