Afternoon Adventures

When Marnie Was There

Credits

Original title :

Omoide no Mani

Country :

Japon

Year :

2014

Director :

Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Version :

vostEN

Duration :

103 minutes

Format :

digital

Awards :

Best Animated Feature nominee, Oscars 2016

Age classification :

6+ | Recommended for ages 9 and up

📚 D’après le roman de Joan G. Robinson

synopsis

Anna, a shy 12-year-old girl, is sent to spend time with her aunt and uncle who live in the countryside, where she meets Marnie. The two become best friends. But Anna gradually discovers that Marnie is not quite who she appears to be.

Showcasing the gorgeous hand-drawn work that is a hallmark of Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli, When Marnie Was There tells a story of youthful friendship tinged with melancholy and magic.

Toronto Star

Yonebayashi’s open-hearted tale, more than any other Ghibli offering, could conceivably have worked just as well in live-action, and yet the tender story gains so much from the studio’s delicate, hand-crafted approach. Bursting with color and detail, buoyed along and uplifted by pianist Takatsugu Muramatsu’s feather-light score, the film’s traditional animation style gives the narrative an even more timeless feel.

Variety