Let's talk about When Marnie Was There! A Studio Ghibli gem, right? But where *is* it set?
That's the question that's plagued me for ages. Everyone says Norfolk, England. I mean, the source material is literally British.
But... I have thoughts. Unpopular thoughts, maybe. Bear with me!
The Official Answer: Norfolk, England
Okay, officially, it’s Norfolk. The book, by Joan G. Robinson, is definitely set there. Beautiful coastline, salt marshes, the whole shebang.
The Ghibli movie draws heavy visual inspiration. The landscapes are undeniably British. It’s all very charming and windswept.
Even the architecture hints at England. That old mansion? Straight out of a historical novel.
My "Controversial" Theory: A Little Bit of Everywhere
Here’s my hot take: I think it's *more* than just Norfolk. Hear me out!
Ghibli movies have a way of blending realities. They take real places and add a sprinkle of magic.
Maybe, *just maybe*, they borrowed from other coastal locations too.
Exhibit A: That Water!
The water... it's so clear! Almost turquoise in places. Does that scream "classic Norfolk" to you?
I'm not saying Norfolk's water is *bad*. But it is often more of a moody grey.
Could they have taken inspiration from the Mediterranean? Or perhaps even the warmer waters of Okinawa, where Ghibli often draws inspiration from?
Exhibit B: The Village Vibes
The village feels... quaint. But also, somehow, timeless. Not strictly *British* timeless, just... timeless!
Think of charming fishing villages all around the world. Greece? Italy? Even some parts of Japan.
It feels like a blend. A universal coastal charm, don’t you think?
Exhibit C: Marnie Herself
Okay, this is the most tenuous link. But Marnie has a certain ethereal quality.
She feels like a character pulled from a dream. A figment of Anna's imagination mixed with local folklore.
Maybe the inspiration for her wasn't *just* from a Norfolk story. But from ghostly tales around the world.
It's the Ghibli Magic
Ultimately, it doesn't *really* matter, does it? It's a Ghibli film! They create worlds. Worlds that resonate with us deeply.
They distill the essence of a place, rather than replicating it perfectly.
So, while Norfolk is the official answer, I'm sticking to my guns. When Marnie Was There is set in a beautiful, blended, dreamlike coastal location. A place that exists in our hearts and imaginations.
Maybe my opinion is wrong, but I'll happily keep dreaming of that magical place by the sea.
It's a feeling, not a location.Isn't that what When Marnie Was There is all about anyway?
