Suffering from frequent asthma attacks, young Anna Sasaki is quiet, unsociable, and isolated from her
peers, causing her foster parent endless worry. Upon recommendation by the doctor, Anna is sent to the
countryside, in hope the cleaner air and more relaxing lifestyle will improve her health and help
clear her mind. Engaging in her passion for sketching, Anna spends her summer days living with her
aunt and uncle in a small town near the sea.
One day while wandering outside, Anna discovers an abandoned mansion known as the Marsh House.
However, she soon finds that the residence isn't as vacant as it appears to be, running into a
mysterious girl named Marnie. Marnie's bubbly demeanor slowly begins to draw Anna out of her shell as
she returns night after night to meet with her new friend. But it seems there is more to the strange
girl than meets the eye—as her time in the town nears its end, Anna begins to discover the truth
behind the walls of the Marsh House.
Omoide no Marnie tells the touching story of a young girl's journey through self-discovery and
friendship, and the summer that she will remember for the rest of her life.
(Source: MAL Rewrite)
~~~__Conveying Emotions Through Visuals__~~~ ~~~__(Warning: Contains Spoilers)__~~~ ~~~img420(https://68.media.tumblr.com/55ce34327564843e8ddcb0bcdd8d004b/tumblr_okgz76b7IR1w1e3rso8_540.png)~~~ For three decades, Studio Ghibli has enthralled people with their fantastical narratives, hand-drawn animation, memorable characters, and depiction of emotions. Sadly, _When Marnie Was There_ marked the end of an era for a studio which was home to the likes of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as Studio Ghibli is on an indefinite hiatus from feature length films. Amidst all the grand castles, whimsical creatures, and gutsy female heroines, is a more subdued tale that is about an introverted girl dealing with her inner problems. In its story and in its characters, _When Marnie Was There_ is different from what Ghibli normally produces. What it does retain, however, is the studio's incredible ability to depict human emotions through the use of visuals.
>__WARN SPOILERS!__ img220(https://img.ceskatelevize.cz/program/porady/12431865303/foto09/21838460668_22.jpg?1560890837&_ga=2.2805751.692361387.1637500772-1455784035.1629982638) __Now history__ For a long time, the last film of the legendary Ghibli studio, which is undergoing a complete transformation after the retirement of the founders, was also conceived as a partition project. As the first film in the history of the studio without any creative participation of Miyazaki or Takahata, it presents the entire project of younger filmmakers, including production (led by Yoshiaki Nishimura, who led the production of "Princess Kaguji"). Unfortunately, the final Ghibli production, which was not at the top of the annual attendance ranking, unfortunately became the final in many years - sales of 3.6 billion yen represent more than Takahat's "Princess Kaguja", but at least in recent years from classically animated ghibleries. This is not the first Ghibli studio title to be targeted at adolescents, so it is speculated that the reason was rather the widely publicized retirement of Miyazaki and the impression on the part of viewers that a quality guarantor is leaving the established brand. But such fears dissipate immediately after the film is viewed. "When Marnie Was There" in terms of the quality of animation and screenplay fits exactly into the company's portfolio, although unlike the classics of Haja Miyazaki, it does not contain so many fantastic elements, but on the contrary focuses more directly on the psychology of the characters. This is where its uniqueness and uniqueness lies. After a shaky, albeit still delicious, "Arrietta" Hiromasa Jonebayashi demonstrated his own style and voice within the Ghibli brand. In this case, he made an enchantingly delicate film about growing up and searching for his own identity and the personal harmony associated with it. At the same time, he draws the audience into the inner world of his characters, while he transforms the classic questions of adolescence into a densely symbolist narrative, which, although unfolding in the peace of the summer holidays in the countryside, breathes great emotions. img220(https://img.ceskatelevize.cz/program/porady/12431865303/foto09/21838460668_13.jpg?1560890838&_ga=2.2805751.692361387.1637500772-1455784035.1629982638) __Something