When Marnie Was There

There is little needing to be said for the Japanese based, Studio Ghibli. The producers of such masterful works which include Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Castle in the Sky. Mostly stemming from the brilliant mind of Hiyao Miyazaki, these films are the basis of my childhood alongside those of both Disney and Pixar. That said, I have a slightly biased opinion I will attempt to curb in an effort to be objective.

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There are two types of films which Studio Ghibli produces. Either the most fantastical adventures or the most heart wrenching dramas. When Marnie Was There is one of the latter.

Upon being sent to live with relatives in the countryside, Marnie, an emotionally distant adolescent girl becomes obsessed with an abandoned mansion. She soon becomes infatuated with a girl who lives there; a girl who may or may not be real.

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I went in with no expectations and buckled myself in for the long haul. Here is the summation of the ride.

1. The animation style, as expected, is spot on and terribly beautiful. Reflections upon the sea, raindrops splashing in a puddle and the natural landscapes are drawn and animated to perfection.
2. There is a slow, methodical approach to the story which can drag in the first half of the film, but becomes instantly intriguing as the strange becomes stranger.
3. This story successfully told the story of a family, jumping, almost unnoticeable at first, between four generations of a single family.
4. This is a love story. I know, I rolled my eyes writing it a little but listen up. This is a strange love story. Something pure and untainted. A love between friends stemming from gratitude. The gratitude from not being alone.
5. There is a complex psychological tone which pervades the entirety of the action. I felt confusion at first. Then an acceptance of the reality presented and finally a complete understanding of the mindset I had been exploring.
6. You would think emotions would be high the entire time but no, all of the emotions were rolled into a single 5 minute portion of the story as the truth was revealed. I’d be lying if I said my eyes were dry. I would also be lying if I said it was allergies but goddamnit it was so leave me alone and pass me a tissue.

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When Marnie Was There is not typical in any sense of the word. Very few rules are followed and yet a powerful story unfolds. A tale of love, a tale of friendship and, of course, of family.

Objectively, 7 out of 10 boat rides across the marsh.

Subjectively, 9 out of 10 bullshit moments of shit getting in my eye and creating water.

*All stills belong to their respective owners as well as the film, When Marnie Was There.