Cinematic Point Of View

In my search, for something different the past few years I came across filmmaker Naoko Ogigami and her body of quiet, quirky, optimistic films. One of my favorites is the 2012 movie Rent-a-Cat.

Rent-a-Cat stars Mikako Ichikawa as Sayoko, a lonely young woman who rents out cats to other lonely people in her neighborhood. In doing this, she is offering temporary comfort to both herself and others with a hole in their heart.

I love this movie. It has a simple, honest charm that shines through in every moment. It’s a daydream for lonely people. It’s a balm for sensitive people. If you’ve ever felt alone or outcast, you’ll likely connect to this urban fairy-tale.

As a kid, I had an eye accident. I had to wear a patch to school. I felt like an outcast. I have been lonely and depressed many times in my life. I have cats and a bit of a goofball. This movie speaks to me on a deep level.

In the opening scene, Sayoko is working in her peaceful backyard garden. The house is very open to nature; a variety of cats walk in and out, lounging about the patio and inside house. She talks to them like family and remarks how she wishes she could attract more people into her life. She really wants to get married.

Mikako Ichikawa plays her character “Sayoko” perfectly with just the right amount of charm and innocence that keeps the film feeling light and playful.

Throughout the film Sayoko pushes her “Rent-a-Cat” cart by the river and uses a megaphone to draw attention to her service. In a way, she’s both taking action to help others and asking for help.

There is an almost supernatural awareness at play in these moments, as the “right” people are drawn to her and she is drawn to them. Life can be like that sometimes if you’re paying attention.

Her first client is an elderly widow looking for a cat to love. She wants a companion for her final years. It’s a bittersweet situation, as are all of the hole-in-the-heart stories that populate this movie.

There is one recurring character she calls the “old hag” though. This character appears in Sayoko’s backyard to pepper her with little insults just when she is enjoying her day. “You’re too tall and flat chested to attract a man” the hag says.

“I’ll never forgive that old hag.” Sayoko huffs and returns to her gardening. It’s a clever way to present Sayoko’s internal critic, while also reflecting the societal views.

There long stretches of contemplative stillness full of natural sound. It gives you time to rest your brain and relax. It also has a great little soundtrack by Kousuke Ito. I’ve found myself listening to quite a bit this week.

There is nothing fancy about Naoko Ogigami‘s films. Rent-a-Cat isn’t trying to manipulate you through moody lighting or slick camera-work.

Healing. Companionship. Self-worth. Mental health. Routine. Stillness. Grieving. Animal bonding. It’s a gentle movie about regular people trying to connect and fill the hole in their heart.

In a world where every tv show and film is so overly dramatic and extreme, the experience of Rent-a-Cat feels like fresh oxygen to the brain.