about the movie__ Thanks to the shadows of the present, we sometimes manage to enlighten the unknown past. Annoying asthma, a troubling little girl, is the reason why she is sent on a healing stay to her aunt and uncle in the countryside. A lonely, gloomy and not very communicative girl, she likes to draw scenes of the surrounding landscape somewhere in seclusion. During one of the walks through the swampy seascape, he gets to know an abandoned large house. Unknown by what, he is very close to her. He soon meets his resident - a young blonde girl, about her age. He shows her the nooks and crannies of the house and surroundings, introduces her to a party organized by the parents of the little blonde. Both girls are friends. But as a mysterious water tower rises above the country, a shadow of mystery hovers over the newly discovered friend ... A psychologically reworked and at the same time very moving animated adventure of self-knowledge of one's own past through discovered diary records. __My statement__ I would fully understand and perhaps even approve if the Academy gave a statuette to this warm, emotional and slow film about searching for oneself through the eyes of a twelve-year-old schoolgirl than a beautifully playful and imaginative but more story-oriented Pixar notch. that the Ghibli studio did not come up with something really fantastic and exceptional this time that can catch the eye at first glance. The film definitely has its problems, the slowness sometimes turns into almost length, the dialogues here and there seem kind of undercooked and the story unfolds very mysteriously and mysteriously, while sometimes ignoring things that should play a bigger role due to unraveling, moreover for the eyes to the Czech viewer (or maybe just me, who knows) the fundamental problem in Anna's relationship with her aunt is, let's say, slightly ridiculous, although on the other hand, from the point of view of a sensitive child like Anna, it could certainly be crucial. Otherwise, it's a really beautiful, moving film, strong in depicting friendship and trying to become "normal", in which it resonates especially, after all, in the fusion of fantasy with reality, depicting scenery of nature and settlements (Ghibli and his combination of two types of drawing, one for the characters and the other for the interiors and exteriors is simple and always beautiful) and a kind of overall atmosphere, which, however, takes full advantage of all the details and emotions only after revealing what was at stake (or when one can reveal it oneself). Nevertheless, I don't think I would like to see the film again in the future, there are too many more vivid and fantastic drawings in the studio's studio and overall Japanese production, which can still tell deep and emotional stories. img220(https://img.ceskatelevize.cz/program/porady/12431865303/foto09/21838460668_19.jpg?1560890835&_ga=2.2805751.692361387.1637500772-1455784035.1629982638)
>Nothing new, another spoiler review Welcome to the countryside! The air is clean, the grass is green; community is tightly-knit in this open expanse where the appreciation of nature is commonplace, its hospitality free of charge. Abounding in agriculture, the sprouts of familial love fully grown. A place to escape the suffocating crowded town where inclusivity is hard-earned, such that loneliness befriends kids in the outer sphere. Simultaneously, a haven to recuperate, where one can breathe life from the energy stored in all that's around us, connecting us to our definite homes. Sounds like many other Studio Ghibli stories, huh. Undeniably, When Marnie Was There is not an exception of having the staple nostalgic Ghibli air making up the atmospheric elements of the film. Very much grounded and light, it felt most reminiscent to older creations of the studio such as Totoro and Only Yesterday. However, what separates it from many others in the catalogue, to me personally, is its use of a contemporary aspect in storytelling execution blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, made more bewildering due to the absolutely normal-looking setting where only the mansion was even a bit incongruous; but that's really not enough to set up an environment that is in itself leaning on fantastical. Because of that imbalance dancing together with harmony, When Marnie Was There was--especially in my first watch--a full-blown fever dream.
