Thoughts On When Marnie Was There
On Doing The Best We Could
This article contains spoilers.
INTRODUCTION
When we love someone, we want what’s best for them. Sometimes, however, we hurt our loved ones. Not because we intended to, but because the results of our actions are beyond our control.
So even if we mean well, we can still mess up. This, in my opinion, is the point of When Marnie Was There.
In this article, I wouldn’t focus on explaining the technical elements of the story — whether Marnie and Anna really met or if Marnie was only in Anna’s imagination.
Instead, I want to highlight its theme that in love, the intent matters more than the outcome.
PLOT
Anna Sasaki suffers from frequent asthma attacks which causes her to be isolated from her peers. Upon recommendation by her doctor, Anna is sent to the countryside, where clean air and a more relaxed lifestyle will improve her health.
Anna spends her summer living with her aunt and uncle in a town near the sea.
