On the one hand, as an ailurophile, I was positively delighted when I discovered this movie existed. On the other hand, as a cinephile, I had mixed expectations, for I couldn't imagine that the concept could be fleshed out into a particularly hearty movie. Then again, I utterly adored the 2014 film 'Neko samurai' - an atypical, lighthearted, but nevertheless meaningful jidaigeki - and as writer Nagamori Yuji was also behind that gem, 'Neko atsume house,' or 'Cat collection's house,' had a concrete point in its favor beyond its felines. To sit and watch this 2017 flick based on a popular mobile videogame, I don't think anyone could have any illusions about its nature as a frivolous bit of whimsy. In fairness, however, isn't this one of the reasons that audiences flock to the medium in the first place? Not every motion picture needs to be a revelation of artistry and storytelling to entice, and this one knows exactly what it is. If you're looking for something light, silly, and fun, and especially if you love cats like I do, it's hard to go wrong with this!
The admiration of the superior species readily shines through in these ninety-two minutes not just in the sheer number of their representatives to appear herein, but in how the writing speaks to all that there is to appreciate about them. Cats' behaviors, their personalities, what attracts them, how people relate to them and interact with them, and so on are all the core focus here. As protagonist Sakumoto becomes obsessed with the strays popping around his rental and learns about Felis catus, and starts taking endless photos of them, those viewers who also cherish cats will feel a blast of memories and fall in love all over again. Yes, there is also a specific narrative here about a writer experiencing writer's block, his professional relationship with his editor, and a budding friendship with a local woman who works at a pet shop. But 'Neko atsume house' is nothing if not a love letter to the simple pleasure of living with cats, and observing them, and it has no specific need to be anything more. The fact that there is a modicum of substance otherwise is just a bonus.
The actors give earnest performances befitting the softly heartfelt emotional tenor of the proceedings, with supporting cast members Kutsuna Shioli and even Kimura Tae lighting up the screen alongside the bewitched charm Ito Atsushi carries with him as Sakumoto. The original music of Paisley 8, gentle and soothing, is the perfect complement for such a relaxing, refreshing fluff piece, and Yasuda Kei's cinematography is rich and vivid in capturing every moment, whether the antics of the cats and the many details in their personages, or the goings-on of the people in the feature. All this is surely a credit as well to director Kurakata Masatoshi - to say nothing of the absolute patience it must have taken to wrangle the cats for the camera. From top to bottom it's plainly evident how much care and passion went into the title, and that feeling is fully passed on to the audience. Granted, there's not so much going on here that it is likely to majorly appeal to all comers, but for anyone seeking something by which to unwind and decompress, I can hardly think of anything better.
And all loftier considerations and scrutiny are kind of beside the point, anyway: treasuring felines as much as I do, I could scarcely contain myself all throughout the film. I was buzzing with enthusiasm, the smile would not vanish from my face, and I have rarely felt so healthy as I did while watching. This, above all else, is the core of 'Neko atsume house.' It's a movie of, by, and for ailurophiles, and arguably niche though the target audience may be, the result is a joy precisely as it is. With touches of humor and romance filling out the edges, and gratifyingly declining the heavy drama that some kindred works may favor, I couldn't be happier with just how warm and enjoyable this is from beginning to end. "Stop and play with cats" is a nice fauna-centric alternative to "stop and smell the roses," and sometimes a sweet little nothing is just what is called for. With all this well in mind I'm pleased to give 'Neko atsume house' my glad recommendation, for this is the perfect picture with which to end one's day.
