Director: Isshin Inudo

Language: Japanese

Based on manga artist Yumiko Oshima's autobiographical book about the daily lives of artist Asako and her cats, Isshin Inudo's drama, set in Tokyo's Kichijoji district, conveys the area's laid-back atmosphere. Kyoko Koizumi plays Asako, who, after the shock of her cat's death, finds she cannot continue creating a new manga, but her inspiration returns when a new kitten arrives at her house. The film depicts their relationship and offers a glimpse of the loneliness of a 40-something single woman.

Other films this week
Kodomo no Kodomo Pregnant at 11 as kids decide to be adults By MARK SCHILLING	Iron Man Unlikely superhero delivers By GIOVANNI FAZIO	Lou Reed's Berlin Well worth waiting for this self-indulgent man By KAORI SHOJI
Interview Downey Jr. revels in newfound 'A-list' status