Anime Movie Review: A Whisker Away/Nakineko
**spoiler-free review!**
A Whisker Away is the story of Miyo (or Muge, as her classmates call her), a middle schooler who gains the ability to change into a cat after meeting with a mysterious mask seller at a summer festival. At school, her crush Hinode doesn’t give her a second glance, but in her cat form she’s able to spend time with him, after he started feeding her and named her Taro. Throughout the film, Miyo struggles to find a place where she can fit in, whether that’s as a cat, or as a human.
I was kinda skeptical at first of the concept of this movie. I watched the trailer when it came out a few months ago and got intense creepy stalker vibes; I don’t think I need to explain why. And especially at the beginning of the film, yeah, Miyo is a bit creepy in how she talks to and fantasizes about Hinode. In fact, her best friend Yoriko directly tells her she’s being ‘stalkerish’. However, rather than her behavior being a serious concern or a bad example, the movie makes it clear that Miyo is simply in a state of childish infatuation.
While I wouldn’t condone some of her creepy/obsessive actions early in the film, it’s important to note that Miyo is ~13 years old, with clear attachment/abandonment issues. As the film progresses she develops healthier ways of expressing her affection for Hinode, and I think they do well at explaining her behavior without making excuses for it.
On a related note, the movie does a great job of introducing tough themes like divorce/step-parents, and the struggles and pressure that sort of situation can place on children. My parents are divorced, so personally I was able to empathize with Miyo during these high-tension situations.
Stylistically, the animation is excellent. Each of the character’s movements are so unique to their personality, and little touches like untucked shirts, messy hair, etc. help characterize the protagonist before she even says a word. Creative angles are used throughout the film to help you understand certain characters’ perspectives, literally. The music is really lovely as well, it creates a magical, mysterious aura to go along with the mystical elements of the plot.
I think what really touched me about this movie is that I have a feeling I would’ve been obsessed with it, if I watched it as a child. Something about the simple storytelling is reminiscent of a Disney movie, like the type of kids movie where you don’t have to think too much. As much as Studio Ghibli films are made for kids, many of them have a mature element to them, or an aspect that you won’t understand fully until you’re an adult. A Whisker Away is simple and straightforward, in a good way. If you know any younger kids, this is the perfect movie to watch with the whole family, and it’s a great introduction to anime!
(Btw: I watched it subbed on Netflix, and I’m not sure how many dubs are currently available, but they will be releasing more)
I would highly recommend watching A Whisker Away. It’s not super deep, but it explores complicated themes in an easy-to-understand way, as well as being excellent storytelling with an entertaining plot that will entice anyone of any age. Thanks for reading!
-threecheersforinking