When Marnie Was There (2014)

When Marnie Was There is a quietly powerful animated drama about loneliness, memory and the unexpected bonds that heal us. Twelve‑year‑old Anna, sent from the city to the Japanese countryside for her asthma, is shy, withdrawn and used to being alone with her sketchbook. At a remote seaside village she meets Marnie, a mysterious, free‑spirited blonde girl who lives in an old mansion. Their friendship feels immediate and magical, but as their relationship deepens the film slowly reveals that Marnie’s presence is wrapped up in family secrets and buried memories. Watching the movie you’ll experience gentle, painterly animation and intimate, atmospheric storytelling: windswept beaches, quiet rooms, seasonal light and small, telling details are rendered with moving clarity. The pace is contemplative rather than plot‑driven, and the score and sound design heighten the film’s wistful, sometimes eerie mood. Emotionally it moves from curiosity and warmth to melancholy and finally to a quietly satisfying sense of understanding and reconciliation. The film is ideal for viewers who appreciate thoughtful, character‑driven stories—older children and adults alike—and rewards patient viewing. Expect a tender, bittersweet journey that lingers after the credits, exploring identity, forgiveness and how the connections we forge can change the way we see ourselves.

Actors: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Runtime: 103 min

Genres: Animation, Drama, Family

7.1 /10 72 /100 7.6 /10 7.3 /10