Cat person or not, there's something we can all agree on: Universal Pictures' live-action (or is it more CGI?) adaptation Cats (Tom Hooper, 2019) was definitely… not what we wanted to see. We at AMP believe, however, that there are plenty of great cat-related movies out there — Asian ones, specifically — that can represent our feline friends in a less grotesque light. We've compiled below a list of comedies and horror, of the trippy and documentary, of the adorable and the heartwarming, all in honor of the original homebody champs. Get cozy, because these films will definitely warrant some snuggle-time with our favorite furballs.
1. Take Care of My Cat (Jeong Jae-eun, 2001, S. Korea)
Jeong's themes are universal and not just the anxieties of young women in South Korea: they can be applied to many countries in the world and to many people. “Take Care of my Cat”, therefore, is relatively gimmick-free for a coming-of-age drama; the titular cat of little relevance, other than it passes through the hands of all five characters, showing that they still consider each other as friends they can count on (Andrew Thayne)
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2. Only the Cat Knows (Shotaro Kobayashi, 2019, Japan)
We sympathize with Yukiko, who feels lonely and abandoned (who wouldn't?) [in a loveless marriage]. She finds consolation in knitting and a company of her cat Chibi… We observe the slow-paced happenings from a distance, which at times makes it difficult to connect with the characters [but] the charismatic performances of Baisho and Fuji make it more than just watchable experience. And the cat, being here both the character and the symbol, as usual, steals the show. (Joanna Konczak)
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3. Neko, Kaeru: Cat's Home (Shinobu Imao, 2019, Japan)
The sole flashback in the film is well-placed and the ending gives a sense of closure to both, Rina and the narrative, and in that regard, I can easily say I did not find a single fault with this short. I would definitely like to watch Shinobu Imao directing a full feature, with cats or without. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
4. Island of Cats (Mitsuaki Iwago, 2019, Japan)
“Island of Cats” is a soup-for-the-soul film (the focus on the local dishes definitely helps here), which highlights Iwago's love for his two main themes and the fact that it was made with love and good spirit. Fans of cats will definitely have a blast. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
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5. The Cat (Byun Seung-wook, 2011, S. Korea)
If you're looking for a thriller with a moving body count that manages to slide in a solid (if not basic) plot that satisfies those horror urges as well as give your eyes a break from all that 3D IMAX CGI SFX, etc… then you need to check this Cat out. (Theoracle)
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6. Pussy Soup (Minoru Kawasaki, 2008, Japan)
Taisho is the a cat-puppet who cannot live up to his father's success and is in search of a purpose in his life. Initially he turns his attention toward sushi restaurants, an idea that fails because he cannot stop eating the fish. Eventually he finds his calling in the art of making ramen and after a number of years and some failures, he manages to open his own sushi restaurant with a regular following, and even makes a friend. However, his troubles are not entirely gone. Not much more to say about a film regarding a puppet who contemplates suicide and deals with father issues, fame and the search for himself. Let's just say that cuteness was never so paranoid. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
7. Neko Atsume House (Masatoshi Kurakata, 2017, Japan)
Watching this picture, I had no previous knowledge of the game, nor do I have a particular fondness of felines. However, in the end there was enough to keep me entertained, but this is not a production I can recommend outside of anyone that I know would fall under the target market. (Adam Symchuk)
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8. Cat Soup (Tatsuo Sato, 2001, Japan)
Cats aren't always “kawaii” in “Cat Soup,” an early co-production of Tatsuo Sato and Masaaki Yuasa. Typical to early Yuaasa (and to a degree, to the original mangaka Nekojirou), the short clashes the cute and creepy with unnerving nonchalance. Kittens Nyaako and Nyaata trek across a gruesome dog-eat-dog (well, cat-eat-pig) world in search for Nyaako's lost half-soul. Surreal parades of elephants, cyborg-god-humans, and Noah-esque floods stretch the limits of the imagination – and to a degree, of animation itself – in just thirty minutes. This disturbing cult classic is sure to entrance. (Grace Han)
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9. Hausu (Nobuhiko Obayashi, 1977, Japan)
Obayashi does an excellent job by fusing together a film that has elements of horror, comedy, action, surrealism, and beauty wrapped up all into one incredibly satisfying package. “House” truly is a treat for anyone who is looking for a film that is unique, bizarre, and just plain fun. (Nicholas Richardson)
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10. Kiki's Delivery Service (Hayao Miyazaki, 1989, Japan)
The anime falls under the slice-of-life genre, including a number of supernatural notions. Furthermore, the plot line is in the background, with the character development in the foreground. The artwork and animation are sublime as always, with the greatest technical asset being the attention to detail, both in the drawing of the characters and the surroundings (Panos Kotzathanasis)
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