This is a strikingly beautiful work that does not hide the fact that it was inspired by the works of the great Japanese master.
Even before Mary and the Witch's Flower was released, viewers were calling it a new Ghibli masterpiece.
And it is truly an anime made in the spirit of Ghibli movies. The young Ponoc studio has never hidden the fact that it sees itself as the successor to Hayao Miyazaki's legendary brainchild.
Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi studied under the master and began his career working on Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.
Borrowings and references are evident in the detailed backgrounds and pastel colors, and the character designs. Ponoc wanted to preserve the magic of Ghibli's works, so Mary and the Witch's Flower could not be any different.
What Is Mary and the Witch's Flower About?
Mary Smith is spending her vacation with her grandmother in the village and gets bored. But one day she finds a mysterious blue flower and an old broom in the woods – here, her extraordinary adventures begin.
The broom takes Mary to the Endor School of Magic, where she meets the headmistress and suddenly discovers that she has magical talents. But instead of lessons in potion making and broom taming, the red-haired witch faces dangerous trials, secrets, and difficult decisions.
Mary and the Witch's Flower Is Based on a Cult Classic
Mary and the Witch's Flower is an adaptation of Mary Stewart's story The Little Broomstick. However, the movie has enough of the author's discoveries.
The Little Broomstick can be called one of the grandmothers of the genre – it inspired J.K. Rowling when creating Hogwarts.
At the same time, Yonebayashi's film will surprise everyone who expected him to describe everyday magical life in the spirit of Harry Potter. The magic school itself is more of a decoration, and we learn very little about the students.
The Movie Is Pretty Dark for Its PG Rating
Mary and the Witch's Flower is a twisted work that pretends to be a cute children's fairy tale for the first hour and then turns into a rather dark action movie.
Villains obsessed with creepy magical eugenics, young heroes who have to make difficult choices, grotesque monsters – a worthy set for a work with a PG rating.
Mary and the Witch's Flower Deserves the Attention of Ghibli Fans
Mary and the Witch's Flower is a real treat for both Ghibli fans and fans of full-length 2D animation. It's hard to keep up the standard when you're being compared to someone from the beginning and not lose your originality. Hiromasa Yonebayashi succeeded.
Perhaps 50 years from now, Mary and the Witch's Flower will be considered an anime classic, mentioned in the same breath as Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away.