Mary and the Witch's Flower - Life After Ghibli
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- in 2015, when things seemed grim for the future of Studio Ghibli, a group of veteran staffers left to form Studio Ponoc. Aiming to carry the spirit of Ghibli into the future, their bewitching debut makes a strong case that they will do just that. Today we're looking at Mary and the Witch's Flower, and exploring just how the crew of Ponoc honor their past, whilst promising great things for the future.
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I would like to remind everyone that when we first watched the Ghibli movies we were young. Some are saying this movie didn’t have the same feel as the others but that’s because we’re older. We dissect things more than we did back then, taking everything to the heart and not the mind.
I didn't watch a lot of ghibli as a child some but even then just very short amounts were remembered all felt like fever dreams I watched this movie around the age of 16 it brought that awe of what little of the ghibli movies I watched. This movie was magnificent. A year or 2 after I learned of ghibli and well all the fever dreams of animation from my childhood finally became a reality. Crazy how they left a hint led me to Mary and the witches flower. Which relit my search for those movies I barely remembered but could feel their magic in my soul in my heart. The circle was complete the search was over the journey came to a triumphant end. That's my story of my love for This movie and my love for Ghibli.
I started to watch Ghibli films as an adult. It's safe to say that at least to me, this film indeed doesn't bring the same magical feeling as some of the Ghibli films do.
Not all Ghibli films give me the same feeling. Some are pure tragic and heartbreaking. Some are very realistic with heavy themes. But this film, it simply isn't Ghibli.
I still prefer the Ghibli films, but I don't think "not being Ghibli version 2" is a bad thing. Film making is a form of art. They're marked by their creator's personal touches. I would actually be surprised if someone ever made a film just like Ghibli without giving off a clumsy imitation vibe.
Ghibli is the mark of an era, but now its time has passed. Let the new artists grow and tell their own stories.
I was an adult (at least, legally so) when I first watched the butchered version of Nausicaa (Warriors of the Wind?) on VHS with my kids. And pretty much for other anime, despite having grown up with Astro Boy, Kimba, and others on TV in the '60s. I was much older when I first saw and bought proper Ghibli movies. I'm 64 now and still enjoy all of them and more. I nowadays appreciate a wider slice of anime, going largely with the directors I like - Oshii, Hosoda, Yonabyashi, Rin Taro, and especially Satoshi Kon and really appreciate Joe's channel which has introduced me to some very, very good films.
Ah. This was excellent. You even helped me look at this movie a little more fondly than I did when I saw it.
Isla McTear me too 😊
I feel like that is his superpower
I’m an art student and I’ve been in a slump lately. I’ve loved ghibli since early childhood and watching this video kind of took me back to the pure love miyazaki holds for his stories. I’m not sure how to explain it, but I feel like I can make something sincerely as well now. Thank you!
I hope you will share your creations here one day.
I love Mary. Such a nice film, and I actually like that it reminds me so much of Ghibli's film. It's comfortable and sort of nostalgic. I can't wait to see what they come up with next --and cutely enough, they did the ghibli thing and made Mary their logo in a similar style as Ghibli did with totoro :D I like it. Nice reminder and still new.
I swear. Everytime i watch one of your videos it feels like im watching a well written documentary
I like to think of them as short Anime documentaries. I always learn something from them. I was lost when the "Total Biscuit the Cynical Brit" guy died, Studio Ghibli has helped fill that void. Thanks!
When we look at art history, we see masters apprenticed under other masters. Their work would start out formulaic until the artist found a firm ground in the basics, and their creativity could finally blossom. Anime is art, so following the pattern of master influence to independent creativity should be expected.
Your comment makes me so excited for new art.
😄
When I was tearing up with your last phrase in this video, then Mary crash and make me laugh, brilliant editing right there.
"He has since come back from retirement two more times..." XD
Moving forward is a good thing. I was a little bit conflicted about the movie because, as you mentioned, it felt like a mishmash of movies we've already loved. Hopefully after this final goodbye, ponoc can truly go forward
I love what Studio Ghibli has done, that being said 'We don't need Ghibli 2.0, We need Great Anime'. Anime has embraced Safe and we have a cornucopia of good anime to enjoy but the stories they tell are becoming formulaic and a bit bland. Studios have become risk adverse and this is sad. As I said, It is a great time for Anime, but not a Time of Great Anime.
