When Marnie was There
3.5/4
Starring (voices): Hailee Stanfield, Kiernan Shipka, Grey Griffin, John C. Reilly, Geena Davis
Rated PG for Thematic Elements and Smoking
Watching "When Marnie Was There" is like listening to a bedtime story or a lullaby. It is a very soothing and serene experience (for the most part), despite dealing with some heavy material. Although there are some tense scenes, they are short and understated. That doesn't mean boring by any means (it's anything but that). Just that the film operates on its own terms.
Anna (Stanfield) is an unhappy child. She has asthma and difficulties making friends. She has lost interest in life, resulting in what her mother Yoriko (Davis) calls a "wooden" personality. After an asthma attack, her doctor suggests that she spend some time in the open country with family. Setsu (Griffin) and Kiyomasa Oiwa (Reilly) welcome her with open arms. The serene environment does well for her, but her shyness and anxiety are still holding her back. The one thing she finds solace in is her drawings, and she is fascinated by a hidden mansion on the lake. There, she meets a young, pretty girl named Marnie (Shipka), who brings her out of her shell. But just who is Marnie, and why can they only play at certain times? And why does Anna end up asleep after they meet?
One thing that enhances the film's effect is that it refuses to be hurried. Even the best animated films from Pixar always have a sense of energy and forward momentum. The hero must achieve his goal (whatever that is). There is a lot of movement and expressive behavior. That's not the case with Studio Ghibli (who produced this movie). They're more patient. They allow their characters to pause, to think, to consider their actions and behavior. They take time for the minutiae that grounds the film and the characters in it. It allows the film time to draw the audience in and absorb everything the film has to offer. It's not as "active" as something by Disney or Pixar, but it's just as enthralling.
It goes without saying that the animation is gorgeous. This is Studio Ghibli, after all, so it's to be expected. But, seriously, this movie is incredible to look at even by their standards. While not as fantastical as something by Miyazaki, it's just as incredible to look at. Small town Japan has never looked so good. When the storm clouds form overhead, you can feel the humidity. The landscapes are particularly beautiful. The atmosphere is palpable throughout the film.
Voice acting in Studio Ghibli movies has never been high-energy, but it's always top notch. Hailee Stanfield does ably portrays the shy and damaged Anna, whose damaged personality is eventually revealed. Never once does the actress lose sight of the character. As Marnie, Kiernan Shipka isn't quite as impressive, but she gives the character the warmth and presence needed for the story to work. Grey Griffin and John C. Reilly convey all the love they can as her relatives.
Although "When Marnie Was Here" contains nothing truly objectionable, it does deal with some heavy themes such as death, abandonment and mental illness. But it treats them with the maturity and sensitivity that are hallmarks of Studio Ghibli. Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi is a more restrained and reserved filmmaker than Miyazaki is emotional, but perhaps this is by intent. This is a movie that unfurls its mysteries and arrives at the answers. The film's restraint is necessary to tell the story in this way.
The film does contain its missteps. As important as the leisurely pace is to the story, Yonebayashi overdoes it. The mystery of Marnie is held back for too long and I felt like the film was holding out on me. A few minutes cut from the middle portion of the film, or different handling on some level, would have made it seem less manipulative. Also, from a scripting standpoint, the big reveal (the first one) is clumsily handled. It's too abrupt and robs the film of some of its impact.
Still, the film is most certainly worth seeking out. It's a good story supported by interesting characters and some jaw-dropping animation.
Starring (voices): Hailee Stanfield, Kiernan Shipka, Grey Griffin, John C. Reilly, Geena Davis
Rated PG for Thematic Elements and Smoking
Watching "When Marnie Was There" is like listening to a bedtime story or a lullaby. It is a very soothing and serene experience (for the most part), despite dealing with some heavy material. Although there are some tense scenes, they are short and understated. That doesn't mean boring by any means (it's anything but that). Just that the film operates on its own terms.
Anna (Stanfield) is an unhappy child. She has asthma and difficulties making friends. She has lost interest in life, resulting in what her mother Yoriko (Davis) calls a "wooden" personality. After an asthma attack, her doctor suggests that she spend some time in the open country with family. Setsu (Griffin) and Kiyomasa Oiwa (Reilly) welcome her with open arms. The serene environment does well for her, but her shyness and anxiety are still holding her back. The one thing she finds solace in is her drawings, and she is fascinated by a hidden mansion on the lake. There, she meets a young, pretty girl named Marnie (Shipka), who brings her out of her shell. But just who is Marnie, and why can they only play at certain times? And why does Anna end up asleep after they meet?
One thing that enhances the film's effect is that it refuses to be hurried. Even the best animated films from Pixar always have a sense of energy and forward momentum. The hero must achieve his goal (whatever that is). There is a lot of movement and expressive behavior. That's not the case with Studio Ghibli (who produced this movie). They're more patient. They allow their characters to pause, to think, to consider their actions and behavior. They take time for the minutiae that grounds the film and the characters in it. It allows the film time to draw the audience in and absorb everything the film has to offer. It's not as "active" as something by Disney or Pixar, but it's just as enthralling.
It goes without saying that the animation is gorgeous. This is Studio Ghibli, after all, so it's to be expected. But, seriously, this movie is incredible to look at even by their standards. While not as fantastical as something by Miyazaki, it's just as incredible to look at. Small town Japan has never looked so good. When the storm clouds form overhead, you can feel the humidity. The landscapes are particularly beautiful. The atmosphere is palpable throughout the film.
Voice acting in Studio Ghibli movies has never been high-energy, but it's always top notch. Hailee Stanfield does ably portrays the shy and damaged Anna, whose damaged personality is eventually revealed. Never once does the actress lose sight of the character. As Marnie, Kiernan Shipka isn't quite as impressive, but she gives the character the warmth and presence needed for the story to work. Grey Griffin and John C. Reilly convey all the love they can as her relatives.
Although "When Marnie Was Here" contains nothing truly objectionable, it does deal with some heavy themes such as death, abandonment and mental illness. But it treats them with the maturity and sensitivity that are hallmarks of Studio Ghibli. Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi is a more restrained and reserved filmmaker than Miyazaki is emotional, but perhaps this is by intent. This is a movie that unfurls its mysteries and arrives at the answers. The film's restraint is necessary to tell the story in this way.
The film does contain its missteps. As important as the leisurely pace is to the story, Yonebayashi overdoes it. The mystery of Marnie is held back for too long and I felt like the film was holding out on me. A few minutes cut from the middle portion of the film, or different handling on some level, would have made it seem less manipulative. Also, from a scripting standpoint, the big reveal (the first one) is clumsily handled. It's too abrupt and robs the film of some of its impact.
Still, the film is most certainly worth seeking out. It's a good story supported by interesting characters and some jaw-dropping animation.
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