I literally had no other words to describe this movie better than those words. Sayonara no Asa ni (in this case, Maquia) have one of my highest expectations in the circle of an anime movie. No shit, this was written by Anohana’s Mari Okada, making it the first movie debut based on her original work. At the time this was promoted, I raised two important questions, “Is this going to be as good (or even more) than her previous project, let’s say, Anohana?”, and “If Mari Okada is given freedom to construct her original work, it’s definitely gonna affect much, but what if it doesn’t?”. Because personally as an audience, Anohana isn’t labelled in my favourite list and I’m sure that (emphasize this: ‘maybe’) this movie isn’t going to punch me that hard. Turns out, Maquia has distinct interesting stuff in it that approaches the audience in a unique way.
Maquia is like when you’re emotionally being caressed away towards the warmth of loneliness until you find a new light. Especially if you’re close to your mother, or even you’re a mother yourself. The movie connects us with the real world on how motherhood can change the whole course of your life and exquisitely explained how is it to be lonely. Some might find the characters are boring and lame, and I agree on a few parts. The movie itself isn’t packed with interesting and memorable characters, but the message and a plot that’s close for resembling people’s life by emphasizing on humane is a wonderful thing. It’s a simple story that will leave you with a little smile.
Overall, in my opinion, Maquia isn’t a masterpiece or even the best anime movie out there. But to be honest, I find it rather hard to hate this movie because it’s somewhat trying to give out messages to the audiences that their life is worthy and individually meaningful.
