Mary and the Witch’s Flower, the first film from animation house Studio Ponoc, looks to be a beautiful spectacle on par with Studio Ghibli – no surprise, considering it’s directed by former Ghibli director Hiromasa Yonebayashi. If you need proof, just check out this stunning opening sequence.
Image: Studio Ponoc
The movie is about a girl living in the country who finds a magic flower that gives her extraordinary abilities. It sends her off to a new world where magic flourishes. The opening sequence, as revealed by Nerdist, shows us how the flower ended up in Mary’s hands, as we see a witch perform a daring escape with some magical seeds.
I have to say I’m really impressed with how dynamic and action-packed the whole scene is. The movement in the animation is really impressive, and you can call me psyched for the movie. Mary and the Witch’s Flower comes out in Australia on January 18.
[Nerdist]
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4 responses to “Check Out The Breathtaking Opening Scene From Mary And The Witch’s Flower ”
While I will see it, I think my expectations are low considering how much the director imitates the style and themes of a Miyazaki film instead of pursuing his own unique vision.
(I get that he directed and worked for them, but he could have developed his own style separate from Miyazaki)
I’ve yet to see an Anime feature film that people claim to be “just like a studio ghibli film” despite how much it’s said for every new anime film that comes out (*cough wolf children)
I think we should all just admit there will never be another Hayao Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli not matter how much we look for one. Not because he’s a genius, but because he is one obsessed, freaky, and somewhat unhealthy dude that was a product of his time and life experience.
I think it’s better to just do your own thing, and find a way to lift up people in the same way Hayao Miyazaki did with his animations, not do exactly what Miyazaki did.
If that makes sense.
I’m not sure it’s as easy as that. When you work at a place that is influenced by genius, it’s hard NOT to take on the genius’ style.
Look at students of Michaelangelo and Leonardo De Vinci, all masters in their own right but heavily influenced by their masters.
Another case in point: Jeff Merghart’s work on The Mark of Kri. He’s an alumni of Don Bluth studios and Don Bluth is Disney’s style.
Not trying to be a wanker but I see Mary and the Witch’s Flower as homage to Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s heritage and his own direction.
I dont mean to knock the guy down for trying to make it on his own but the only thing that separates this animation from a miyazaki film is , maybe the story? And i might be wrong about that too.
You can compare him to other famous artists and their apprentices but i dont think anyone has ever expected genius to come from direct imitation. Miyazaki himself could have copied and changed with modern anime styles and storytelling if that was the case.
I think our generation has a major case of being afraid to try things that are different when money is involved. That being said ill give the benefit of the doubt and wait to see how it turns out.
I think it is more of a cultural difference in this case. You are looking at Miyazaki’s style as an irreplaceable art, the inimitable fruit of his particular brand of tortured, broken genius. I believe people in Japan see it more like a “school” of a craft, a unique artisanal practice that must continue past the life of its creator. Like, you don’t Stradivarius craftsmen to get “too creative”.
Hey maybe you’re right but is imagine if every deep and meaningful anime was in the style of DBZ id be a little bit dissapointed and find it incredibly hard to differentiate what type of anime or genre it is, or who directed it.
Id also feel super pissed off as a creator if someone used my exact artstyle and told me it was a school of art and not my own style. Also i thouggt the big uper lip was an exact style that Miyazaki worked in because he has a a large uper lip.
At what point does it not become a dorectly atolen or copied style?