WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE * (Theatrical Release Japan 2014)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

When Marnie Was There, interesting until Anna, English-voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, begins spending more time with Marnie, English-voiced by Kiernan Shipka. The movie slows noticeably and fails to maintain interest until near the conclusion of the movie when the pace quickens as it begins connecting all the dots of why Anna has such a strong connection to Marnie. The film, however, is well done and has a ‘worth waiting for’ ending. Cinematography is well done and the portrayal of story is very good. The animation is fantastic even though it does not rely on the more sophisticated computer generated animation technology. The softer scenery comes as a much welcomed effect that creates a softer approach to animated entertainment. Great work for Directors James Simone and Hiromasa Yonebayashi for managing to cross international borders and making a heartfelt, appealing film that can be enjoyed by all members of a family.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl is sent to the country and finds a new friend.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors James Simone and Hiromasa Yonebayashi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Toshio Suzuki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:

Anna Sasaki (Voice of Sara Takatsuki), Marnie (Voice of Kasumi Arimura), Yoriko Sasaki (Voice of Nanako Matsushima), Kiyomasa Oiwa (Voice of Susumu Terajima), Setsu Oiwas (Voice of Toshie Negishi), Elderly Lady (Voice of Ryôko Moriyama), Nanny (Voice of Kazuko Yoshiyuki), Hisako (Voice of Hitomi Kuroki), Marnie’s Mother (Voice of Yûko Kaida), Art Teacher (Voice of Hiroyuki Morisaki), and Neighborhood Association Officer (voice of Takuma Otoo).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Despite the slowness of much of the movie, there is a calmness in its story that can be much appreciated by both younger and older audiences.

*Also known as Omoide no Mânî

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers