Summer adventure of an ephemeral friendship

Anna in Ghibli animation, “When Marnie Was There” is a sophisticated character that gives off a unique color from other vivacious Ghibli heroines. She tries to act “normal” but builds an emotional wall with her mother-in-law. Feeling like she exists outside the “magic ring”, she tries to kill her true self. 

Based on a novel by John G. Robinson, the setting is moved to Hokkaido, Japan. Anna moves to her relative’s rural house to treat her asthma that is supposedly caused by psychological stress. There, she encounters a mystical, ghostly, but somewhat strangely familiar blond-haired girl, Marnie. Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi enhances Marnie’s charm by changing her manner and appearance every time she meets Anna. Marnie is casual and friendly when they enjoy a picnic while making a secret promise. Whereas at a party, she seems like a mature, elegant lady in her gorgeous frill dress and waltzes under the luminous moon with Anna.

The emotional connection between both protagonists is strengthened because they share similar inner struggles. Anna already suffers from internal conflicts: she feels miserable and discontented about being an “adopted” child. Also, she occasionally gets overwhelmed with feelings of self-abhorrence and loneliness from family bereavement. Interestingly, Marnie’s existence triggers feelings of self-denial and misery for Anna, to the point she wishes for Marnie’s life because she seems perfect, wealthy, and living without any inconvenience. However, Marnie has her own inner struggles too: her parents’ neglect and her isolation in a deserted lakeside mansion with mean servants. They embrace and appreciate each other’s presence for healing their empty hearts. 

The background animation of the natural landscapes and architecture is highly detailed and impressionistic. Once Marnie appears, an old, abandoned, perhaps eerie-looking mansion sparks with life. After visiting the creepy brick silo on the hilltop which is a symbol of fear for Marnie, Anna feels betrayed by Marnie. However, something beyond friendship makes Marnie destroy her bedroom window, completely breaking the barrier between them, enabling them to forgive each other. In the beginning, Anna shows a somewhat cloudy facial expression which is represented by a misty “pearl-coloured sky”. However, by interacting with Marnie who is affectionate to her, we see a gradual change in Anna in her capability to communicate her true feelings to others. 

After watching the movie, the audience is left with a hanging question: what is Marnie’s true identity? This movie constantly fluctuates between Anna’s real world and her dreams. Does Marnie actually exist or is it Anna’s imagination after all? Though, at the end, that might not matter because their heartfelt relationship adds another layer of enjoyment and ephemerality.