When Marnie Was There
Parents say
Based on 5 reviews
Kids say
Based on 29 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
When Marnie Was There
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that When Marnie Was There is possibly the last film produced by Japan's legendary Studio Ghibli, now that master animator/studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has retired. An adaptation of a British children's book by Joan G. Robinson, the slow-paced story focuses on Anna, a sad, lonely, self-hating foster child whose only friend is a mysterious girl who lives in a supposedly abandoned mansion. There's some insult language ("fat pig," "pathetic"), some scary scenes in an old silo, and a moment of threatened violence (Anna pulls a knife on a girl who's bothering her), as well as one scene in which an adult offers Anna a drink of wine at a party. But otherwise the movie is fine for tweens who can handle the themes, pace, and plot twists.
Community Reviews
A Thoughtful, Gorgeous Film!
Report this review
Ghibli won't fail you
Report this review
What's the Story?
WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE is storied Studio Ghibli's potentially final film. The Japanese anime house's first film since co-founder Hayao Miyazaki's retirement, the movie is an adaptation of British author Joan G. Robinson's 1967 children's book. Anna (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld in the English-dubbed version) is a lonely 12-year-old social misfit whose foster mother (Geena Davis) decides to send her to stay with relatives in a small seaside town that should be good for her health (she has asthma). While staying with her "auntie" and "uncle," Anna spots a young girl in the window of a mansion that's believed to be be abandoned. The girl, Marnie (Kiernan Shipka), and Anna strike up a friendship, except Marnie isn't always available, and Anna begins to suspect that her new (and only) friend isn't real at all.
Is It Any Good?
This is an interesting, beautifully animated story about a fragile, self-deprecating young girl. But it's also very slow-moving, occasionally confusing, and in certain scenes too emotional to compel younger audiences used to action-packed plots or clear story lines with relatable characters. Though kids may not be the target audience at all, of course, since Studio Ghibli films are beloved by adult animation aficionados.
But even the biggest Ghibli devotee will have to concede that, while visually pretty and sometimes touching, When Marnie Was There lacks something as well. It's not going to stand among Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl's Moving Castle as the best the legendary studio has produced. Even if you divorce yourself from the outrageous expectations that every Ghibli film be a masterpiece, When Marnie Was There is undeniably more style than substance. It's still absolutely worth checking out for its gothic elements of the is-she-or-isn't-she ghost story, but it isn't a case of saving the best for last.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about anime movies and how they compare/contrast to other forms of animation. How does When Marnie Was There differ from anime movies that involve Japanese folklore or magic? How does it compare to more mainstream animated movies for kids?
Some parts of the story aren't told in a very straightforward way; was that confusing for younger kids? Is that OK? Do movies for kids need to have easy-to-follow plots?
Anna has a lot of trouble with self esteem. Have you ever felt the way she does about herself? What helped? Who can you talk to when you feel that way?
Why do you think Anna lashed out at some other kids during the movie? Does that make her a bully? Does knowing that she was sad and lonely make you feel differently about the way she acts than you might have otherwise?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 22, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: October 6, 2015
- Cast: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Studio: GKIDS
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 103 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements and smoking
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.
-
Spirited Away
Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.
-
The Wind Rises
Lovely, contemplative tale of famed aeronautical engineer.
For kids who love animation
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate