Studio Ghibli is known for its touching films and gorgeous hand-drawn animation. Founded by the famed Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, Ghibli has grown to become one of the most celebrated and influential animation studios in the world.
With hits like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and the former being the first anime to do so, Studio Ghibli has cemented its legacy for generations. However, even with all its major hits and countless fans often sharing their favorites, one film is often overlooked.
Released in 2014, When Marnie Was There stands out as one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest and most powerful achievements. Yet, it rarely has a place in fan discussions and is almost never mentioned as one of Ghibli’s most defining films. When Marnie Was There is an impactful film that is well deserving of more recognition.
When Marnie Was There Is One of Studio Ghibli’s Most Powerful Films
When Marnie Was There was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi shortly after Hayao Miyazaki, director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, retired in 2013 (although he would ultimately return to the studio).
The film centers on Anna, a young, withdrawn girl who is sent to the countryside for her health. While there, she befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie, who lives in what should be an abandoned mansion on the edge of a marsh.
As their bond grows, marked by secrecy and a sense of otherworldliness, Anna begins to confront emotions and realities that she has long kept hidden, ultimately leading to major revelations about her past and family.
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The film excels through its pacing, emotional beats, and beautiful artistry. Anna’s struggles with loneliness and insecurity often lead her to self-isolate as she tries to make sense of the feelings of abandonment, grief, and whether she is a burden to those around her.
When Marnie Was There focuses on this internal struggle throughout the film, building up Anna and Marnie’s bond through adventures and shared secrets. Through them, the film explores vulnerability and belonging in ways that are universally resonant and impactful, rightfully earning the story critical acclaim. Yet, it has never quite gained the recognition it deserved.
When Marnie Was There Never Got the Attention It Deserved
Despite earning a high 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and standing as one of Studio Ghibli’s most emotionally grounded stories, When Marnie Was There doesn’t have the same level of recognition as other celebrated titles such as Kiki’s Delivery Service or The Secret World of Arrietty, remaining a hidden gem in the studio’s catalog.
However, much like Ghibli’s most beloved films, When Marnie Was There is anchored in universal themes that resonate with audiences in ways that are personal and relatable for many viewers. While the film doesn’t offer a grand magical adventure like many other hit films Ghibli has created, When Marnie Was There stands out for its emotional impact and introspective tone.
When Marnie Was There centers on loneliness and redemption, with a full-circle ending that perfectly ties together both the narrative and the emotional journey.
Like some of the studio’s most overlooked films, including Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, and many more, When Marnie Was There is atmospheric and deeply meaningful, following Anna’s journey from an isolated, quiet girl to someone who has grown comfortable in herself. Paired with its steady pacing and strong supporting characters, the film keeps viewers engaged from the very beginning.
When Marnie Was There centers on loneliness and redemption, with a full-circle ending that perfectly ties together both the narrative and the emotional journey. Despite not achieving the same attention as many other studio hits, the film is immensely deserving of more appreciation and promises to leave behind an unforgettable, lasting impact.
- Release Date
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July 19, 2014
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Sara Takatsuki
Anna Sasaki
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Nanako Matsushima
Yoriko Sasaki
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Susumu Terajima
Kiyomasa Oiwa