Rating of
4/4
Beautiful Friendship
Unknown - wrote on 01/18/16
'When Marnie Was There' is one of the most mature animated films to come from Studio Ghibli. The subject matter deals with depression in the pre-teen age. Anna is an introverted orphan who feels a great loss due to her unknown past. She's instantly connectable through her positive qualities she keeps to herself. Over the course of this absorbing drama her newfound friend, Marnie, brings out the best in her. Marnie, as we come to fine out, has more in common with Anna's personal anguish. The love which grows between them is really heartfelt. It's through their friendship that Anna truly comes to appreciate her self-worth and finds what she can offer to others. Having already invested in this pairing, it's easy to dive into the mystery surrounding Marnie. She isn't what she seems at first. The revelation at the end is very heavy hearted in the way it emotionally impacts Anna. It's a resolution that I found just as impactful. The emotional effect it left me with felt like a much deserved warm embrace from a caring loved one. The touching simplicities are easy to get swept up in, especially when upheld by the beautiful artistry in the visuals. This is heavy material that can easily work it's melancholy and positive message to younger viewers. I absolutely loved it! Definitely my favorite film from Studio Ghibli.
