Synopsis
Young Anna Sasaki is a quiet and withdrawn girl who suffers from frequent asthma attacks, keeping her isolated from her peers and causing constant worry for her foster parent. On a doctor's recommendation, she is sent to the countryside, where the fresh air and calm lifestyle might improve her health and ease her mind. Spending the summer with her aunt and uncle in a small seaside town, Anna pursues her love of sketching. One day while exploring, she comes across an abandoned mansion called the Marsh House. But the building is not as empty as it seems, and she encounters a mysterious girl named Marnie. Marnie's lively personality gradually draws Anna out of her shell as she returns night after night to meet her new friend. Yet there is more to this strange girl than meets the eye—as summer draws to a close, Anna begins to uncover the truth hidden within the walls of the Marsh House. Omoide no Marnie tells the moving story of a young girl's journey of self-discovery and friendship, and the summer that will stay with her forever.
Background
Omoide no Marnie is based on Joan G. Robinson's English children's novel classic When Marnie Was There. The movie was nominated for Animation of the Year at the 38th Japan Academy Prize Awards and Best Animated Feature Film at the 9th Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2015. The movie won an award for Best Animated Feature Film at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival in 2015. Other nominations include Best Animated Feature (Independent) at the 43rd Annual Annie Awards and Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016.