Ghost Cat Anzu Is A Stunning, Imaginative New Japanese Animation

‘Ghost Cat Anzu: An Imaginative New Japanese Animation’ is a review by Mark Morellini.

Japanese animation is regarded as the best in the world, being known for showcasing incredible attention to detail and visually stunning backgrounds. However, these anime stories can be extremely complex and imaginative, which are sometimes obtuse for English-speaking audiences, leaving them with unresolved puzzlement.

And so is the case with Ghost Cat Anzu – but not to the magnitude of the classic Spirited Away which still left audiences dumbfolded after multiple viewings.

The story is initially clear; 11-year-old Karin whose mother passed away three years earlier, is accompanied to the temple her grandfather lives in and abandoned by her father. She meets Anzu, a cat which is now a ghost after 30 years of existence. She also comes across other talking animals, some of which are grotesque in appearance and have spiritual abilities.

Just when you think you have a full understanding, the story takes a leap into the bizarre and may appear nonsensical. Both characters jump into a toilet and enter The Land Of The Dead where Karin searches and ultimately finds her mother, only to be chased by strangely likeable demons.

The story at times is ambiguous, complexities in storytelling purposely arising not only to intrigue audiences, but to have them think and attempt to unravel the themes which are cleverly hidden amongst the imagery and artwork.

The animation is mesmerising, full of colour and detail, but not to the artistic level of Studio Ghibli which has the strongest presence in the Japanese animation industry.

Flashbacks to Karin’s happier times provide some tender sequences, the realism and beauty leading to teary moments for the more sensitive audiences.

As with all Japanese anime, cultural elements resonate throughout and audiences who have a knowledge of Japanese culture may have a more thorough understanding of the underlying themes presented.

Humour also infiltrates the story, and audiences may find they are laughing hysterically at the smaller elements such as the comically distorted appearances of the characters and especially their movements and facial expressions.

Move over Garfield: Anzu the ghost cat is having his shot at fame in this bewildering movie and in the finale highlights his loyalty; “I’m a ghost cat so I’ll never die, and I’ll always be by your side!” he tells Karin, who by movie end learns to let go and move on from the aching pain she feels for the loss of her mother.

***1/2

In Cinemas December 5