Foreword
On July 29, 2025, due to a southwesterly airstream and a low-pressure area (influenced by the outer bands of a typhoon), heavy rainfall was forecasted for the 29th, reaching the threshold for work and school cancellations.
Today, I watched Ghost Cat Anzu on Netflix and found it quite interesting, filled with humor and delightful absurdity. So, I decided to write a review to share my thoughts.
Due to regional restrictions, viewers may need to find alternative sources, as it hasn’t been officially released in Taiwan and isn’t available on Taiwan’s Netflix.
Film Overview
Ghost Cat Anzu (Japanese title: 化け猫あんずちゃん) is a feature-length fantasy animated film adapted from the manga of the same name by Takahiro Imajō. Jointly produced by Japanese and French animation teams, the film has a runtime of 97 minutes.
The film’s most significant technical highlight is its use of rotoscoping. In this process, the team first filmed live-action performances—with renowned actor Mirai Moriyama playing the titular cat, Anzu—and then animators hand-drew over the footage frame by frame. This technique allows the film to precisely capture the subtle body language and facial expressions of the actors, giving the characters a remarkably vivid and natural soul and creating a truly unique visual style.
The story revolves around Anzu, a “Bakeneko” (ghost cat) who can speak human language and has lived among humans for 37 years, depicting his strange yet warm daily life and his interactions with people.
Title and Release Information
The film has different titles and release dates in various regions. Here is a summary to avoid confusion:
- Japanese Title:
化け猫あんずちゃん- Japanese Theatrical Release: July 19, 2024
- Netflix Release: July 19, 2025
- Hong Kong Title:
佛系貓物語- Hong Kong Theatrical Release: November 28, 2024
- This is the traditional Chinese title used in this article. The term “佛系” (Buddha-like) aptly captures the protagonist Anzu’s lazy and nonchalant personality.
- Taiwan Tentative Title:
妖怪貓小杏- As of July 30, 2025, the film has not yet been officially released in Taiwan.
- English Title:
Ghost Cat Anzu
Film Introduction
The story follows Karin, an 11-year-old girl who lost her mother at a young age. Due to her father’s personal circumstances, she is temporarily sent to live at a temple in the countryside. There, she meets the temple priest’s “Bakeneko,” Anzu, who has been raised by the priest since he was a kitten. This cat is 37 years old, and while he looks cute, he has the personality of a “middle-aged man” who can talk, cook, and even give massages.
The narrative centers on the strange cohabitation of this lonely, rebellious young girl and the peculiar ghost cat, chronicling their unforgettable summer as they encounter the town’s residents and other mysterious beings.
MOViE MOViE Hong Kong Trailer:
Edko Films Ltd. Trailer:
Thoughts
⚠️ Some sections contain spoilers. Please read at your own discretion. ⚠️
Reasons to Recommend
- This film is a healing anime, and the protagonist’s “cat-uncle” persona is incredibly endearing and well-conceived.
- The fantasy storyline is captivating, with a smooth pace that easily resonates with the audience.
- For cat lovers, Anzu’s adorable design and mannerisms will be a major highlight.
- The nonsensical humor is handled naturally, often making you smile throughout the film.
- The movie is filled with scenes of blue summer skies, fishing, and other activities that create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, making it perfect for summer viewing.
- The characters are uniquely crafted, each with a distinct charm that adds depth to the story.
- The recommended viewing age is 12 and up. Certain scenes involve dangerous actions and violence (such as stabbing a paper door with a knife, group brawling with clubs, and the idealization of delinquents), making it suitable for viewers aged 12+.
Thematic Discussion
At its core, the film focuses on growth, self-identity, and coexistence, tenderly touching upon profound themes like “life and death,” “family,” and “parting with loved ones.” The narrative refrains from moralizing its characters, instead emphasizing the importance of honestly confronting one’s emotions and embracing diverse values.
The main plot revolves around Karin’s experience of moving to the temple due to her mother’s early death and her father’s debt. It meticulously portrays her journey of building a sense of self and forming connections in an unfamiliar environment. Karin’s bond with the ghost cat Anzu becomes the key catalyst for her own healing and moving on from the grief of losing her mother.
Interpretation of Life, Death, and the Ending
The film presents death not as a mere end but as a process and a transformation. Karin’s journey through hell to see her mother, their reunion, and her subsequent return to the human world and another farewell, illustrates how to face loss and learn to say goodbye. It underscores that death is fundamentally about understanding life and growing from it.
Although the ending is open to interpretation, some online discussions suggest that Anzu’s symbolic “disappearance” at the end signifies the completion of his mission. However, based on Anzu’s lines to Karin, such as, “I’m a ghost cat, so I don’t die,” or “I’ll always be by your side, meow,” I am more inclined to believe that Anzu does not truly vanish. Instead, he chooses to stay with Karin, and they continue to live together in the countryside, supporting each other and growing together. This interpretation reinforces the themes of companionship and protection, echoing the film’s overarching message of healing and warmth—that even in the face of separation and loss, companionship and growth endure.
Conclusion
For me, the core appeal of this film lies in its complete story, profound themes, and unforgettable characters. The depiction of hell, in particular, is undoubtedly the most brilliant segment of the entire work. If you enjoy stories that explore themes of growth, family, and self-identity, I highly recommend not missing this one.
However, the film’s first half is relatively slow-paced, feeling leisurely and somewhat aimless as it focuses on introducing and setting up the characters. As the story progresses into its middle section, the plot shifts rapidly. The second half becomes much tighter and heavier, with a narrative driven by strong momentum and sudden, unhinged elements. King Yama’s final scene creates a horrifying and bizarre atmosphere, showcasing extreme violence that includes chilling torture scenes and characters being beaten with spiked clubs.
Despite this, the film successfully achieves its purpose of healing and reflection, both in its emotional portrayal and its visual presentation. The power of companionship and growth persists throughout, even in the face of sorrow and loss, making it a work worthy of deep consideration. In summary, this movie is not only entertaining but also leaves the audience with a great deal of emotional resonance and food for thought.