#ꕤ ﹚ **preface** Going into this film, I really went in blind. All I knew was that the blond-haired young lady was named Marnie. I’ll try to keep this brief as possible, without any spoilers, but if you would like, feel free to read the synopsis as it is. ## ** also, do _not_ expect there to be any romance at all is all I'm saying. this is not that kind of movie, folks. ** ~~~img455(https://i.ibb.co/9vWWnvT/anna-looking-marnieeeee.png)~~~ --- #ꕤ ﹚ **My favorite part ** of the film was that it kept me wondering and guessing. This is something I really liked about the film because the mystery kept me curious to know more, and keep on watching. (I also saw this in theaters, so I had no way of pausing it haha). As much as I love to guess and get things right, I enjoy something even more when I am wholly surprised. #ꕤ ﹚ **Emotions displayed throughout the film** In the beginning of the film, we can already get a sense as to how Anna sees herself. She quite literally says that she hates herself, which is something I also resonated with. Over the course of the film, we see how she came to that belief that has held her back from living a _'normal' life_. The way Anna always seemed to have fallen asleep after spending time with Marnie already signaled something. However, it shows how symbolic their time together was. This also made me think of how *The Boy and the Heron* might have taken inspiration from this, as well as a resemblance to *Spirited Away*. #ꕤ ﹚ **I love how this film was paced. ** It is just right, everything in its right place. Sure, there are times where you are eager to know more, but patience is key – personally, the pacing doesn’t keep you waiting that long either. # ꕤ ﹚ **I believe what I am taking away from this film** is that the truth is hard to understand. Especially when you assume things on your own, and use that to distance yourself from the people that genuinely love and cherish you. People make mistakes. We use them to mature and become better people, that’s what being human is. Marnie is a joy, so full of life, reminding me/us that there is more to life than the cards you’re dealt with. How you were brought up doesn’t define you, it’s what you choose to do with your life that does. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that she went through, through it all, she found her own comfort and happiness. I would say this film has a speck of tragedy, but nonetheless it was very wholesome – with a lovely resolution in the end that ties everything up all together. #ꕤ ﹚ **Finally, a last remarkable thing I would like to note** is a moment in the ending. Where the supposedly mute fisherman speaks. I believe this moment was also quite wholesome in itself as it shows how Marnie’s presence was more than a ripple in the marsh. ;) ~~~youtube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED_0MoECLmw)~~~ # ꕤ ﹚ **rewatch value** I would 100% watch again, just to bask in its presence and perhaps cry even more as I reminisce and relate it with my personal life. Would I suggest you watch this? Yes, I would. Especially if you’re in for surprises, and want your heart to be moved. I highly recommend this!
___ ~~~__ENG__~~~ ___ #####I will attempt the feat of writing a review of this film without drawing the ire of Studio Ghibli fans. This film, produced by the renowned Studio Ghibli, was released in 2014 and has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It falls within the genres of mystery and drama, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Many have recommended that I watch "When Marnie Was There", describing it as a "masterpiece". Initially, I thought they might be right based on the trailer and genre, it seemed like a film I might truly enjoy. However, despite an intriguing plot, the movie didn't meet my expectations. Additionally, I found the characters somewhat lacking due to their ridiculous or even embarrassing dialogues. From a technical perspective, Studio Ghibli films excel. Their animation and artwork are undoubtedly of high quality. However, I believe that the stories in Studio Ghibli anime are primarily suited for a child audience, as they tend to be quite juvenile. An older audience might find them less engaging. Unlike other children's anime, Studio Ghibli films don't captivate me. While they are indeed masterpieces, they cater to a younger demographic. So, even though others continue to describe them as universally exceptional, that's not entirely accurate. Regarding "When Marnie Was There", I think it's an anime specifically tailored for little girls. While it might resonate with some teenage girls, boys could encounter issues with it. Marnie had the potential to be more, but