Omoide no Mânî 2014

Sara Stewart, New York Post: Subtle, sometimes really sad and honest about the struggles of adolescence, "Marnie" is a worthy last entry from Ghibli before the studio reportedly goes on hiatus. Read more

Peter Debruge, Variety: Yet another splendid escape from the increasingly strenuous glut of computer-animated offerings, this one designed to serve as family entertainment after the more adult-skewing likes of "The Wind Rises" and "The Tale of Princess Kaguya". Read more

Jesse Hassenger, AV Club: As a children's movie, it's uncommonly sensitive and complicated, rooted in relationships rather than dazzling action. But adults may notice its simple poetry turning, after a while, to suds. Read more

Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic: To those film lovers attuned to quiet moments and emotional nuance, this film has a shine all its own. The old-school hand-drawn animation celebrates sweeping landscapes and but also the telling detail, revealing character through spare gestures. Read more

Peter Keough, Boston Globe: Yonebayashi has touched on the greater mystery underlying everyday life, a world pulsing with wonder and possibility, edged with a shadow of melancholy. Read more

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader: Yonebayashi made his feature directing debut with The Secret World of Arrietty, adapted from the British children's book The Borrowers, and this emotionally resonant second feature takes its story from another such title. Read more

Boyd van Hoeij, Hollywood Reporter: A beautifully animated tale. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: Though its curious narrative arc means you're never sure exactly where it's going, the film works up a considerable emotional charge by the end. Read more

Ella Taylor, NPR: Even without its moving parable of emotional repair, When Marnie Was There has all of Ghibli's exquisitely hand-drawn sense of place ... Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: The Ghibli studio is in transition, but "Marnie," despite some gentle moments of reflection, is a ghost shadow of its previous masterworks. Read more

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: Beneath its calm, exquisitely detailed surface, "When Marnie Was There" bubbles with half-formed ideas and undeveloped themes. Read more

Molly Eichel, Philadelphia Inquirer: While not a masterpiece, it is beautiful, nonetheless. Read more

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com: There are moments of hushed magic here, of moonlit, seaside and tree-shadowed visual poetry, that rival anything Ghibli has ever created. Read more

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle: If you feel any kinship with the disaffected, "When Marnie Was There" has much to tell you. Read more

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: This is a film defined by patience and attention, an adventure of emotional exploration. Read more

Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail: The artwork is simple and elegant; Anna's fragility and self-loathing is portrayed clearly. Read more

Linda Barnard, Toronto Star: Showcasing the gorgeous hand-drawn work that is a hallmark of Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli, When Marnie Was There tells a story of youthful friendship tinged with melancholy and magic. Read more

Alonso Duralde, TheWrap: As a visual (and auditory) experience, When Marnie Was There offers so many other pleasures that audiences may well overlook the story issues. After all, even second-tier Studio Ghibli releases rank among world cinema's finest animated films. Read more

David Ehrlich, Time Out: Wistful and stirringly humane, When Marnie Was There isn't one of Ghibli's greatest films, but it's emblematic of their collective greatness. In a way, that's the most perfect thing it could be. Read more

Sherilyn Connelly, Village Voice: With the retirement of producer Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has put production on hold; When Marnie Was There may well be its last feature film. If so, it's a strong note to leave on. Read more

Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine/Vulture: When Marnie Was There may start off a bit awkwardly, but it'll have you bathing in your own tears by the time it's over. Read more

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post: It's a kid's movie that grown-ups will like. As Marnie does on Anna, the movie casts a spell. Read more