Ghost Cat Anzu (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Ghost Cat Anzu (Original title: Bakeneko Anzu-chan) is a unique and heartwarming anime film that blends slice-of-life storytelling with supernatural folklore. Directed by Yôko Kuno and Nobuhiro Yamashita, and written by Takashi Imashiro and Shinji Imaoka, the movie follows the journey of a young girl named Karin, who is sent to live with her monk grandfather in rural Japan. There, she encounters Anzu, a giant ghost cat assigned to watch over her.
The film offers a mix of humor, coming-of-age themes, and elements of Japanese mythology, making it an intriguing watch for anime lovers. But is it the next big non-Ghibli hit? Let’s dive into a detailed review.
Plot Summary
Karin, a precocious and strong-willed girl, is abandoned by her struggling father and sent to live in a remote countryside temple. She resents her new home and her appointed guardian, Anzu, a lazy yet endearing phantom feline. Initially, she resists Anzu’s care, sabotaging his attempts to complete odd jobs for the locals. However, as she bonds with the eccentric spirits of the region, she gradually warms up to her ghostly protector.
In an effort to prove his worth, Anzu inadvertently makes a deal with a demon, unleashing chaos upon their quiet town. As the story unfolds, Karin and Anzu embark on an otherworldly adventure, where they must navigate the spirit realm, confront demons, and, ultimately, face Karin’s deep-seated grief.
Review: A Beautifully Animated, Emotionally Nuanced Journey
1. Storytelling and Themes
While Ghost Cat Anzu excels in charm and atmosphere, it has a somewhat loose structure. The first half of the film plays out as a relaxing countryside slice-of-life, introducing quirky characters and showcasing Karin’s mischievous antics. However, the plot escalates unexpectedly in the second half when the story dives into the underworld, with Karin attempting to rescue her deceased mother from hell.
The film doesn’t follow a conventional emotional arc—Karin’s grief is present but never explicitly explored. Unlike traditional anime that balance humor with deep emotional payoffs (like Your Name or A Silent Voice), Ghost Cat Anzu maintains a lighthearted tone even in its darker moments. This makes it a refreshing watch, but some may find the lack of a strong emotional climax a missed opportunity.
2. Character Development
Karin is a well-written protagonist—bratty yet deeply vulnerable. Her frustration and recklessness stem from her abandonment, making her actions feel authentic rather than forced. Anzu, on the other hand, is a comedic yet caring figure who supports Karin without enabling her tantrums. Their dynamic mirrors real-life relationships between troubled children and reluctant guardians.
Secondary characters, including the playful forest spirits and the mysterious temple residents, add to the film’s whimsical charm. However, the film’s lack of focused character arcs may leave some viewers wishing for deeper resolutions.
3. Animation and Art Style
One of Ghost Cat Anzu’s biggest strengths is its animation. The film employs a pseudo-rotoscope technique, giving characters fluid, lifelike movements while maintaining an expressive, hand-drawn aesthetic. The backgrounds—crafted with oil and pastel hues—create a picturesque, otherworldly charm that enhances the rural setting.
Anzu’s design is particularly notable. His squishy, exaggerated features make him an instant fan favorite, reminiscent of classic Japanese mascot characters. The animation style is reminiscent of Peanuts cartoons, giving the film a unique identity among modern anime.
4. Voice Acting and Sound Design
The voice performances feel natural and realistic, avoiding the over-exaggerated tones found in many anime. Noa Goto (Karin) and Mirai Moriyama (Anzu) deliver excellent performances, capturing the film’s blend of comedy and melancholy.
However, the sound design has some inconsistencies. Some dialogue scenes exhibit fluctuating audio quality, likely a result of COVID-era recording limitations. While not a deal-breaker, it’s noticeable enough to be distracting at times.
5. Humor and Tone
The film balances lighthearted humor with its supernatural themes. Anzu’s goofy antics and the spirits’ eccentric personalities provide plenty of comedic moments. However, the humor is subtle and never overly exaggerated, maintaining a consistent, cozy atmosphere throughout.
That said, the film’s shift to a darker, mythological adventure in the latter half might feel abrupt to some viewers. The transition from laid-back countryside life to an intense underworld rescue mission could have been smoother.
Where to Watch Ghost Cat Anzu Online
For viewers in the U.S., Ghost Cat Anzu is available through multiple streaming services:
Streaming Options (Subscription Required)
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Not currently available on major subscription-based platforms.
Rent or Buy Online
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Apple TV
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Vudu
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Spectrum
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Microsoft Store
Official Website
For more details, visit the official distributor’s page: GKIDS Films
Final Verdict: A Unique, Lighthearted Anime Adventure
Pros:
✅ Gorgeous animation with a unique rotoscope style
✅ Realistic and endearing voice acting
✅ A fresh take on Japanese folklore
✅ A fun, relaxing watch with a whimsical atmosphere
Cons:
❌ Loosely structured story with abrupt tonal shifts
❌ Limited emotional depth in the main character’s arc
❌ Inconsistent audio quality in some scenes
Overall, Ghost Cat Anzu is a delightful, unconventional anime that offers a blend of humor, folklore, and coming-of-age storytelling. While it doesn’t hit the emotional highs of Ghibli films, its charm and creativity make it a worthwhile watch. If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet visually stunning anime film, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Have you watched Ghost Cat Anzu? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you’re a fan of unique, non-Ghibli anime films, be sure to add this one to your watchlist.
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