When Marnie Was There

Anna Sasaki, a shy and introverted teenager, is sent to live with relatives in a quiet seaside town for her health. While exploring, she becomes fascinated by an abandoned mansion and encounters Marnie, a mysterious blonde girl who lives there. As their friendship blossoms, Anna begins to uncover secrets about Marnie's past and her connection to the house, leading to a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding.

When Marnie Was There received generally positive reviews, praised for its beautiful animation, emotional depth, and exploration of themes like friendship, loneliness, and identity. Some critics found the plot slightly complex or slow-paced, but overall, it was recognized as a tender and visually stunning film from Studio Ghibli.

• Visually stunning animation and a heartwarming, emotional story.
• Explores complex themes of friendship, isolation, and memory with grace.
• A beautifully rendered, albeit sometimes melancholic, tale of self-discovery.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's beautiful artistry and touching story about a young girl finding connection and understanding. Many appreciated the emotional resonance and the gentle, contemplative pacing.

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 88th Academy Awards.

This was the last film produced by Studio Ghibli before its temporary hiatus and Hiromasa Yonebayashi's final directorial work for the studio.