Watch Maquia
- 2019
- 114 hr
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is an emotionally moving and breathtakingly beautiful anime movie, directed by Mari Okada and produced by P.A.Works. The film tells the story of a young girl named Maquia, played by Xanthe Huynh, who belongs to the Iorph clan, a race of beings who live for hundreds of years and age differently from humans. The Iorphs weave stories into their fabric and live amidst their own purity, but their peaceful existence is shattered by the Mezarte, a neighboring kingdom that seeks to possess their unique powers. In the wake of the Mezarte invasion, Maquia embarks on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery, and must find the true meaning of family and home.
The opening sequence of the movie is hauntingly beautiful, depicting a lush green world full of bright flowers and an ethereal atmosphere. It is clear that the world of Maquia is a place of fantasy but also one of great complexity. The visuals are simply stunning and captivating, taken to a whole new level with vibrant colors, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible attention to detail.
As the story progresses, we see Maquia struggle with her place in the Iorph clan and her desire to find her own identity. She is young, naive, and filled with innocence, but her curiosity leads her down a path of discovery, teaching her about the world and herself. Maquia's journey is symbolized by the flowers that she weaves into her fabric, as they represent her past, present, and future, and she learns that each of these moments is important in shaping her life.
One of the most heartwarming themes of the movie is the idea of family. This is not just limited to the biological family, but also extends to the sense of belonging and inclusion that comes with being part of a community. As Maquia is forced to leave her clan, she finds solace in the family that she creates for herself. She meets an orphaned boy named Ariel, played by Eddy Lee, and takes him under her wing, becoming his surrogate mother.
The relationship between Maquia and Ariel is a touching one, with both characters growing to love and support each other, even as the world around them changes. The moments between them are precious and heartfelt, with Maquia trying to give Ariel everything that he missed out on as an orphan, and Ariel seeking to understand and protect Maquia in every way possible.
The movie also explores the themes of loss and sacrifice, as we see the characters struggle with the pain of separation, death, and the passing of time. As an Iorph, Maquia knows that she will outlive Ariel and must come to terms with this reality. Her pain and grief are palpable, and the movie does an excellent job of conveying the emotional weight of these moments.
Overall, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is a masterpiece of storytelling and animation, with a beautiful and heartfelt message that resonates deeply with its viewers. It is a movie about love, loss, and family, and its themes will stay with you long after the credits roll. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the soundtrack is equally enchanting. The voice acting is top-notch, with Xanthe Huynh and Eddy Lee delivering outstanding performances that bring the characters to life. The movie is a must-watch for any fans of anime, but also for anyone who enjoys a touching and emotional story that speaks to the heart.