Tabineko ripôto

It is rare these days to come across a movie that can tenderly show the beauty hidden in life, even in its aching moments and imperfection. This is one of such films.

The movie shows a young man, looking for a new home for his beloved cat, then the flash backs begin, so we can see his childhood, his teenage years, and adult life. His life can be considered a tragic one, yet the movie also delicately presents the beauty and love from friendship and kindness surrounding him, and most of all, a cat that means to him more than just a pet, and we can easily understand why cats mean to him so much after we see his childhood days.

The movie is slow paced, taking us through his life in its small but meaningful moments, yet somehow I couldn't stop watching it. This is far from boring. Some of the scenes are so amazingly beautiful, very picturesque, and memorable. Bravo to the cinematography. The cat looks very natural; I'm glad they didn't use any CG to control its mouth or face. The acting of the cast is natural too.

But most importantly, the story is told with a heart, with wisdom, and gentleness. I both smiled and had tears in my eyes. Yes, death and dying is one main subject of the film, but that's life, isn't it? If you have lived it beautifully enough, then there is nothing to be sorry about death.

PS. Cat lovers, this is a must-see film for you. Sometimes the talking sound of the cat can be annoying, but I think it fits the personality of Nana the cat. He isn't the sweet type but he loves his human deeply.