Cat Days

Greetings again from the darkness. "Don't worry, Jiro. You're probably not a cat." The best movie line of the year so far comes courtesy of this animated short film from German-American filmmaker Jon Frickey. The story was inspired by his trip to Japan, and it seems the perfect fit for today's era where personal identity is a discussion point and such decisions are made according to feeling.

Jiro is a young boy. His sneezes result in a doctor visit where his dad is told of the diagnosis: Cat Flu. Of course the dad is baffled by this, yet quite supportive of his son ... going so far to read the book "Raising Cats".

Mr. Frickey presents the story utilizing an unusual color palette, and it's kind of difficult to not assume he's poking a bit of fun at the medical community as well as addressing how adults can turn the simplicity of being a child into a life-changing ordeal. It's the kids, including Jiro's friend, who seem more reasonable. It's easy to see why this one is being well-received at film festivals.

A boy, his alergic reaction, the eccentric diagnosis of medic and the effort of his father to give to his son the fair conditions to assume new identity.

When you are cat owner yourself, it is just easy to accept as normal this story, be happy with the not so usual colors and understand the moral of this short animation.

Because the subject is very accesible - the so different perspectives about life of children and adults. And the precious significance of the status of father - single in this case- for the intense fight for the happiness of you boy.

It is just a little gem this short film and good kick to reflection about simple things from the universe of childhood to the radical diagnosis and the admirable virtues of friendship.