Mary and The Witch's Flower

Mary and The Witch's Flower

Plot

In a quaint, rural settlement nestled in the countryside, Mary Smith, a curious and adventurous young girl, lives with her great-aunt, a wise and kind woman. Mary's life is marked by its predictability, with a routine that revolves around her work and her solitude. However, this is about to change, as the arrival of a peculiar feline will set her on a journey that she can hardly imagine. This feline, with eyes as bright as the moon and fur as black as coal, is not just any ordinary cat. It seems to possess a mysterious aura, as if it carries secrets within its enigmatic features. Its arrival in Mary's life sparks a sense of curiosity within her. Without hesitation, Mary follows the cat into the heart of a nearby forest, an untamed expanse that whispers tales of ancient magic and the unknown. As she wanders deeper into the forest, Mary stumbles upon a hidden clearing, where a rare and enchanting flower blooms. Known as the 'Flower of Life,' its petals shine with a vibrant, blue hue, exuding a mystical aura. This delicate flower, rumored to grant immense power, seems to possess a will of its own. The cat appears beside her, watching intently as Mary reaches out to touch the flower. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in Mary's life. The flower, sensing Mary's curiosity, unleashes a powerful spell that draws her into its secrets. The flower's enchantment transports Mary into a fantastical world of wonder. This world, teeming with magical creatures and mysterious energies, challenges Mary's perceptions and pushes her to the limits of her courage. She finds herself face-to-face with creatures of legend - a wise, ageless owl, a family of field mice with uncanny wisdom, and a mischievous pack of foxes - each of whom possesses secrets and advice that help shape her journey. However, not all that resides within this magical realm is as innocuous as it seems. Mary soon discovers that a malevolent presence lingers in the shadows, seeking to exploit the magic of the flower for its own gain. This dark force is embodied by a sorcerer, the Red Crone's estranged son, who now seeks revenge against his late mother and the magical community. The old broom, an enchanted object discovered by Mary in the forest, plays an important part in her odyssey. The broom, imbued with magic, proves to be an incredible tool, allowing Mary to navigate the fantastical world and confront the forces of darkness. The broom also serves as a symbol of Mary's own growing powers, reminding her that she is the master of her own destiny. As the journey unfolds, Mary must confront her own limitations and fears, embracing her potential as a guardian of the magical realm. Her relationships with the creatures she encounters - the owl, the mice, and the foxes - deepen, and she finds solace in their companionship. Through her connections with the magical world, Mary discovers the strength to stand up against the Red Crone's son and his dark forces. In this enchanting tale of discovery and courage, Mary emerges as a brave and compassionate young hero, her heart now afire with a sense of purpose. The world of magic has revealed itself to her in all its beauty and complexity, and she stands ready to face whatever challenges come her way, armed with the lessons she has learned and the love of her newfound friends. As she departs the magical realm, Mary returns home with a newfound appreciation for the secrets hidden within her own world and the people who have nurtured her spirit.

Mary and The Witch's Flower screenshot 1
Mary and The Witch's Flower screenshot 2
Mary and The Witch's Flower screenshot 3

Reviews

A

Alan

I've seen some "harsh" reviews for this movie, but in my opinion, it's a good one. It breaks many of the conventions of Ghibli and is well worth watching. I've always been a fan of Hiromasa Yonebayashi; his previous works, "Arrietty" and "When Marnie Was There," are both excellent. Yonebayashi has something that many other directors who came from Ghibli lack, such as a gentleness that isn't deliberately displayed. (I'll write a full review in a few days.)

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6/19/2025, 3:19:04 PM
A

Arya

The characters are unengaging, and the lackluster plot doesn't offer much to compensate.

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6/18/2025, 1:22:01 AM
E

Elliot

Ah, I just adore this "three-day little witch experience" story! I always dream of flying above castles, and the gilded, dazzling magical world's art style fills me with pure bliss—isn't that the greatest joy of watching a movie? It has all the familiar Ghibli elements: broom-riding witches, pure-hearted boys, mysterious forests, a sky-high castle, soaring through the air, various whimsical and adorable wordless characters, an anti-modern technology theme... and a magical university full of wonders.

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6/17/2025, 1:31:31 PM
D

Daphne

Resembling Ghibli's art style, the story feels incredibly dull. Even halfway through, the plot's focal point remains unclear, and the spectacle lacks originality. The world needs magic, and Hayao Miyazaki is the last true magician.

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6/16/2025, 10:24:15 AM
D

Daphne

Compared to the divisive "When Marnie Was There," this one feels a bit too by-the-book, like a top student's essay. Art and music are perfect, animation is flawless, and the plot and pacing are reasonably satisfying. However, apart from the main character, the few other characters who appear serve merely as plot devices. The character development falls short compared to even many 'cute girls doing cute things' anime. If Hiromasa Yonebayashi truly wants to surpass the two animation directors he thanks at the end credits, he should focus more on this aspect.

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6/11/2025, 2:18:05 PM