When Marnie Was There (DVD)

First, about the Blu-Ray: some of those commenting here have complained about not being able to skip the promotions at the beginning of the disk to go to the movie directly instead. If they are using Cyberlink 13, 14 -- or 15 on a PC, as I do: right click on the screen; that will open a menu with an item for “going to …” where one can open yet another menu that offers the choice of starting at the “root” menu.Now, the film:This is the last full-feature ever to be produced by the illustrious Study Ghibli, at least while operating in the same manner that has earned it the heartfelt admiration of so many, for so many years.It is also the Japanese version of an English ghost story, and the material cannot be stronger, originating from one of two cultures that excel in them and coming now to us through the filter of the other.One of the two main characters is a shy pre-pubescent girl that is at war with her own emotions, but mostly keeps a grip on them and remains respectful, if distant, towards others. Except in a few occasions when she cannot help herself and lashes out. But then realizes that she was wrong and comes around to apologizing sincerely.The second main character is the ghost of another girl of similar age, existing in a very different situation, but connected to the first one in ways that come to light at the end.In this story, time itself bends: past and present briefly and imperfectly seem to overlap for a few minutes or a few hours, now and then, letting each girl move from her reality to the other's and back. So, in a way, each might be a ghost to the other (and there is a hint that this is the case in a rediscovered diary Marnie had kept many years before).Magic and mystery rule; above all, this is a tale about the mystery and magic of love. It is also a very humane and moving story.The animation is of the quality one expects in a Ghibli film. This is not about high drama and dare-devil action, as in “Mononoke”, or action plus deeply poetic story-telling as in “Kaguya”; it does not play as hard with one’s emotions as “The grave of the fireflies”, is not as boisterously fantastic as “Pom Poko”, or as amusing as “Porco Rosso” or “My neighbors the Tanakas”, or as heart-warming as “Kiki”, to mention some of the studio's great achievements, but it is a great small piece of art all the same, as well as a feather in the cap of Hiromasa Yonebayashi that directed it (his second movie after “Arrietty”, also adapted from an English story).Comparisons have been made, nonetheless, to some of those former movies by some professional critics and, in conclusion, “Marnie” has been declared by them to be a “minor Ghibli.” I disagree: those are comparisons between apples and butterflies. This movie, as those other ones of that wonderfully creative enterprise, is in a kind all its own, and should be seen that way.As of this writing, “Marnie” is in the list of candidates for an Oscar in the “Best Animated Film” category. Given the tremendous amount of wind in the sails of “Inside Out”, I fully expect the latter to win the prize. “Inside Out” is, in my opinion, an inferior product, if brilliantly executed, since it, after all, comes from Pixar. It is about a girl of about same age as in “Marnie” that is also in the grip of her emotions, but the message here is that it is no big deal to act up, to the distress of others, even when one’s own family is struggling with unexpected and serious problems: after all, we are ruled by our emotions and that gives us a permanent “get out of jail” pass. A great message to all kids out there already “old enough to understand”?I think not.So, in my heart of hearts, I am rooting for “Marnie.”

I watched this movie with my sister, and we both loved it. I can't stop listening to the music, it's so enchanting and adorable.

When the say 'All good things must come to an end' it really is something you never want to hear. In this case knowing that the studio that gave the world some of the most beautiful films of the last 30 years is closing it's doors is heartbreaking. Studio Ghibli finally made a name for its self in the western world and the whole library of its films are unlike anything you will ever experience. The final film in this collection, 'When Marnie Was There' could not have been a more perfect conclusion to Ghibli's legacy.Based on a heart warming tale we see a coming of age story with a heart warming supernatural twist. The characters are so charming and the English voice cast chosen in Haliee Steinfeld, John C. Reille and Kathy Bates is wonderful. As always the animation is stunning and watching a story taking place in the peaceful countryside made me feel like all my stress had gone away for just a little while. However, the story is a beautiful blend of joy and sorrow as the two main characters Anna and Marnie develop a one of a kind friend ship as they peel away the layers of the pasts and share their inner most secrets with one another. It is a story filled with hope, love and loss and the ending will definitely produce a tear or more.For me, tears were definitely shed just knowing that the pioneering team of Miyazaki and Takahata have 'officially' concluded their epic adventure into the world of animation. They proved that animation is a genre that can be developed for all kinds of audiences and that traditional cell animation is an art form that is far from dead. Each time they exposed new wonders and dived ever deeper into its beauty and their product as well as their awards, have shown that time and time again.Complete your Studio Ghibli journey with this heartwarming conclusion and I am sure you will happy that you did.End of Book 2

Sometimes, I see a movie at just the time I need to see it. This was one of those time. At the time I viewed this movie, it was just a week after my mother passed away. The sadness and loss still in me. The feeling that nobody understands the feelings. Of loss, anger, sadness, hurt, confusion. All coming together. Yet, after I watched this movie, I felt that somebody does understand. It was great for me to watch this movie just at this very moment in my life.It had a lovely story about friendship. About a girl trying to figure out who she is. All the feelings she had at this point in her life. The people around her trying to help yet not knowing how.The animation was nothing short of breathtaking.Definitely recommended.

When checking out Studio Ghibli’s work for the first time Last Year, some of these films showed how Thought Provoking, Profound, and captured this type of realism I never see a whole in other Animated Works like Disney or Pixar especially (that and I’d kicking my butt so hard for thinking Anime is just weirdness and also waiting so late in life). Around the first round, I’d check out well known classics like: Spirited Away (the first one I’d checked out in fact), Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke, etc. Then I eventually finished off Ghibli’s filmography (and yes I gone through Goro’s films before this one, how kinda poetic thinking this was their last film before Earwig) with this one. For Yonebashi’s second film, I was surprised by how much it touched me (again, kick myself even harder for shoving it off the first time around). This film spoke to me back around my early years (something I’d rather not go in detail). Ghibli fans, quit giving the harsh comparisons and thinking this does live up to other films. This should be deserved to be discussed alongside said others.