it had to maintain its target audience, which ultimately led to my greater disappointment with it. Even though I didn't like "When Marnie Was There", it's still a highly appreciated anime among Studio Ghibli fans. However, my taste differs from that of Ghibli fans. In fact, Ghibli fans heavily criticize "Earwig and the Witch", which in my opinion, is the best Ghibli film I've seen so far. Unlike other Ghibli films, it's not overly childish or boring. It was well received even by non anime viewers. The only ones who disliked it were anime fans who have an aversion to CGI animation. The CGI animation in "Earwig and the Witch" was excellently done, but that wasn't enough to satisfy the fans. Now, returning to "When Marnie Was There", I managed to watch it until the end, even though it didn't captivate me. However, it might still appeal to someone else. Everyone has their own preferences, and what didn't impress me could be appreciated by others. So, if you're interested, you can give it a chance. It's not a terrible film, technically it's well made. It simply didn't meet my expectations and my taste. I watched it with the Italian dubbing. Perhaps many prefer subtitles to avoid hearing those embarrassing lines. However, if you want to truly understand what I'm saying, you should watch it in your language without seeking comfort in the Japanese dub. Reading and listening are two different things, they evoke different sensations. ___ ~~~__ITA__~~~ ___ #####Proverò l'impresa di scrivere una recensione di questo film senza tirarmi dietro l'odio dei fan dello Studio Ghibli. "Quando c'era Marnie" è un film del famosissimo ed apprezzatissimo Studio Ghibli, questo lungometraggio è uscito nel 2014 ed è della durata di 1 ora e 42 minuti. Il suo genere è Mistero, drammatico ed è stato diretto da Hiromasa Yonebayashi. In molti mi hanno consigliato di guardare "Quando c'era Marnie" descrivendomelo come "un capolavoro". Ho pensato, forse questa volta hanno ragione, dal trailer e dal genere potrebbe piacermi per davvero. Tuttavia, nonostante una trama interessante, il film non è stato all'altezza delle mie aspettative. Inoltre, i personaggi li ritengo un pò stupidi per via dei dialoghi ridicoli se non addirittura imbarazzanti. I film Ghibli sotto il punto di vista tecnico non avranno problemi, l'animazione e i disegni dello Studio Ghibli sono indubbiamente di alta qualità, però ritengo che le storie degli anime dello Studio Ghibli siano adatti solo ad un pubblico di bambini perché sono troppo infantili ed un pubblico più adulto potrebbe annoiarsi. A differenza di altri anime rivolti ad un pubblico di bambini, gli anime Ghibli mi annoiano. Gli anime Ghibli sono capolavori ma per bambini, è quello il pubblico a cui sono indirazzati quindi anche se altri continueranno a descriverli come capolavori adatti tutti, non è così. "Quando c'era Marnie" penso sia un anime adatto solo a delle bambine e sottolineo bambine (femminile), può andar bene in qualche modo per le ragazze però per i ragazzi già potrebbero sorgere dei problemi. Marnie poteva essere qualcosa di più ma doveva mantenere il target, questo me lo ha fatto disprezzare maggiormente. Anche se il film "Quando c'era Marnie" non mi è piaciuto, è comunque un anime molto apprezzato dai fan dello Studio Ghibli. Tuttavia, i miei gusti differiscono da quelli dei fan di Ghibli. Di fatto, i fan Ghibli criticano pesantemente "Earwig e la strega" che, secondo me, è il miglior film Ghibli che ho visto finora. A differenza di altri film Ghibli, non è eccessivamente infantile e noioso. È stato ben apprezzato anche dagli spettatori che non guardano anime. Gli unici a disprezzarlo erano i fan degli anime che hanno un'avversione per l'animazione CGI. L'animazione CGI di "Earwig e la strega" è stata realizzata in modo eccellente, ma non è bastata a soddisfare i fan. Tornando a parlare di "Quando c'era Marnie", lo sono riuscito a vedere fino alla fine perché questo film ho visto che non durava tanto, quindi ho fatto uno sforzo, tuttavia, voglio sottolineare che il film "Quando c'era Marnie" potrebbe comunque piacere a qualcun altro. Ognuno ha i suoi gusti, ciò che non mi ha colpito potrebbe essere apprezzato da altri. Quindi, se vi interessa, potete dargli una possibilità. Non è un film orribile, tecnicamente è pure realizzato bene, semplicemente non ha soddisfatto le mie aspettative e i miei gusti. L'ho visto con il doppiaggio italiano, forse molti preferiscono i sottotitoli per non ascoltare quelle frasi imbarazzanti, però se vuoi capire ciò che dico devi vederlo nella tua lingua senza cercare conforto nel doppiaggio giapponese. Leggere e ascoltare sono due cose diverse, ti faranno percepire sensazioni differenti.