Brilliantly put.
Luckly, this generation of after Ghibli allready has Mamoru Hosoda, Masaaki Yuasa and Makoto Shinkai as great anime directors. All great. Check their movies out!
honor harrington That's why I like Mamoru Hosoda and Makoto Shinkai.
I'm gonna quote this
@@amassasa You forgot Naoko Yamada :)
I loved this film. I rewatch it all the time. The score is incredible. Mary’s Theme always makes me cry ❤️
That tune is so good I had to use two different versions of it in this video! Lovely piece.
I found this movie to be lovely and am looking forward to more movies from this studio. Of course i will miss ghibli, but i see this studio as a younger sibling or child of ghibli and hope the future is bright for them.
Truly, Man
Ha ha. The end was hilarious. I was ready for a little tear coming out of my right eye and then .... bump. XD
Watched that film two days ago. Loved it very much. I hope we get to see more films from him like these.
Him talking about wanting to bring in crowds to see a movie without the Ghibli brand behind them is wonderful and I'm excited to see what this studio brings in the future! Kinda reminds me of Don Bluth leaving disney and making a bunch of memorable movies :) I hope they branch off from leaning on their ghibli roots and bring us something totally unique!
I am countlessly again and again surprised by the quality of your videos. I don't know where you learned to do any of this, but your videos have the quality of what I would associate with a high budget documentary or short film, but it's even one level above that because the passion you have for any given subject you may be talking about leaps of the screen at me, and that's something you can't fabricate. Truley your videos are some of the best I've seen on RUclips. thumbs up for another good one :)
I watched this with my friends in 2017, and now looking at this video makes me so nostalgic! I agreed about the homage things but I also love how plentiful is the movie like there are so many amazing scenes!
Honestly I think Mary and the Witches flower was really close to what I decided to call the ghibli experience (which is essentially the _feeling_ I get watching a ghibli films. I get it whenever I watch a ghibli film or a mamoro hosada film. I don’t know if I’m the only one who has this feeling and frankly I can’t experience- but if you’ve had it I think you know what I mean.). While I cant say it’s the most original films, i think it had its moments. I think there’s a lot of hope for this studio-
I really enjoyed mary and the witch's flower. it is an excellent movie. I watched it twice.
I've watched 1 Ghibli movie up until recently: Ponyo. In the last 3 days, though, I've seen Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro. All I have to say is, I wish my mom knew what anime was when I was a wee one.
I also watched Perfect Blue (not Ghibli, but still amazing) that's how I found your channel.
this video was as magical as the film
I saw a couple comments saying they were tearing up by the end of the video, but I'm bawling now. (and addicted!) I love your videos so much, I'm so glad I stumbled across this one.
i thought the movie was shallow copying until I heard some of its creators' interviews about leaving Ghibli and striking out on their own, and no longer being able to use that Ghibli brand name as some magic spell. and then I realised that this movie is completely about them and their own feeling, about someone going out in the world and realizing they can no longer count on the borrowed magic of a supremely talented ancestor. Mary is Ponoc, and her grandmother is Ghibli.
you always give us amazing and quality stuff... Thank you!
There is a definite need for your channel. Thank you so much for creating it.
As always, I love your videos!
Honestly this has to be one of my favorite RUclips channels. You talk about all of these movies in a really genuinely caring way. Another great video 👍
Every Video is premium quality. Your analysis, the tone, just everything makes me feel the same wonder and nostalgia I feel when I watch a Ghibli film
liking before watching , favourite youtuber at it agian , ly man xx
The chills! Each time I watch one of your video! Thanks man... you've yet again made my day!
Amazing as always
I'm so glad you covered this film!!!!!
Masterfully as always
looking forward to watching this thanks for the preview
Thank you for always making such pleasant, informative and highly enjoyable videos!
This channel is absolutely brilliant and needs more recognition. Keep up the incredible work!!
What an incredible video. Thank you so much
Milton M. I would think Christina Miller and the former employees of Cartoon Network should make their own company their own Cartoon Network
You’re videos are so good... you only bring up the things that are needed and you skip unnecessary commentary. You make ones opinion change in a good way. You don’t make me think “damn I was wrong about this movie” or “I was 100% correct”. It’s a great balance. Also your voice is marvelous. So deep and calm and friendly. I see a bright future for you on RUclips :)
Your videos are top class
A phenomenal debut for the company, and a great analysis from yourself. Keep up the good work.
