When we think of the most successful animated storyteller of this generation, the name of Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli automatically pops into our minds. The duo has given his viewers a number of films that we have watched and enjoyed while growing up. Though the choices will be varied, everyone will have one, with Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and The Boy and the Heron being the most popular choices.
While the filmmaker has been making films since 1963, where his works have been praised for their distinct storytelling and breathtaking animation that adds a unique charm to the work. Thus, making the work so appealing to viewers around the world.
Though Miyazaki-Sensei’s works are in a league of their own, one of his works has been heavily misunderstood. After all, it gave a plot twist that no one saw it coming from miles away.
Hayao Miyazaki’s When Marnie Was There Gave an Uncomfortable Plot Twist To Its Viewers
There’s no denying that Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli’s works have often produced works that are mystical and take fantasy to a whole new level. In his long and successful career, he has weaved magical storylines that create a unique human experience that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers; that will be enough to make them fans of his work.
Each of his projects has been a different one that will resonate with different human emotions. However, one of his works will forever be misunderstood by his fans. Released in 2014, When Marnie Was There is based on the novel of the same name by Joan G. Robinson and is one of the saddest works that the studio has released in its existence.
The film’s core themes were loneliness, sadness, and feelings of isolation, which have been shown through its protagonists, Marnie and Anna. Surprisingly, this was not the reason why it made the viewers so uncomfortable. The story revolves around Anna, who has been lonely throughout her life and is too shy to make friends.
Things started to change for the better when she met Marnie. For the most part, the audience believed that the two had romantic feelings for each other. However, they were all taken aback and at a loss for words when they witnessed the film’s unexpected plot twist.
They learned that Marnie, in fact, was Anna’s grandmother, making the movie touching but uncomfortable at the same time. A fan shared a post on Reddit, asking if the film is “misunderstood.” They went on to explain how part of the film’s uncomfortable nature goes to Studio Ghibli and its creator because they showcased their characters as if they were in love.
The user would take an extra step stating instances from the film, where they would give instances from the film. They mentioned how both would call each other “my little secret” and even sneak around at night, only to tell that they are related by blood.
Fans Share Their Experience After Watching When Marnie Was There
Indeed, Hayao Miyazaki came up with the most disturbing storyline, and to top it all, added a twist that made everyone all the more disturbed and left them flabbergasted, which became the most out-of-pocket Ghibli film to be ever made.
The fans also had a similar experience, where they thought that the characters were ardently in love with each other but could not catch up to the reality of the two being family. They commented,
Despite the unforeseen plot twist, the film is one of the best works of creation that flaunts the storyteller’s dreamy animation style that added to his charm and fame, making him one of the most recognized faces in the world.
When Marnie Was There can be rented on Apple TV.
