An Interesting take on a comedy manga series

Written by JLCL00 on May 5, 2011 at 2:54 PM

Cat Soup is an anime movie based on a manga series called Nekojiru Gekijou by the late Nekojiru. It stars all the main characters from the manga. Some may have a better connection with the characters in the movie if they have either read the manga first or seen the animated shorts but that is not required to understand the overall story (although some parts maybe better understood in doing so).

One of the things about the movie is that it contains dark/black humor. This may have an effect on the viewer's choice in watching Cat Soup. However, if some are able to not take the movie seriously and simply laugh at a few parts, this may not be a problem.

The story is easy to follow, although it does require direct attention in order to understand what is going on during the movie. Although it should be noted that the movie takes on a surrealistic style later on in the story.

The visualization in some scenes maybe uncomfortable and even disturbing to some people. Although these scenes may have just simply been part of the "dark/black humor" subject described in the last paragraph.

The main attraction about Cat Soup is how dialog is presented. It is shown through spoken/thought bubbles showing a shape or symbol with occasional Japanese text. However, most of the "dialogue" is "spoken" via visual actions and gestures. Another attraction is the simplistic, and maybe even cute, design of the characters (mainly the anthropomorphic cats and pigs); which is ironic considering the story and contents in Cat Soup.


Overall, its a movie that maybe deemed "odd" and even "disturbing" to the majority. Those who either love black humor or "psychedelic" scenes may enjoy this film. People who are simply interested may also enjoy the film depending on their preferences and viewing experience.