[merylsilverburg]

As kupo said, Nausicaa.net is the best place for all Ghibli information. You can go there with any question and they'll have the answer.

Anyway, this is a really, really great film. I don't remember when I saw it but I think it was either late 2002/early 2003 on Region 2 DVD. And as kupo said, it's a spin-off/slightly-related to "Whisper of the Heart" (Mimi o Sumaseba) because both films are originally mangas by Hiraga, Aoi. In "Whisper", it isn't about cats, but there is a figurine cat named Baron and this other fatter cat (forgot name) who are featured. In "Cat Returns", both cats are main characters next to Haru (the human girl who gets transformed into a cat).

The plot of "The Cat Returns": This is a story about a girl named Haru who is a dreamy, irresponsible girl who lacks a lot of self-confidence/esteem. One day, while walking home with her friend, she sees this cat in the middle of the road...with a car coming straight at it. Haru manages to save the cat (scooping him off the road). Later that night, a parade of cats walking on two legs marches along her street (and knowing these stories, only Haru can see it) and they tell her that they would repay her kindess by taking her to the "Cat Kingdom" so she can marry the prince (the cat she saved). Haru doesn't think it's a bad idea; she enjoys the idea of being a lazy cat, just relaxing and napping but at the same time, she doesn't like the idea much. In order to get some help, she visits the "Cat's Business Office" and meets Baron (the figurine from "Whisper"). From there, she's swept away to the "Cat Kingdom" and being ready to wed the prince! What will she do?

Ah...that's all I'll say because I don't want to spoil this great film. The animation is very beautiful (as with all Ghibli films) and the story is light-hearted and it's a bit of a shoujo/fantasy. It's one of those films that make you smile at the end (along with "Whisper of the Heart") and just makes you "feel good". The characters are likable (Haru is a bit on that kinda irritating side, but not too bad). Overall, if this film ever makes it to Europe, I'd definitely say watch this film.