Japanese anime is still a niche interest in the West, but many people who don’t consider themselves fans have heard of Studio Ghibli. Their most popular films include Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. The studio is known for combining stunning locations and magic with the universal themes of friendship, kindness, and hard work. Their titles encourage viewers to believe in enchantment again. They are my go-to movies whenever I am feeling under the weather (or recovering from an illness, as I have been this month). I may not be able to go on vacation, but at least I can pop in a DVD and experience a magical summer by the seaside, or spend some time inside a neglected garden full of wildflowers.
When Marnie was There and The Secret World of Arrietty are lesser known titles written and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Both films feature introverted, lonely protagonists who are suffering from physical/mental illnesses. We meet Anna and Shawn at their lowest points, and watch them change little by little as they open their hearts to new friendships and experiences. Despite their bittersweet endings, the films remain hopeful and uplifting. The soundtracks also feature beautiful music with vocals by Priscilla Ahn and Cecile Corbel, which you can listen to on spotify.
When Marnie was There introduces us to Anna, a foster-child who feels like an outsider at home and at school. Her social anxiety causes her asthma to flare up, so she is sent away for the summer to recuperate. Anna stays with some family friends at a quaint seaside village. During an exploration of the area, she is instantly drawn to an abandoned mansion called the Marsh House. She returns one night to find it occupied by a blonde girl dressed in old-fashioned clothing. The mystery deepens with each subsequent meeting as the viewer tries to figure out if Anna is traveling back in time. Is Marnie real, or is she a figment of her imagination? When a new family moves into the Marsh House, Anna befriends a girl named Sayaka, and they launch an investigation into Marnie’s true identity. The big reveal is surprising and emotional, but the real payoff is watching Anna transform from a depressed loner into a cheerful girl who finally feels loved.
The Secret World of Arrietty begins with Shawn’s arrival at his great Aunt’s secluded cottage surrounded by trees. The idyllic location is the perfect place for him to rest before his upcoming surgery. While walking around the garden, he spots a tiny girl running through the underbrush. We are then introduced to Arrietty, the spunky heroine who is about to go on her first “borrowing” expedition. Unfortunately, her face-to-face meeting with a human boy results in upheaval for her entire family. Shawn genuinely wants to help them, but his interference (however well-intentioned) puts them in danger. After a frightening experience with a nosy housekeeper, the Borrowers must leave the only home they’ve ever known. The tearful farewell between Arrietty and Shawn is enhanced by Cecile Corbel’s melancholy song, “Goodbye, My Friend.” Courage is a major theme of the story, and by the end of it, the kids have gained enough strength to overcome any hardship. They head towards their futures with optimistic outlooks — and the will to survive.
These two remarkable films by Studio Ghibli explore how brief, yet inspiring friendships have the ability to change us in profound ways. Farewells are inevitable in our lives, but if we carry those special people inside our hearts, they will never be forgotten. What a beautiful message to take with us.
The Comfort of Studio Ghibli
This is so lovely, I hadn’t heard of these so I’ll track them down, thank you.
LOVE Kiki's Delivery Service! One of my favorites; beautiful story and animation ❤️