Here is an impressive promotional guide for the newly-released Mary and the Witch's Flower, the latest animated feature by Studio Ghibli alum Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Arrietty the Borrower, When Marnie Was There). The movie was released in Japan on July 8, where it launched to very positive box office returns. Let's cross our fingers and hope the public embraces this film, and ensures that the new Studio Ponoc will have a promising future.
Mary feels like a stylized mashup of Miyazaki movies, most obviously Kiki's Delivery Service, with nods and inspirations to several others. Yonebayashi clearly wishes to carry the mantle of his mentor, and he clearly has great talent and potential. He may become a great filmmaker if given the proper time and support.
Studio Ponoc is looking for international distribution, and I would be very shocked if Ghibli's distributors didn't jump onboard as quickly as possibly. Here in the USA, I would expect GKids Films to pick up the title for theatrical and home video releases next year. No official announcements have been made, but we all know the score. Hopefully they will also release a cool press booklet like this one.
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