When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There I originally wrote this review for a project and thought I would share it here! ___

In the year of 2014 where popular anime series such as Tokyo Ghoul and Your Lie in April emerged, a film by Studio Ghibli would become one of my favourite movies of all time. Envisioned by Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi and based on the original story by Joan G. Robinson, When Marnie Was There is a slice of life on the surface, but underneath it’s appearance is a beautiful coming of age story about identity and coming to accept who you are as a person.

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___ The movie follows a 12 year old girl Anna from Sapporo, Japan, who is sent to stay with her foster mothers relatives in the countryside after an asthma attack. Anna is an introverted girl who struggles to make connections and doesn't have the greatest self esteem. Because of this, those who she does interact with may misunderstand her as a rude, cold or immature young girl. One day, as Anna is exploring her new surroundings she comes across a once grand now abandoned home sitting at the end of the marsh, getting lost in the curiosity for this home, Anna is trapped by the rising tide. Eventually, getting a ride back across the marsh by a fisherman Anna has a vision of the house presumably from when it was in use, with warm lighting. That same day, Anna begins to have a string of dreams connected to this home and a young blonde girl who lives there. Later in the film, we know her to be Marnie, a recurrent visitor to Anna, who only seems to be seen by her, in the past- almost like a ghost. ___ ___

Throughout the movie, is a plethora of beautiful watercolor-esque landscapes, a signature style of Studio Ghibli come to life with the aid of art director Youhei Tanada whose work pays off magnificently in this film. From the art style of the characters, the town setting and the backdrops, each are woven intricately together to compliment each other, blending into the world of fantasy and realism and adding to the sincerity of the movie.

Anna's voice actress Sara Takatsuki and Marnie's Kasumi Arimura were perfectly casted for these roles. Takatsuki is able to express both Anna’s anger towards the world and introvertedness in a seamless manner and Arimuras graceful, comforting and almost regal voice as Marnie is so tender and loving.

The film's soundtrack score written by Takasugu Muramatsu and performed by Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra is a beautiful addition and the final puzzle piece to why this film is as impactful as it is. The title song ‘Fine on The Outside’ with vocals by Priscilla Ahn is a heartfelt ballad with emotional lyrics that tie into Anna’s journey and change of character throughout the movie.

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When Marnie Was There has solidified a place in my heart as not just one of Studio Ghibli’s best movies but also as a standalone film about finding your place in the world and accepting who you are. I feel extremely grateful for the role this movie has played in my life even in the short time that I have known about it. When Marnie Was There is a refreshing reminder that your life is valuable and how tender the loving heart has the ability to be.