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.”

This movie is wonderful and sad Studio ghibli movie I ever seen. Totally recommend it❤️

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

I have always loved Studio Ghibli films and the fabulous and artistically stunning work of Hayao Miyazaki. I'm a huge fan of Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, The Secret World of Arrietty, and Howl's Moving Castle. This movie definitely does not disappoint and follows along the same path as the movies before it. While being animated, I wouldn't really recommend getting this for a very young child to watch. The story line is just too advanced with more adult related concepts than children related. However, my 10 year old nephew had no problem following the story and being engrossed in the tale it told. The movie is about a young girl (Anna) who suffers from perpetual shy-ness and a general displeasure of being close to other people. A lot of which has to do with her past. During the movie you follow the life of Anna, who leaves to spend the summer in the country to get fresh air and hopefully help deal with/get over her aversion to being around other people. While there she discovers a beautiful mansion at the edge of a marsh with an air of mystery and magic around it. Some times when Anna visits the mansion it's grand and vivacious and other times it's dilapidated and abandoned and Anna can't seem to figure out what's happening. It's there that Anna meets Marnie, a mysterious young girl with a big secret. The film takes you through the summer of Anna and Marnie and all the wonderful things they learn, discover and get through together. Stunning artwork, beautifully composed and an amazing and heartfelt story. I would definitely recommend this film to others.

Such a sweet lovely movie.🥹 One of my favorites highly recommended get for family movie night

Another classic from Studio Ghibli, the story is beautiful and has a few tear jerking moments that will hit home towards the end of the film. You are left guessing throughout the story and trying to make sense of it and then all of a sudden it clicks and you are left teary eyed. We managed to watch it twice in one evening and the second time you pick up some detail you might have missed first time watching it as the story is really gripping and draws you in. There are moments where there is silence and you stop breathing to take it all in, very well produced and created. Will be a shame if this is the last for Studio Ghibli feature films but what a high to end on. Highly recommended for teenagers as you can see Anna develop throughout the film to a confident person which Studio Ghibli highlight in many of their films, the location is beautiful and reminds me and my family of when we went to Isle of Mull

とても大好きな感動作品です 英語学習に使えると思います

El servicio de Amazon fue excelente como de costumbre, envío a tiempo y el producto presentó cero defectos. Otra película de los maestros de Ghibli y dirgida por Yonebayashi que nos cuenta la historia de Anna durante sus vacaciones en el Japón rural, donde enfrentará problemas por su forma de relacionarse pero a la vez hará amigos y se auto-descubrirá tras conocer a Marnie. Soy terrible escribiendo sinopsis pero puedo asegurarles que es una obra hermosa con un bello mansaje sobre la familia y la amistad. Gran calidad de imagen a 1080p, subtítulos en español y audio en japonés y español (latino), un solo disco con terribles extras como suele hacer Zima (galería de imágenes), y slip cover. La compré a $150 por lo que considero que valió la pena.

Ce film met en scène une enfant adoptée éprouvée par son passé qui, au final, se réconcilie avec son histoire. Anna est un personnage attachant. Rien de ce récit n'est insignifiant ou laissé au hasard. Tout est mesuré, sensé et réfléchi. Il sait nous maintenir à savoir si Marnie est réelle ou le fruit du monde imaginaire d'Anna. Sur le plan visuel, c'est un film agréablement beau à regarder. Je suis toujours fascinée par la qualité du bruitage qui rend les scènes encore plus réelles. La musique également vient unifier le film. Histoire simple, riche, et profonde. Personnellement, il m'a rejoint. C'est un film à voir et à revoir.

Bom preço e qualidade