What a stunning debut from Studio Ponoc! The animation is gorgeous and multi-layered, and the music is stunning. The themes, while familiar, are done in unique and meaningful ways. I felt small influences of other great animes like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and even the great Akira. Some ideas and homages to Legend, The Dark Crystal, and Harry Potter. The plot involves a young girl who finds a magical flower that enables her to be a witch. She finds the Endor College for Witches and embarks upon her training. This was a visual feast, and I cannot wait to see it again. This is the best anime that I have seen in years, and Studio Ponoc is one to watch for the future.
Review of Mary and the Witch's Flower
