‘Mary and Max’ is an animated film about a little 8-year-old girl, Mary, from Australia becoming pen pals with a 44-year-old man, Max, from New York with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Both lead bleak, troubling lives for different reasons, but they become best friends over 20 years of writing back and forth. Neither had any friends until they found one another. They find lots in common even though their communications are wholly through physical letters, from across the world and generational differences. They have some misunderstandings along the way and ups and downs like any friends, but they hang in there. It’s a humorous story of friendship as they share their sorrows and isolation and build each other’s confidence in a chaotic world that keeps bringing them down.
‘Mary and Max’ is a beautiful, humorous, heartbreaking film that makes you think. It’s such a unique film, unlike any other animated (or non-animated) film I have seen before. The ending will have you fighting back tears. The writing, animation, direction, soundtrack, and voice acting are well done. I don’t think it’s a kid film because it covers dark themes like depression, mental health, pessimism, suicide, and loneliness. I felt the pacing was a bit of a letdown, and it didn’t hold my attention all the way through, unfortunately. Parts of it were easy to drift off into other thoughts. The narrator’s monotone didn’t help matters.
Would I recommend this? I am a bit on the fence about this film. The characters are likable. The story is relatable to probably everyone, but there is also a disconnect somewhere. I believe it’s worth a watch. Even if it doesn’t leave you with a smile, there is something magical and poignant about it.
7.5/10
Review by DeletedBlockedParent2014-06-07T15:39:23Z
Absolutely brilliant! I wasn't expecting nothing like this! Mary and Max is one of the best, and now, one my favorite animated films. Really, it's hard to even say how great this film is!
Just because it is an animated film, don't expect it to be a film for children because it's definitely not. It tells the story about Mary a 8 year old girl who lives in Australia and her pen pal Max a 40 year old man who lives in New York. Both are sad and lonely people. By writing to one another they follow each other advices to try to survive to the cruel world that is constantly laying their confidence down.
This movie can be very depressing at times, showing us how painful life can be to the ones that are not accepted by society just because they have something different from most of the people. It also has very funny parts that balance the heaviness that the story might have.
The animation is very well done, the colors used, the set design, the soundtrack, everything combined and even the littlest detail were absolutely perfect. What also helped to create this unique and beautiful friendship tale were the voices of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette and the wonderful narration of Barry Humphries.
Mary and Max is an absolutely beautiful and honest story that will break your heart but will also put a smile on your face. I loved it.