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Mary and The Witch's Flower

Mary and The Witch's Flower (2017)

Mary Smith, a young girl who lives with her great-aunt in the countryside, follows a mysterious cat into the nearby forest where she finds a strange flower and an old broom, none of which is as ordinary as it seems.

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Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer
  • Yoshiaki Nishimura
  • Tomoko Hosokawa
  • Shô Oyamada
  • Satoko Ookubo
  • Will Clarke
  • Geoffrey Wexler

Reviews

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Thematic Analysis

Mary and The Witch's Flower represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Animation/Family/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Mary and The Witch's Flower took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 296 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Mary and The Witch's Flower shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Scrooge, which focuses more on action than character development, Mary and The Witch's Flower offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like A Christmas Carol and Dead Space: Downfall explore similar territory, Mary and The Witch's Flower stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 8, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 43m
  • Revenue: $42,170,089

Where to Watch

Netflix
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