Fantastic Video!
I absolutely love your videos.
hugs from Brazil!
I absolutely love your videos.
hugs from Ottoman Em🅱ire.
Loved this video
One of my favourite channels. Keep up the great work 👌
I don't know what to say except thank you and keep up the amazing work! These videos are spectacular
Man, i don´t know what is about this channel, but every video makes me feel a incredible sense of calm, probably your voice or the way you said things, but god it so amazing. Thanks for another great video, keep it up!
Your commentary made me tear-up! You are a wonderful writer!
this channel is so underrated !!
I love this video. And you helped me understand Studio Ponoc better! 👌
Great finishing words my good sir.^^b
Also, I am pretty happy that someone at least is willing to go and try to carry the torch of many, many good childhood memories. Here is to hope that Ponoc will find their very own way of telling many wonderful stories in the years to come, without feeling the need to be exactly like their parent Ghibli.[--]]
This episode was brilliant made my day thank you beyond ghibli
Supreme, as always.
Another amazing video Your amazingly informative.
Thank you💙
I absolutely love your content! Love from Malaysia
I genuinely enjoy everything you release man. Even if I end up disliking what you review, I always appreciate the content you provide.
Your videos are incredible man.
Fantastic video. Perfect title for your channel. I am completely 100% subscribe
You always manage to deliver great content so we can learn about the wonderful world of anime. Keep it up, you're one of the best and thanks for such enjoyable content!
So very grateful RUclips recommended me your video!! Amazing stuff m8
Another film I slept on. Thank you!
Thx for the insight into Mary and the Witch's Flower. Enjoyed this video and the movie :)
lovely little video essay and the comparison with the rose was great! I felt that with all the remakes of video games coming out chasing nostalgia... looking forward to the next essay :)
It has been a long time, but finally we get to see your take on this movie. Great video.
I love this movie actually. One of my favorites. Mary is so likable.
I really enjoyed this one! I always enjoy the positive vibes in your videos, and I think you ended it on a great line! "If Mary is Ponoc's 'Hello' to all of us, then I can't wait to see where this conversation leads."
Thanks Eric! Glad you liked it. I'm pleased to hear the positivity is appreciated! There's enough negativity out there, and smarter critics than me to dissect stuff (and sometimes tear it down). Even the most otherwise-average products can hide moments of true brilliance though :)
You have such a nice calm and kind voice. It's always a plesure to watch your videos ;)
Keep up the good work!
And nice editing 👍
Aww, thank for this kind, well-informed and motivating essay ^_^ I'm gonna watch Mary and the Witch's Flower as soon as I can. New found support for Studio Ponoc!
I finished watching the movie last night, and it was fantastic! Also, your video was fantastic, especially the editing!
i love this channel
Even though I did not like the movie that much, I have to admit you, as a content creator, always put me in a good mood. I´m glad I found your channel.
Also also, I don't know why, but this is one of my favourite videos that you've made, great job Joe :)
This video made made me shiver
That ending of this video essay was just perfect.
I remember commenting you should do a video on marry and the newfound studio when I first discovered your content. Glad to say you live up to expectations and more my friend.
:) I'm so glad i didn't dissapoint you!
I loved this movie, and I had thought it was Ghibli. After viewing several of your videos I am excited to start viewing many other works
Never stop making videos my dude.
I loved Mary & the Witch's Flower. That being said, the only Studio Ghibli movie I've seen is Princess Mononoke so I can't say much about nostalgia or comparisons. In this movie I fell in love with the characters and the art style. The pacing of the story was good until the end (which seemed a bit rushed) and the story itself was original enough to keep me interested.
When I saw Mary, I’d never seen any Ghibli titles. While I have now seen many Ghibli titles and I can see the comparisons, that doesn’t detract from the sheer mastery of Ponoc’s animation style and their utterly joyous score. I still get the same chills and satisfaction from Mary now, as I did when I first saw it.
@@johngreen8344 Remember how the villains were never punished
I feel really weird about the movie. I thought the story was interesting, but the pacing of the story was just weird and the characters unrelatable (or otherwise given zero screen time for the audience to get to know). I've never felt that kind of disjointedness while watching a Ghibli film, despite some holes in many of their stories. These issues when combined with what feels like a rip-off of many Ghibli elements (creature and world building) makes the movie disappointing. That said, I would not turn off the studio just yet; I just hope their next try will be more coherent.
