Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Name: Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Animation
Released: July 20, 2018
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Ai Kayano, Hiroaki Hirata, Manaka Iwami, Misaki Kuno, Miyu Irino

2018

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 34 Ratings

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 34 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Eleven Arts | Release Date: July 20, 2018 | Not Rated

Starring: Ai Kayano, Hiroaki Hirata, Manaka Iwami, Misaki Kuno, Miyu Irino, Miyuki Sawashiro, Rina Satô, Yôko Hikasa, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yuki Kaji

Summary: The people of Iorph live far away from the lands of men, weaving the happenings of each day into a fabric called Hibiol. They live for centuries while maintaining their youthful appearance. Maquia, an orphaned Iorph girl, lives her life in an oasis surrounded by friends, yet somehow feels “alone”. But the tranquil lives of the Iorph areThe people of Iorph live far away from the lands of men, weaving the happenings of each day into a fabric called Hibiol. They live for centuries while maintaining their youthful appearance. Maquia, an orphaned Iorph girl, lives her life in an oasis surrounded by friends, yet somehow feels “alone”. But the tranquil lives of the Iorph are shattered in an instant when the Mezarte army invades their territory on a dragon fleet, seeking the blood that grants the Iorph long life. Maquia manages to escape, but loses her friends and her home in the chaos. She then encounters an orphaned baby who is “alone”. Maquia raises this boy "Ariel", with the help of some new friends. But as the era changes, the bond between Maquia and Ariel changes too, amidst a backdrop of racial tensions between the Iorph and the Mezarte. This is a story of irreplaceable time, woven by two lonely people who can only find solace in each other. [Eleven Arts]… Expand

Director: Mari Okada

Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy, Animation

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 115 min

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Critic Reviews

Miranda Sanchez

Jul 18, 2018

In her directorial debut Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, Mari Okada weaves a beautiful story about motherhood, aging, and loss. Read full review

Deborah Young

Jul 18, 2018

Okada both wrote and directed Maquia, which showcases her ability to depict complex relationships and project delicate character arcs. Read full review

Jessica Kiang

Jul 23, 2018

It’s possible that the film’s passing pleasures are so rich that we don’t even notice how deep Okada has driven her storytelling dagger until she pulls it out in the end, and the tears come, adding, to the bitterness and sweetness of this moving and strange little fable, a hefty dose of salt. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Jul 23, 2018

Though not unusual for animated movies to provoke tears, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is perhaps the second animated film I would openly classify as a “tearjerker” (the first being Grave of the Fireflies). Read full review

Alan Ng

Jul 18, 2018

If you’re not a fan of anime, give it try. Be open and patient. Read full review

The Guardian Cath Clarke

Jul 18, 2018

It is a poignant set-up but, disappointingly, Okada’s ideas about motherhood don’t cut as deep as they could. Read full review

Charles Solomon

Jul 19, 2018

At almost two hours, the film feels a bit long and suffers from multiple endings, but Okada is clearly a talent to watch. Read full review

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User Reviews

SoulWarfare

Jun 18, 2022

Maquia is a magically wonderful movie. The relationship between a mother who could live for 100s of years and a normal mortal living child makes for an engaging story. There was definitely some worries that the story might go in "that" direction. Thankfully the movie sticks to the mother andMaquia is a magically wonderful movie. The relationship between a mother who could live for 100s of years and a normal mortal living child makes for an engaging story. There was definitely some worries that the story might go in "that" direction. Thankfully the movie sticks to the mother and son theme and it is all the better for it. Even though you know how this film is going to end from the get go, it still manages to tug on your emotional strings.

The art style is gorgeous with beautiful backgrounds and stylish character designs. The music score is phenomenal as well. Only issues I had with the film is some slow pacing and the fact that the subplots don't have a strong resolution. This leads to some lingering questions even after the film ends.

Nevertheless, Maquia is one of the most memorable original anime movies in a long time. The story will stick with me for a long time.… Expand