A story about two girls on the cusp of adolescence, Mai Mai Miracle delicately captures the charmed and strange wonder that accompanies one’s transition into adulthood. A protégé of Hayao Miyazaki and assistant director on Kiki’s Delivery Service, Sunao Katabuchi strongly echoes his mentor in this finely crafted anime. Third grader, Mai Mai passes time in her small town daydreaming about the world a thousand years before. She has an imaginary friend there—Nagiko—who introduces her to a simple daily life. When a shy newcomer named Kiiko arrives in Mai Mai’s town and joins her class, Mai Mai tries in vain to befriend her. Eventually, Mai Mai is able to break through Kiiko’s shell, and the pair set off on a number of adventures, one that may even transport them back in time to help Mai Mai’s friend Nagiko.


Recommended for ages eight and up. Written by Sunao Kutabuchi. Photographed by Yukihiro Masumoto. With Mayuko Fukuda, Nako Mizusawa, Ei Morisako, Manami Honjo. (95 min, Shochiku Co., Ltd.)