When Marnie Was There -Limited Edition Steelbook [Blu-ray + DVD]

First, about the Blu-Ray: some of those commenting here have complained about not being able to skip the promotions at the beginning of the disk to go to the movie directly instead. If they are using Cyberlink 13, 14 -- or 15 on a PC, as I do: right click on the screen; that will open a menu with an item for “going to …” where one can open yet another menu that offers the choice of starting at the “root” menu.Now, the film:This is the last full-feature ever to be produced by the illustrious Study Ghibli, at least while operating in the same manner that has earned it the heartfelt admiration of so many, for so many years.It is also the Japanese version of an English ghost story, and the material cannot be stronger, originating from one of two cultures that excel in them and coming now to us through the filter of the other.One of the two main characters is a shy pre-pubescent girl that is at war with her own emotions, but mostly keeps a grip on them and remains respectful, if distant, towards others. Except in a few occasions when she cannot help herself and lashes out. But then realizes that she was wrong and comes around to apologizing sincerely.The second main character is the ghost of another girl of similar age, existing in a very different situation, but connected to the first one in ways that come to light at the end.In this story, time itself bends: past and present briefly and imperfectly seem to overlap for a few minutes or a few hours, now and then, letting each girl move from her reality to the other's and back. So, in a way, each might be a ghost to the other (and there is a hint that this is the case in a rediscovered diary Marnie had kept many years before).Magic and mystery rule; above all, this is a tale about the mystery and magic of love. It is also a very humane and moving story.The animation is of the quality one expects in a Ghibli film. This is not about high drama and dare-devil action, as in “Mononoke”, or action plus deeply poetic story-telling as in “Kaguya”; it does not play as hard with one’s emotions as “The grave of the fireflies”, is not as boisterously fantastic as “Pom Poko”, or as amusing as “Porco Rosso” or “My neighbors the Tanakas”, or as heart-warming as “Kiki”, to mention some of the studio's great achievements, but it is a great small piece of art all the same, as well as a feather in the cap of Hiromasa Yonebayashi that directed it (his second movie after “Arrietty”, also adapted from an English story).Comparisons have been made, nonetheless, to some of those former movies by some professional critics and, in conclusion, “Marnie” has been declared by them to be a “minor Ghibli.” I disagree: those are comparisons between apples and butterflies. This movie, as those other ones of that wonderfully creative enterprise, is in a kind all its own, and should be seen that way.As of this writing, “Marnie” is in the list of candidates for an Oscar in the “Best Animated Film” category. Given the tremendous amount of wind in the sails of “Inside Out”, I fully expect the latter to win the prize. “Inside Out” is, in my opinion, an inferior product, if brilliantly executed, since it, after all, comes from Pixar. It is about a girl of about same age as in “Marnie” that is also in the grip of her emotions, but the message here is that it is no big deal to act up, to the distress of others, even when one’s own family is struggling with unexpected and serious problems: after all, we are ruled by our emotions and that gives us a permanent “get out of jail” pass. A great message to all kids out there already “old enough to understand”?I think not.So, in my heart of hearts, I am rooting for “Marnie.”

When the say 'All good things must come to an end' it really is something you never want to hear. In this case knowing that the studio that gave the world some of the most beautiful films of the last 30 years is closing it's doors is heartbreaking. Studio Ghibli finally made a name for its self in the western world and the whole library of its films are unlike anything you will ever experience. The final film in this collection, 'When Marnie Was There' could not have been a more perfect conclusion to Ghibli's legacy.Based on a heart warming tale we see a coming of age story with a heart warming supernatural twist. The characters are so charming and the English voice cast chosen in Haliee Steinfeld, John C. Reille and Kathy Bates is wonderful. As always the animation is stunning and watching a story taking place in the peaceful countryside made me feel like all my stress had gone away for just a little while. However, the story is a beautiful blend of joy and sorrow as the two main characters Anna and Marnie develop a one of a kind friend ship as they peel away the layers of the pasts and share their inner most secrets with one another. It is a story filled with hope, love and loss and the ending will definitely produce a tear or more.For me, tears were definitely shed just knowing that the pioneering team of Miyazaki and Takahata have 'officially' concluded their epic adventure into the world of animation. They proved that animation is a genre that can be developed for all kinds of audiences and that traditional cell animation is an art form that is far from dead. Each time they exposed new wonders and dived ever deeper into its beauty and their product as well as their awards, have shown that time and time again.Complete your Studio Ghibli journey with this heartwarming conclusion and I am sure you will happy that you did.End of Book 2

When Marnie Was There is an excellent film, and it has one of the best portrayals of anxiety and depression I've ever seen in a movie. The only problem with this is that early in the movie, Anna's actions had me disliking her after she insulted a character out of the blue that was seeking her friendship (in a slightly annoying way). However, I have friends and family with depression/anxiety, and I've seen them say and do horrible things with no regards for the feelings of others, even if they would never do that on a normal day. Like all Ghibli films, the animation is superb, but there are parts of it that are slightly different in this film, especially the colors and some of the extra details. The story is interesting, in that like other films from the studio, if it had been made in America it might have been a horror movie, but since their culture has a different view on spirits it's instead a beautiful story of love and friendship. I don't want to say too much to avoid spoilers, but the climax and ending to the film is perfect, it was so amazing that I couldn't help crying uncontrollably, something I hardly ever do. To put it simply, I loved this movie, and I'd highly recommend this to everyone of all ages and inclinations. With this being the first Studio Ghibli film without its creators (Miyazaki especially) but the amazing quality and originality of When Marnie Was There gives me hope that there might be more excellent films from them in the future.