- Director: Hiroyuki Morita
- Year: 2002
Overview
Haru is a shy student who saves a cat from being hit by a truck, not knowing he's a prince. The Cat King thanks her by sending gifts and inviting her to the Cat Kingdom to marry the prince. Haru doesn't want to go, but she's carried away by the cats anyway. She starts turning into a cat and loses her identity in their world. Baron Humbert Von Gikkingen comes to her rescue, helping her navigate the King's traps. She regains her confidence and returns to her human life safely.
Takeaways
The Cat Kingdom tries to force Haru to fit into their world, literally turning her into a cat the longer she stays. The forced marriage shows how easily you can lose your independence when you let others make decisions for you. The Baron serves as a guide who knows how to spot the King's tricks and keep Haru focused on finding a way home. The Cat King is a selfish leader who cares more about his own whims than anyone else's feelings. In the end, Haru only saves herself by remembering who she really is, proving that standing up for yourself is the best way to keep from losing your identity.