This film features the Japanese heroine Komaneko, whose previous adventures were recounted in the 2006 film The Curious Little Cat. Koma is a mischievous little cat who also happens to be very kawaii (meaning “cute” in Japanese, her native tongue). Creative and devilishly adept, she makes the Christmas presents herself: two gorgeous felt dolls resembling Dad and Mum. She can’t wait to see them this evening to celebrate the New Year. So when she hears they’re not coming, she is very upset.
Even though the story has no speech, Koma is a sweet puppet that could hardly be more expressive. She talks using onomatopoeic sounds (with “nyah nyah” – the cat’s sound – voiced by a child) and, most of all, her face shows every emotion with great precision. Sadness and anger mix together before being replaced by joy and astonishment. Despite the absence of her parents for the holidays, Koma is in good company. Grandpa does his utmost to ensure she enjoys her day, and her best friend, Radi-Bo, goes along with her on all her adventures, And that’s how it should be: when the family isn’t around, good friends are on hand!
Even though Koma doesn’t feel like it’s the season of goodwill, she heads off into the woods with Radi-Bo. With rambles through the snow and a day of sleigh-riding in store, the schedule is certainly packed! But when night falls it becomes very hard to find their way back. That’s when the magic happens... Accompanied by cheery and breezy music, often with a rock vibe, our two adventurers make their way back to Grandpa.
This is an endearing coming-of-age story about childhood, absence and forgiveness. With a snowman, a decorated tree and a set table, everything – in spite of the chill caused by her adventure - is in place for a merry Christmas. And soon she will head off on another adventure!
