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The Cats of Mirikitani
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Carrie Rickey
    88
    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.
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    80
    It's one of the best kinds of documentaries--not calculated but serendipitous.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Jeannette Catsoulis
    80
    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.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Ronnie Scheib
    80
    Always surprising documentary makes excellent use of its many serendipidities.
  5. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    75
    The Cats of Mirikitani seems all too short; it has enough meat to be turned into an excellent dramatic film.
  6. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    75
    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.
  7. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Janice Page
    75
    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.
  8. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Bill White
    75
    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.
  9. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    70
    An irresistible fable of reconciliation and forgiveness.
  10. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    70
    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.
  11. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    50
    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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User Reviews

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User Score
9.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. WayneD.
    10
    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.… Full Review »
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