When Marnie Was There

About When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There is a 2014 drama-fantasy anime film by Studio Ghibli. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, it is based on a classic children's book by Joan G. Robinson. The story revolves around Anna, a lonely, introverted girl who moves to a seaside town and befriends Marnie, a mysterious girl who lives in a supposedly abandoned mansion.

Marnie's presence helps Anna confront her emotional issues and learn more about her identity, adding to the plot's richness. Deep, complex themes of desire, loneliness, and the importance of friendship are also explored, making it a thoughtful, heart-warming film.

Making / Production

This film was produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura and was the film director Yonebayashi's second film after "The Secret World of Arrietty." The animation was done by Masashi Ando and the art direction by Yohei Taneda, making the visuals delicate and stunning, capturing the essence of the story.

Actors

• Sara Takatsuki as Anna Sasaki: Takatsuki gives a delicate, emotionally nuanced voice performance as the introverted protagonist.
• Kasumi Arimura as Marnie: Arimura provides the voice for the elusive Marnie, bringing a profound sense of warmth and charm to the character.
• Susumu Terajima as Kiyomasa Oiwa: Terajima lends his voice to the character, adding depth with his characteristic tone.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is Studio Ghibli's second film adaptation of a western book, the first being Howl's Moving Castle.
• This is Studio Ghibli's last film before their temporary hiatus following Hayao Miyazaki's retirement.
• The movie was produced without the creation of a screenplay, a rare occurrence in filmmaking.

Awards

The film received numerous accolades, including the Chicago Film Critics Association award for Best Animated Feature. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 88th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "Let's make a promise. A promise that we'll remain a secret, forever."
• "Truth is the only thing that matters."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, providing a beautiful, melancholic accompaniment to the story.
• The film's theme song "Fine on the Outside" was performed by Priscilla Ahn.