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Cats of Mirikitani, The

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 11 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info
Genre(s): Documentary
Written by:
Directed by: Linda Hattendorf
Release Date:
Theatrical: March 2, 2007
Running Time: 74 minutes, Color
Origin: USA
Summary
RATING: Not Rated
This documentary is an intimate exploration of the lingering wounds of war and the healing power of art. The film is a heart-warming affirmation of humanity that will appeal to all lovers of peace, art, and cats. (Corporation for Public Broadcasting)
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database Official Studio Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Philadelphia Inquirer Carrie Rickey
Cats is many things: a film diary of an odd-couple relationship, a profile of a forgotten man who slowly reconstructs his past, and the transcendently moving account of a man on the margins who gets reintegrated into society.
Read Full Review >New York Magazine David Edelstein
It's one of the best kinds of documentaries--not calculated but serendipitous.
Read Full Review >Variety Ronnie Scheib
Always surprising documentary makes excellent use of its many serendipidities.
Read Full Review >The New York Times Jeannette Catsoulis
The result is a movie that evolves naturally from the filmmaker's compassion for her subject; as much as possible, she remains off camera, and her immense act of charity is never permitted to become the film's focus. Instead this remarkable documentary offers a brief but satisfying look at a defiantly self-sufficient life.
Read Full Review >Seattle Post-Intelligencer Bill White
In its best moments, The Cats of Mirikitani captures both the tragedy and transcendence of his life, from the Sacramento-born, Hiroshima-raised youth who returned to the States in 1937 rather than join the Japanese Imperial Army, to the proudly self-sufficient man who struggled through New York's fierce winters until gaining recognition both as an artist and a human being.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe Janice Page
It takes a special first-time director to stick her neck out, personally as well as professionally. As much as anything else, The Cats of Mirikitani is a testament to good breeding.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Maitland McDonagh
The person who can resist a formerly homeless senior citizen gradually restored to sufficient stability to the degree that he can take in his own "castaway cat" is hard-hearted indeed.
Read Full Review >Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington
The Cats of Mirikitani seems all too short; it has enough meat to be turned into an excellent dramatic film.
Read Full Review >Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum
The storytelling is so masterful that Hattendorf doesn't have to spell out the striking parallels between the persecution of Japanese after Pearl Harbor and the harassment of Muslims after 9/11.
Read Full Review >Salon.com Andrew O'Hehir
An irresistible fable of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Read Full Review >New York Post V.A. Musetto
Mirikitani is a colorful character and talented artist, and his story tugs at the heart. Problem is, Hattendorf insists on inserting herself in what seems like every other scene, a device that dilutes Jimmy's story.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 9.8 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Wayne D. gave it a10:
Powerful. Watching him being restored by the love and assistance of his benefactor was in credible. Seeing the world through his eyes of what was taken away by the government actions is painful and awakening. Doesn't hit you over the head. Allows you to see and feel. A MUST SEE.
