If Cats Disappeared From the World (2016)

Just a note that I will be using the Japanese name and/or nickname (Sekaneko) for this film in the review. While the English translation is a good one, I am very much used to referring to the film by its native title.

Sekai kara Neko ga Kieta nara is one of those films that you anticipate to hit theatres for months and goes beyond all of your possible expectations. I have been waiting for this film since December, the last time I was at the theatre, and I have waited excitedly since then. For those that are not aware, this is actually a novel adaptation, and while I cannot attest to the accuracy of the adaptation I would argue that as a stand alone this movie is basically flawless. Yet again, I chose to see a movie that was very heavily marketed in both music stores and the clothing store in which the film had a partnership, and it should not defer anyone from watching the film.

As the synopsis suggests, this film is about a postman that discovers he will die very quickly of a terminal illness. He meets a devil of sorts when he arrives home and the story goes on from there. It's about love, family, friends, and about facing your own mortality. The way that the film was produced is beautiful and leaves a personal impression on those watching the film. You could not ask for a better execution of such a serious and dark story line. If you want a good cry, this movie is a must watch. I cried the whole movie and continued to do so through the whole credits and after the theatre lights turned back on.

The cast for the film was also excellent. Again, because I haven't read the novel I am not sure how well they match the description or vision of the author, but in my opinion they all did an excellent job. Being a fan of Sato Takeru, I was really excited to see how he would do in such a serious role. In a way the role is kind of reminiscent of The Liar and her Lover, though in that film his character is much less expressive. A few years ago Sato Takeru was the handsome young actor acting in manga adaptations, while he still does that it is wonderful to see his talent through other means; he does very well with a wide variety of story types and he always impresses me with his versatility. I didn't know the other actors but they were all excellent. With this kind of subject matter I am always very wary of Japanese films and how they will portray such raw emotion but I was not disappointed in the least. They were all so lovely and I look forward to seeing what other works they were in.

Music for Sekaneko was produced by Sony. The main song of the movie, also used in the trailer, is sung by a new 17 year old artist that goes by the name HARUHI. The song is dark and sad and mysterious sounding which I think is perfect for the film. The song also manages to carry a hopeful note which is also important to the story. It's a beautiful song and matched the film perfectly. Other songs from her debut release are also used in the movie with their instrumental versions. They are also the type of song that makes your heart quiver and only aids you in crying along with the characters.

As with my previous review, 9.5/10 on rewatch value is purely out of fear of ruining the original feelings that I could experience while watching the movie. It's absolutely a must watch for anyone with any interest in the sad, Sato Takeru, or contemplation of life and relationships. I now plan on moving to the novel after I have studied kanji a bit more so that I can see the story in it's original form. After DVD release or if you have a chance to see it in Japan, please enjoy!

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"And then comes one Japanese slice of life and completely erases all the other movies she has seen in last couple of years..." Pretty much the first thought that came to my mind after watching this movie. It has blown me away. With every single thing in it. I had some idea about the plot and I knew it was gonna be some tragedy and illness thing but definitely haven't thought that it'd be such a gem, such a rare thing to watch, such phenomenal piece of art. Yes I think this movie is art. Poetic, artistic, so imaginative, full of parallels and metaphors, visually stunning, with excellent music and brilliant acting and writing. I seriously feel so weird now, I can not explain, I'm sad, I cried near the end like crazy, I'm devastated, I'm strong, I'm grateful and thankful and above all I am happy that I am alive. Description of the movie is already given on movie page so this won't be a spoiler for what I'm gonna say. Just imagine that you find that you're sick and that you're gonna die and suddenly you can extend your life in exchange for some things to disappear each day. I mean the sole idea is very original and interesting and from the first moment it caught my attention but with this pace and this excellent writing it really hit me hard. With each of those things that were disappearing, also memories with a certain person important in his life disappeared as well. With each day it was a new struggle, a new shock, a new fight in his mind and heart, terrifying knowledge that if you want to gain something, you must lose something, and when that biggest attack came, the most difficult thing he could ever lose, then it comes the final acceptance of his fate and his sickness. It was pretty hard to watch those scenes as they were very emotional and with pure rawness. I can't give enough credit to Sato's performance as he was simply incredible, his eyes, his smile, his way of talking, crying, yelling and dealing with everything, all of it was beautiful to watch. He really showed with this role that now there isn't anything he can't do and I'm glad cause of him. As most of the time he was the only one on the screen, I can't say that the others were in the same spot as he was but Miyazaki Aoi and Harada Mieko were amazing in their portrayals too, which was expected from such huge talents like they are. What amazed me the most is that by each encounter, by each of his choices we learn something new, new life lesson, new meaning of choices we make and consequences of that, we experience everything together with him and so easily imagine ourselves in his place, it was so easy to do that. And in the end what this movie really wants to say to us is what really counts -love, bonds and relationships we achieve in our lives. That even if you come to the most difficult and terrible point in your life, there will be always something, someone to make you feel good. To make you feel alive and realize why you're alive in the first place. That nothing can compare to the people you love and care about. That it is better to be loved, to love your family, friends, children and partners to the fullest even if it means that you'll live shorter, all that is better than being alone in the world without anyone to call to, to watch a movie with, to travel with but live a long life. I finally understand what 'If Cats Disappeared From the World" means. And it is something the most powerful. Go and watch this movie, either you're a slice of life fan or not, you won't be indifferent to this one. p.s. And watch movie till the very end so that you could hear the ending song and read the lyrics, it has such a deep meaning and perfectly goes with the whole movie progress.

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