Detailed Summary
Introduction: Anna’s Struggle with Loneliness
The story begins with Anna Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl living in Sapporo. She suffers from asthma and feels alienated from the world around her, struggling with her sense of self-worth. She is emotionally withdrawn and feels like an outsider, often isolated from her peers. Her foster mother, Yoriko, sends her to the countryside to stay with relatives in the hope that the fresh air will improve her health.
Anna’s Discovery of the Marsh House
Upon arriving in the rural town, Anna is drawn to an old, mysterious mansion across the marsh. The house, seemingly abandoned, sparks something within her. Soon after, she encounters a blonde girl named Marnie, who lives in the house. Marnie is lively, cheerful, and, unlike Anna, brimming with confidence and warmth. They form an instant, deep connection, and Anna feels she has finally found someone she can trust.
Marnie’s Hidden Life and Secrets
As Anna and Marnie’s friendship deepens, strange things begin to happen. Marnie sometimes vanishes without a trace, and Anna starts to wonder if Marnie is real or a figment of her imagination. Their adventures together, including a glamorous party at the mansion and secret nighttime outings, have an almost dreamlike quality.
Anna learns that Marnie’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems. She is neglected by her wealthy but indifferent parents and is often left alone with her harsh nanny. As Anna uncovers more about Marnie’s life, the film takes on a more mysterious and eerie tone.
The Discovery of Marnie’s True Identity
The mystery deepens when Anna meets Sayaka, a girl who has moved into the Marsh House with her family. Sayaka finds Marnie’s old diary and shows it to Anna. As they read the diary, Anna begins to piece together that Marnie is somehow connected to her own past.
In a poignant revelation, Anna discovers that Marnie was her grandmother. The visions of Marnie that Anna has been seeing are not literal but rather manifestations of her memories and emotional connection to her long-lost family. This realization helps Anna reconcile her feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and identity.
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Movie Ending
The film concludes with Anna coming to terms with her own identity and history. She now understands that her connection to Marnie was rooted in her unresolved feelings about her past. Through this journey, Anna is able to heal and start accepting love and care from those around her, particularly her foster mother Yoriko, whom she now regards with affection. The final moments are bittersweet but hopeful, as Anna finds peace within herself.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, When Marnie Was There does not feature a post-credits scene. The emotional conclusion of the story is left as the final word, with no further scenes added after the credits roll.
Type of Movie
When Marnie Was There is a drama/fantasy film with elements of mystery and psychological exploration. It focuses on the emotional growth of a young girl and uses a supernatural framework to explore themes of identity, memory, and healing.
Cast (Japanese and English Dubs)
- Sara Takatsuki (Japanese) / Hailee Steinfeld (English) as Anna Sasaki
- Kasumi Arimura (Japanese) / Kiernan Shipka (English) as Marnie
- Nanako Matsushima (Japanese) / Geena Davis (English) as Yoriko
- Susumu Terajima (Japanese) / John C. Reilly (English) as Kiyomasa Oiwa
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, whose music beautifully complements the film’s delicate and melancholic tone. The standout song, “Fine on the Outside” by Priscilla Ahn, is a deeply emotional track that reflects Anna’s feelings of isolation and longing for connection.
Filming Locations
Since the film is animated, there are no traditional filming locations, but the countryside setting in When Marnie Was There was inspired by the Hokkaido region of Japan. The lush landscapes, misty marshes, and serene lakes in the movie reflect the real-world beauty of rural Japan, adding to the film’s tranquil and atmospheric mood.
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Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award Nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2016.
- Nominated for Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music.
- Won the Japanese Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
Although it didn’t win the Oscar, the film was widely praised for its emotional depth and stunning animation.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film is one of the last major productions from Studio Ghibli before their brief hiatus after Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement.
- Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi was also the director of The Secret World of Arrietty.
- The marsh and house designs were inspired by real locations in England, as Yonebayashi wanted to retain the British flavor of the original novel.
- The animators aimed to create an ethereal, dreamlike quality for Marnie’s appearances, blending reality and fantasy seamlessly.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on Joan G. Robinson’s 1967 novel of the same name, but the setting was shifted from England to Japan. The novel explores similar themes of isolation, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, although the film adaptation gives a uniquely Ghibli-like spin to the story.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings, as the film closely follows its original script. However, the movie does omit some side characters and subplots from the novel, streamlining the story to focus more on Anna and Marnie’s relationship.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the novel and movie share the same core plot, the movie takes artistic liberties by shifting the setting from rural England to rural Japan. Additionally, the film leans more heavily into the supernatural aspects, blurring the line between reality and fantasy in ways the book only hints at.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Anna’s first encounter with Marnie at the Marsh House.
- The eerie dream-like party where Marnie dances with Anna.
- The revelation of Marnie’s diary and its connection to Anna’s past.
Iconic Quotes
- Anna: “I hate myself.”
- Marnie: “You’re my precious secret.”
- Marnie: “Whenever I close my eyes, I see you at the window.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The seaside marsh setting is a nod to Studio Ghibli’s fondness for nature and environmental beauty, which is a recurring theme in their films.
- Marnie’s hair and clothes are slightly translucent in certain scenes, symbolizing her ethereal, ghostly nature.
- The Marsh House’s design is subtly influenced by traditional European architecture, honoring the British roots of the story.
Trivia
- Hiromasa Yonebayashi chose the story for its exploration of deep emotional conflicts.
- The English dub features several well-known actors, including Kiernan Shipka and Hailee Steinfeld, who both went on to have prominent careers in Hollywood.
- When Marnie Was There was Studio Ghibli’s final feature film before their brief hiatus, marking the end of an era for the studio.
Why Watch?
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s emotional storytelling, this film is a must-watch. Its beautiful animation, haunting score, and poignant story about friendship, loss, and self-discovery are deeply moving. It’s a great film for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, character-driven narratives with a touch of the supernatural.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
- Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)