Only the Cat Knows Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Only the Cat Knows
| Movie | Only the Cat Knows |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Director | Shotaro Kobayashi |
| Genre | Drama / Comedy / Family |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Only the Cat Knows (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Only the Cat Knows are led by Chieko Baisho . The supporting cast, including Tatsuya Fuji and Mikako Ichikawa , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Only the Cat Knows stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Only the Cat Knows has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Only the Cat Knows
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, Only the Cat Knows is a Drama, Comedy, Family film directed by Shotaro Kobayashi, written by Yuka Honcho. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Chieko Baisho as Yukiko.
Ending Explained: Only the Cat Knows
Only the Cat Knows Ending Explained: Directed by Shotaro Kobayashi, Only the Cat Knows resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Chieko Baisho. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Only the Cat Knows reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Only the Cat Knows?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Chieko Baisho or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Only the Cat Knows Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV Store
Google Play MoviesOnly the Cat Knows Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about Only the Cat Knows age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Only the Cat Knows (2019) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Shotaro Kobayashi, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Only the Cat Knows is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Only the Cat Knows worth watching?
Only the Cat Knows is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Only the Cat Knows parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Only the Cat Knows identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Only the Cat Knows (2019)?
The runtime of Only the Cat Knows (2019) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




