Even if you’re too hesitant to venture further into the
world of magical girls and giant robots, Studio Ghibli is that rare exception
that demands respect from everyone. Comparable to the Disney of Japan, its
filmography are among the most definitive of the entire art form, from its
fantastical marvels like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away to its more
heart-rending productions like Grave Of The Fireflies. New releases from this
studio are looked forward to as much as Wes Anderson films in film buff
circles. So, when news hit that not only was the head honcho Hayao Miyazaki
going on hiatus but the rest of the studio as well, otaku the world over felt a
collective tear form in the corner of their eye. Given all of this information,
today’s subject has a lot of weight to it as, potentially, the last film that
Studio Ghibli ever releases. It’s not Miyazaki, but that doesn’t change the
clout the name ‘Ghibli’ has, so this had better be damn good. This is When
Marnie Was There.