These are sad times if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli. Recently both Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki made their final films and it currently seems that When Marnie Was There will be the last movie released by the legendary studio. The demand for animated movies has changed and financing them has become a lot harder. The studio won’t close its doors yet, so there still is hope for a new film, but chances seem slim. Is When Marnie Was There an adequate farewell?
Anna is a girl who hasn’t find her calling in life yet. At school she’s a loner who keeps to herself. When she’s starting to have health issues her foster mother decides to send her to her family who live near the coast. When she gets there she discovers a house which according to the locals has been empty for years, but there she meets Marnie. She doesn’t have an idea who Marnie is, but the two form a bond and Anna tries to get to know more about this mysterious girl.
There isn’t much to say about the animation, as this is a Ghibli it is as to be expected: Beautiful and with lots of detail. The story itself is interesting to, especially towards the ending, but unfortunately I didn’t feel the connection between Arnie and Marnie that strongly resulting in me not enjoying the movie as much. It has a tone of being a psychological drama. The characters are not one dimensional and it’s something I was able to appreciate a lot. I know that most reviews are very positive about it, but for me it wasn’t the ending of an era I expected.
Excellent work, I need to watch more movies like this. Also I want to say I’m sorry for my absence on your blog.
I have the same issue, although I would like to visit various blogs my time often doesnt allow it.
I was disappointed that this was the film Studio Ghibli decided to close with. It wasn’t as par with their previous works, and didn’t offer surprises and wonder unlike the other movies.
Yeah, know what you mean…the magic wasn’t as amazing as it normally is.