"Mary and the Witch's Flower"

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Anime has captured the imaginations over the past few decades, many being based off of folklore or stories. "Ponyo" was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid" and this movie is inspired by the children's novel "The Little Broomstick" by Mary Stewart and much like Mary Stewart captured our imaginations with her writing, this story takes that and brings it to life.

Mary Smith (Ruby Barnhill) is a young girl who has recently moved to the country living with her Great Aunt Charlotte (Lynda Baron) while her parents are busy with their work elsewhere. Stuck with nothing to do before the school year begins, she tries to be helpful to those around her but ends up making a mess of things. Bored and frustrated, she takes to the woods where a strange black cat called Tib leads her to a mysterious blue flower that she learns is known as the Witch's flower, once coveted by witches. In further exploration, she discovers a little broom hidden amongst tree vines and before she knows it, the broom springs to life taking her to the sky to Endor College, the school for witches.
Meeting Headmistress Madam Mumblechook (Kate Winslet) and Doctor Dee (Jim Broadbent) and being mistaken for a witch, she explores this mysterious world and learns the Witch's flower is more than just coveted, and that they will do anything to possess it. Soon Mary finds danger when they kidnap Peter (Louis Ashborne Serkis) a local boy Mary's age and that she must give up the flower to save him, but in doing so could give them a dangerous power. Mary must find the magic within herself to save Peter and this magical world before the magic of her little broomstick is gone if she ever hopes to return home again.

A glorious feast for the eyes. The imagination of the story brought to life with such brilliant animation. It was a flight of excitement for all ages. The young heroine of the story shows we don't have to come from much to show courage giving a positive message to young girls while giving a sense of mystery that keeps your attention. A five G.M.Star hit that will have you flying to the nearest Redbox to catch this film before it magically disappears.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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