When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There

Studio Ghibli

19 July 2014

Anime, Drama

DVD
B

A twelve-year-old falls in love with the ghost of her grandmother.  OK, not exactly, but there's an awful lot of blushing and secrets and declarations of love for your standard "kid meets a cool ghost" story.  Either way, this is the first Studio Ghibli anime I haven't rejected.  The scenery is gorgeous, the story is compelling, and the voicework is solid.  Yes, I would've liked a different ending, but the one they offer is still moving.

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi co-adapted the novel by Joan G. Robinson.

Four Sheets to the Wind

Four Sheets to the Wind

First Look Studios

January 22, 2007

Dramedy

DVD
B-

Sterlin Harjo directed this lowkey, drily funny "indie Indian" story about love and grief.  Laura Bailey is almost as likable as the romantic interest as she is as the main voice actress on the anime Fruits Basket.