A second chance at life
Once again we have a Japanese movie starring cute kittens and showcasing their friendship with humans.
On the surface, Gu Gu the Cat will more likely to appeal to youngsters and cat lovers, but in reality this is far more than a movie about fluffy kittens. The human relations in the movie are what really count in this story by director Inudo Isshin.
The main character's life journey from the loss of one pet to the arrival of a new one and what happens next is the heart of the plot.
The story starts out with a white and ginger short hair cat named Ca Va gazing out the window, while her owner, Asako Kojima (Kyoko Koizumi), who is a famous comic artist, rushes to make deadlines in her work room. Unfortunately Ca Va is about to pass away, bringing loss into Asako's life.
Asako's assistant Naomi (Juri Ueno), who has her own life worries, watches on with concern as the comic-book artist gives up on life, mourning the loss of the beloved cat that has spent the past 15 years with her. That is, until she finds Gu Gu, an adorable kitten, at a pet shop. With no hesitation she brings him home.
The new arrival marks a turning point in the lives of both women, especially for Asako, who has spent most of her life reclusively working on her comics. She begins work on a new series, and a man who offers the promise of love comes into her life.
Unlike recent animal films like Marley & Me, in this movie the pet is not the main character. Gu Gu plays a supporting role in the story of his owner - her journey back from loss to an embrace of life and hope.
Gu Gu the Cat is showing now
