When I started my review of the Studio Ghibli films, I also discovered some other amazing films. Films like Mary and the Witch’s Flower.

Based on the 1971 novel The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, the film was the first produced by Studio Ponoc.  Co-written and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who had previously worked on the Studio Ghibli films The Secret World of Arrietty and When Marnie Was There.

The story follows eleven-year-old Mary Smith whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to her great aunt’s estate in the English Countryside. One, lonely night, a chance encounter with a fly-by-night flower sets her on a thrilling adventure of magic and mayhem. The flower grants her the powers of a witch, but only for a single night and blesses a little broomstick which takes her to Endor College, a school for witches. 

At Endor, Mary encounters Headmistress Madam Mumblechook, who initially mistakes her for a new student. Mary’s ability to perform advanced spells and her distinctive red hair, a trait of the best witches, leads to her being hailed as a magical prodigy. However, when Mary unveils the truth about her magical origin, the true darkness of Madam Mumblechook’s personality is unveiled. She is dark. She is twisted. She is evil.

Distributed by Toho, the film was released on 8 July 2019 to critical acclaim. The English dub, starring Ruby Barnhill, Kate Winslet, and Jim Broadbent. was released on DVD / Blu-ray by GKIDS/Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The film was a critical success. 

The film has seen several releases to home media, including through Shout Factory / Gkids. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film, clocking in at about 102 minutes, is presented in glorious HD with audio in the original Japanese, English, and French. Extras include:

  • NTV Special: Creating Mary and The Witch’s Flower
  • A Special Conversation: SEKAI NO OWARI, Hiromasa Yonebayashi, and Yoshiaki Nishimura
  • Film Completion Press Conference
  • Theatrical Promotional Movie
  • Interview with the Filmmakers Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiaki Nishimura
  • Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • Art Cards

Currently available in North America through GKids, Altitude Film Distibution also released a collectible steelbook that includes an English adaptation of the screenplay.

More anime reviews soon so…

Stay tuned!