We’ve been beyond excited for Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s next film, Mary and The Witch’s Flower, ever since we saw its first trailer. Yonebayashi was one of the standout animators and directors working for Studio Ghibli (he directed both The Secret World of Arrietty and the Oscar-nominated When Marnie Was There) and this represents the director’s first work for his own company, Studio Ponoc. The film will release here in North America on January 19, but we have an exclusive look at the full opening scene, which shows off the movie’s visual prowess and sense of action. Have a look!
Based on the novel The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, the film tells a story of a girl named Mary who finds a mysterious flower that can give her the power to become a witch. By the look of just the opening sequence, we’re in for a great deal of magic and excitement. Did anyone expect the witch’s guards would turn in to flying fish made of water? I sure didn’t. But for the movie to kick off like this, in the middle of an action scene where literally anything can happen, there must be a whole lot more unexpected moments to come. We truly can’t wait.
Mary and The Witch’s Flower, produced by Studio Ponoc and released in the US by GKIDS, opens nationwide Jan 19 with a special premiere event on Jan 18, featuring exclusive filmmaker interview and giveaways. Get your tickets now before they sell out at www.MaryAndTheWitchsFlower.com
Image: GKIDS/Studio Ponoc
Kyle Anderson is the Associate Editor for Nerdist. He’s the writer of Studio Ghibli retrospectives Miyazaki Masterclass, Takahata Textbook, and Ghibli Bits. Follow him on Twitter!
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