X
- 2007
- Not Rated
- Arthouse Films
- 1 h 14 m
- 2007
- Not Rated
- Arthouse Films
- 1 h 14 m
Summary 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)
Directed By: Linda Hattendorf
- 2007
- Not Rated
- Arthouse Films
- 1 h 14 m
- 2007
- Not Rated
- Arthouse Films
- 1 h 14 m
The Cats of Mirikitani
73
2.8
Summary 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)
Directed By: Linda Hattendorf
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
73
91% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
73
91% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
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.
It's one of the best kinds of documentaries--not calculated but serendipitous.
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.
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.
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.
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.
User Score
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
2.8
22% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
78% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
2.8
22% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
78% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company
Center for Asian American Media (CAAM),
Independent Television Service,
Lucid Dreaming
Release Date Mar 2, 2007
Duration 1 h 14 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline Make art not war.
Awards
Tribeca Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
Durango Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Galway Film Fleadh
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
