Between the fiery Renato and watery backdrops, the screen is forever alive with animation magic. The fantasy elements are, of course, something to behold. Works to craft a visually stunning feature as well. Given Okada’s longevity in the industry, she has assembled an amazing group of talent at P.A. It’s a jarringly quaint sentiment at times, but one that comes from a heartfelt place. Okada regularly juxtaposes the two scenarios, seemingly arguing that motherhood is something inherent regardless of the way in which the child came into one’s life. Her carefree nature is kept in check by the construct of a world she didn’t grow up in. The parallel character is Leilia, forcibly married to the Prince, bearing a child that she isn’t allowed to see. “I don’t have the right to be a mum,” laments Maquia, and while she is speaking to her particular scenario, she may be talking about any parent who has unexpectedly found themselves in the role of a responsible adult. Maquia’s heritage keeps her ageless while Ariel grows (and grows apart) from his adoptive mother. MAQUIA: WHEN THE PROMISED FLOWER BLOOMS (さよならの朝に約束の花をかざろう) is first and foremost a film about the way relationships change between parents and their children over time. When Maquia discovers Ariel (Miyu Irino), a baby boy, she makes the decision to raise him as her own, even though she is fated to live an immortal life of loneliness. When an army invades, using giant dragon like creatures called Renato, the beautiful Leilia (Ai Kayano) is taken away and Maquia is stranded outside of her world. They tell their stories to each other through cloth woven in ancient looms. Maquia (voiced by Manaka Iwami) is an Iorph from the Clan of the Separated, a group who stop ageing in their mid-teens. Having previously given the anime loving world Anohana and The Anthem of the Heart, not to mention the live action My Teacher adaptation, here she creates something as timeless as her other works. The directorial debut from acclaimed screenwriter Mari Okada comes with all the buzz of a Studio Ghibli release. A sweeping yet personal saga of unconditional parental responsibility, love, and gratitude.
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