I feel the same. The characters were not just unrelatable though, they were just bad in my opinion. Especially the boy
Not enough still moments to allow you to reflect on the characters. The action is a bit too condensed so you end up feeling lost and not feeling the urgency like you should for characters and their actions.
My issue wasn't with the Ghibli elements but the fact that I would hardly connect to the characters. There is alot going on but we don't learn enough beyond what mary sees. This must be due to pacing issues. I went in wanting to fall in love with it but wasn't able to, but for a moment the nostalgia was a welcome embrace. Nevertheless, this is still an okay movie and I believe they can improve as they settle down as a studio.
the way the movie suddenly forces in the boy is is going to be used as a sacrifice and Mary has to save him was probably the weakest part of the story. The boy had hardly any character and for the first half of the movie was just an annoyance for Mary. Then he just becomes a damsel in distress.
The movie was visually stunning(I saw it in theaters) but it did feel lacking in story. The set up of Mary being a fake witch at this academy was an interesting premise. The environment of the academy was really neat and I thought the "villains" being delusional teachers was interesting, but yeah, the pacing was off as you said. Still, it was a decent entry for this studio,
edit: i totally forgot this was based on a novel, so idk if all that stuff with the boy was in the book
@@Chickengirl005 Yeah and you know I'm all for non-traditional story telling with strong girls, but that doesn't require weak boys. Yup he just annoyed her and then needed to be saved, that's just pathetic. In Kiki's Delivery Service we had a similar situation but the boy had a talent and was way more likeable.
I still need to watch this movie, but first, Howls Moving Castle! Whenever I watch one of your videos I feel like an hour has gone by (in a good way!) but I get surprised every time whenever I realize it’s only been eight minutes! You pack so much information and thoughts into your videos that I usually forget time
Incredible timing! I just saw this on Netflix last night :-)
I loved this movie when it came out, hadn’t felt this way about a movie for a while
that was great, you moved my feeling.:(
I actually thought this was a ghibli film when i first saw it
I felt like you would talk about Studio Ponoc. Not disappointed.
I can agree with everything you said in the video. That said, the movie, cut into pieces, is beautiful to look at and showcases perfectly what the studio is capable of. Yet, the movie, in general, is disappointing. As many comments already described: The characters felt somewhat dull (not all of them, mind you), and I had the feeling that they tried too hard to follow the classic storyline of the older Ghibli movies without truly implementing their own thought-out storyline. In any case, I'm nevertheless quite hopeful and eager to see more of their works.
Keep up the good work and you got a new subscriber!
I like the ending bit
Why do i always cry when I watch these?
I saw Mary and the witches flower at my local cinema in a special Japanese preview 2017 and then bought the dvd once it came out. I can’t wait for more studio Panoch movies.
This movie was great guys. Watched it twice, never did disappoint
I loved the play back music of every gibli film they r just phenomenal and magical
Nostalgia hits me hard everyday, I'm turning 20 soon but I wanna be 12 again ;-; Great video and keep up the good work
Sameeee :/
Mirei Lol im 25... i wanna be 19 again
Kryyn the Meeks THIS. I always say “Ugh im so old!” then a few years go by and I’ll be like “I wanna be x age again...”
Can never be happy lol
It is true that if this wasn’t a Studio Ghibli film, I might’ve criticized it for plagiarism because of its similarities to some works by Ghibli but besides that, I really liked how quickly the scenes switched from being all cheery to serious and a tad saddening (especially when I saw the caged animals😩)
I hadnt heard of this movie yet. The art style alone means ill be watching it soon.
Another great video! I can't wait to see what you do next!
Oh wow. Such an impressionist artist.
Thanks:)
I was scared of watching this video, because I haven't seen the movie yet and I thought there might be (minor) spoilers. But you managed to make your points without giving too much of the story away - so I'm still excited to watch!
I found this movie at random, and really liked it. The story and characters weren't incredible or anything, but everything had this laid back, pleasant vibe to it, and the magic school was visually creative.
And gosh darn, that animation is buttery smooth.
Facts
I loved that movie when I saw it. It has its flaws in its story but it’s really beautiful and just has so much heart in it :D