MovieChat Forums > Neko no ongaeshi (2005) Discussion > Best/Worst of English Voice Cast

Best/Worst of English Voice Cast

posted 20 years ago by mannix-6
31 replies | jump to latest

This was definitely a strong showing for the cast. Very well-picked people for each role with one exception for me.

I didn't like Elliot Gould as the crow. I know the character wasn't very significant in the story but I just didn't think his voice and acting fit the role.

On the other hand, there were some wonderful surprises where I didn't even realize who did what. (Which is a good thing)
Andy Richter, Rene Auberjonois (great as always), Cary Elwes, Anne Hathaway, and even Peter Boyle all very very good. I don't believe any of them had done animation before either. And even veteran Tim Curry, who I've heard in tons of animated TV shows did a voice I've never heard before.

[–] TheLittleSongbird 16 years ago

BETHANY COX
"Music comes from within, from your heart and from your soul."

All the voice overs were excellent. Anne Hathaway was lovely. cary Elwes and Tim Curry were a delight, as were Peter Boyle and Elliot Gould. My only criticism of the movie is that it is too short by 15 minutes, I think.

[–] mp989 15 years ago

OK I feel stupid sayign this but I'm not sure WHo some of the minor characters are as I don't even remember them using their character names in the show and didn't recognize their voices.

Which character does Kristen Bell voice? Hiromi--was that Haru's friend?

Which one was Natoru and which was Natori?

[–] cbak2005 15 years ago

In every one of these films where I've listened to the American voices, I have found them unsuitable, and at times even grating. The voice of Jiji in Kiki's Delivery Service sounded like a totally different character.

I prefer to see these films in Japanese as I lose nothing reading the subtitles.

[–] HDcreepy 15 years ago

Well... Disney has been doing acceptable jobs for Ghibli's stuff so far.
My feeling is Japaneses have little resistance of having these dubbed in English--notice how Kiki, Laputa, Howl's, and Porco Rosso all took place in fictional "European" locations? Of course these places did't even really exist, but they are filled with "western" objects and artifacts. And white characters. And European language written all over in scenes: German (?) in Kiki, English in Laputa, Italian in Porco Rosso. So it actually feel slightly more natural to have them dubbed in English. The only problem is that way its main market in Japan wouldn't understand.

And you think American dubs are bad? Try Hong Kong's Cantonese ones. The first Nausicaa back in 80s was the biggest disaster ever--worst than that old English cut that Miyaski hates with passion. And I have heard that the new Cantonese version isn't much better.

Hell if anything they should dub Porco Rosso in Italian and EVERYBODY has to watch subtitles! ... hey now that actually sounds like a good idea! I am a genius.

[–] pawful 14 years ago

Good point. I was quite happy to watch the english dub in those movies. This movie, I liked it in English but there was something a little strange about it. So I watched in Japanese with subtitles and much preferred it.
THe voice of the Baron was much cooler in the English Language version. However, a lot of the minor characters were turned into those stereotypical disney american buffoon/sidekick stereotypes that are in just about every disney movie, and this felt lame.

[–] HDcreepy 15 years ago

Anne Hathaway feels so... Anne Hathaway. i.e. Princess Mia. Of course Mia is almost an American version of Haru (minus Haru's lack of self confidence) so this casting is either brilliant, if you are her fan, or boring and obvious, if you are not.

Oh but Andy Richter is great! Annoying... keep bugging her from behind... PERFECT ROLE for him.

[–] anthonyjohnFReynolds 14 years ago

The english dubs were so american..I found them distracting considering where the story was set....

"ah have always depended upon the strangeness of kindness..."

[–] Puddlemini 14 years ago

Cary Elwes has such a distinct, cultured english accent. I loved it.

An onion can make people cry, but there is no vegetable invented to make them laugh.

[–] jsycamore-181-254662 10 years ago

I've never really taken to Anime but gave this a go because it was recommended, I have to say I found it quite charming and very sweet. I liked the the English dub, preferring it to subtitles. This film definitely gets my vote. Also I loved the song over the end credits.

[–] romadiva 9 years ago

I really enjoyed the English dub. Standouts were, in no order: Judy Greer, Tim Curry, Cary Elwes, Andrew Bevis

[–] Joxerlives 9 years ago

Kristine Sutherland was great, playing a role very similar to her as Joyce on Buffy.