Meari to majo no hana (2017)

«Mary and the Witch's Flower», the 2017 animated adventure from director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, offers viewers an escape from the mundane into a dazzling world of magic. This film, filled with wonder and childlike spontaneity, immerses one in a story about how a boring summer trip can turn into an incredible adventure and change the usual course of events.

Plot

Ten-year-old Mary's life during her holidays in a secluded village, surrounded only by elderly people, seems like the epitome of monotony. Every day is a battle against boredom until one day curiosity leads her to follow a stray cat. Deep in the forest, Mary finds a mysterious flower known as the «witch's eye». Touching its petals transforms an ordinary kitchen broom, bringing it to life and carrying Mary far beyond the clouds. This is how she ends up in a real school of witchcraft and magic. Once in this new, amazing world, Mary, acting on impulse, decides to pass herself off as a powerful student from a noble wizarding family, opening up a whole host of adventures and unexpected challenges she could never have dreamed of.

Why you should watch

• Discover a captivating world of magic: The film masterfully transports the viewer from boring reality into a vibrant, wonder-filled school of magic, populated by quirky characters and amazing discoveries.
• A classic adventure story: Mary is an ordinary girl who encounters magic and must adapt to a new world, which is always a strong narrative driver, offering the viewer identification and empathy.
• Visual splendor: Hiromasa Yonebayashi's works are always distinguished by their attention to detail and picturesque animation, creating a unique atmosphere and immersing the viewer in the depth of a fantastic world.
• Exploration of identity themes: The protagonist pretends to be someone else, which creates dramatic and comical situations, prompting reflection on the value of honesty and the consequences of deception.
• Pure, unadulterated adventure: The film is perfect for those seeking an inspiring story of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, free from cynicism and filled with genuine wonder.

Themes

The central theme of the film is childhood loneliness and the search for one's place in the world. Mary, suffering from boredom and the absence of peers, finds solace and adventure in magic, which becomes the catalyst for her transformation. The picture deeply touches upon themes of identity and imposture, as the heroine pretends to be a powerful witch, demonstrating both the external manifestations and internal conflicts of this lie. This leads to reflections on the value of truth and the consequences of deception. Furthermore, the film explores the importance of courage in the face of the unknown and overcoming personal fears, as well as the value of true friendship and mutual assistance in a world full of both wonders and dangers.

Editorial Opinion

«Mary and the Witch's Flower», directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, is an engaging and visually dazzling adventure that skillfully combines elements of fantasy with universal themes of growing up and self-determination. The film evokes a sense of wonder and a slight nostalgia for childhood fantasies, where the most ordinary objects can become the key to magic. The voices of the actors, including Hikari Mitsushima, Ikue Ōtani, Fumiyo Kohinata, and Hana Sugisaki, bring the characters to life, giving them depth and charisma, making their adventures even more captivating. This film will be an excellent choice for anyone ready to embark on a magical journey and believe in magic even in the most mundane objects, discovering a world where anyone can be a hero.