O Gato de Botas

One of the more obscure yet revolutionary Japanese animated films in history is a 1969 adaptation of Charles Perrault's fairy tale classic, Puss 'n Boots. Entitled The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots, the film marked a historical breakthrough for acclaimed studio Toei Animation, as the title character would become their logo mascot, and many of the top key animators would lead their own prolific careers in the anime industry such as Yasuo Otsuka, Reiko Okuyama, Yoichi Kotabe & Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki. While it does remain somewhat unnoticed internationally, it's still a remarkably fun adventure.

The film follows Pero, an outlawed swashbuckling feline in boots and Pierre, a poor, neglected miller's son, on their own little adventures. Upon discovering a bustling kingdom where its princess Rosa is betrothed to be married to a prince, the evil ogre sorcerer, Lucifer, threatens to bestow darkness on the land if he is not arranged to marry Rosa in three days. So now it's up to Pero to get Pierre and Rosa together and restore balance to the kingdom. What may sound like a pretty simple premise is actually a lot more complicated in the execution, mainly in regards to all the obstacles the leads get themselves into. Pero has to constantly outrun three bumbling cats from his village trying to kill him, Pierre has to come out of his shell in order to prove his genuine self to Rosa, and even some former mouse thieves do whatever they can to help out our heroes on their missions to let the human boy and girl fall in love. With so much going on, it may seem overwhelming at first, but never once does it lose too much focus to the point of forgetting all that's centered around the mission of two inseparable friends.

Admittedly, the film does often clash tonally when it goes from a rather serious conflict into a more comically goofy chase scene, or going from a more laid back song sequence into a cartoony animal slapstick romp. Fortunately, those moments usually only happen when they need to, and the film does gradually become more and more about Pero and Pierre working together to save the day. A notable highlight would have to be the climax sequences simultaneously directed by Otsuka and Miyazaki, which take place atop castle parapets in very dynamic angles and a suspenseful goose chase in preventing Lucifer from keeping Rosa as his own. While many sequences involving Pero fighting against his enemies and the mice are entertaining in their own right, this climax offers the type of thrills and bounds that Miyazaki would later explore further in his directorial debut, The Castle of Cagliostro. In addition, the musical numbers are also very catchy and even heartwarming to listen to on their own, as rather than stopping the film dead in its tracks, they play up the momentum more and more.

In fact, momentum is the perfect word that encapsulates The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots, as the whole movie is a delightful thrill ride from start to finish, and a very lightheartedly humorous one at that. If you're not familiar with much of the earlier work from Toei or you'd like to see a previous swashbuckling take on the boot wearing cat prior to the Shrek franchise, then this is a definite must watch for anyone. Considering the film would go on to have a couple of sequels and be a famed icon for an already well regarded foreign animation studio, one can tell where such a hysterical movie made such an impact.

Never in thirty years has it retained the sheer brilliance of animation and crisp wonderful colors! This is a "must get" and "must see" for hardcore collectors of Japanimation cinema, but it's just too hard to find these days as one may not discover its secret history. The experience is best compared to those imported afternoon cartoon shows of the 80s. While it tells the real PUSS 'N BOOTS story, the magic is in the style of humorous expressions and nicely written songs. This may not appeal to every boy or girl due to its Japanese flair, but it does entertain solid. Rarity is what makes this special. Released by Media under the generic PUSS 'N BOOTS title, and hidden somewhere in your favorite video store.

Puss in Boots (1969) is unjustly forgotten by animation fans. It's a charming and funny film, mixing the innocence and appeal of an early Disney fairy tale with madcap slapstick comedy. It's a good kind of old-fashioned, the sort of film which is no longer produced, here or in Japan.

While the human Rose and Pierre are a little one-dimensional, the titular puss in boots Pero is the star attraction. He's so likable and fun to watch; it's no surprise that Toei made him their mascot. The three cat assassins who chase after him and the villain of the piece, Lucifer, are magnificent adversaries.

I don't care if you think a movie from the late 1960s is "too old" for your enjoyment; watch this film! It's like being a kid again.

I'm not too familiar with the original story. But this is a well done anime movie.

Puss n Boots is about a cat name Pero who was given a death sentence for not eating a mouse. He runs away while 3 cat killers are on his trail.

On the run Pero finds a small cottage with 3 boys. There are 2 older ones who don't give their youngest brother a brake. That young boy is name Pierre who very simple minded. After Pierre finds out that his brothers are not being honest on their share of money. They kicked him out.

Pero cheers him up and tells him that he has a hunch that he could make Pierre's life a lot easier.

So they head for town and heard the news that the King is searching for a rich prince to be wed with his daughter, Princess Rose. Pero finds this the right opportunity. So he must make Pierre look like a prince. But Pierre doesn't find it a good idea to live a lie.

Meanwhile an Orge named Lucifer demands that he married the princess. But Rose didn't find him the right "man" to be with. Lucifer didn't take no for an answer. So he gave the king 3 days to decide. Other wise the kingdom will face catastrophic measures.

Pero tells the King that Pierre will fight Lucifer. But Pierre doesn't find that possible to achieve. Pero however has confidants in Pierre. So how will Pierre save Rose from Lucifer? Puss N Boots is a very old anime movie. Way back when early Japanese cartoonists were inspired by Disney Cartoons to make their own. This one is Disney like only the quality is different from what you'd find in an American cartoon.

The cool thing is the chase scenes were animated by THE Hayao Miyazaki who was a key Animator back then. And this movie is the debut of Toei's mascot Pero himself.

Overrall, it's a highly acclaim classic for all time anime fans or those who like older anime. It's perfectly fine for kids to watch too. You only see once small scene of Pierre's rear end.

If you like this one I also recommend "Animal Treasure Island" which was also done by the same people who made Puss n Boots possible.

Fabulous wide screen cartoon feature from the days before Manga and anime had entered common our toon speak. This one was particularly imposing in it's first generation colour with the Japanese track.

Don't expect too much connection to the fairy tale we had thrust on us as kids but the chase down the spiraling INSIDE of the mountain remains printed in the memory after thousands of cheapo kiddie toons have faded.

This one comes from the days of the first Astro Boy series and while it has a style and imagery of it's own, it's not hard to imagine the people who did them downing tea and other substances together out of hours. Note Hayao Miyazaki's credit here. It would be particularly interesting to get to see a collection of his work from this period.