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Cats of Mirikitani, The

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Cats of Mirikitani, The reviews
73
9.8 User Score:

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)

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...

88

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.

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80

New York Magazine David Edelstein

It's one of the best kinds of documentaries--not calculated but serendipitous.

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80

Variety Ronnie Scheib

Always surprising documentary makes excellent use of its many serendipidities.

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80

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.

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75

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.

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75

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.

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75

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.

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75

Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

The Cats of Mirikitani seems all too short; it has enough meat to be turned into an excellent dramatic film.

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70

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.

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70

Salon.com Andrew O'Hehir

An irresistible fable of reconciliation and forgiveness.

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50

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.

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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.

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