The Boy and the Heron (2023)

“The Boy and the Heron” (original title: Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka) is a Japanese animated film directed by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Released in 2023, this work marks Miyazaki's return after a decade of retirement, since his last film, “The Wind Rises” (2013)The film is a blend of fantasy, drama, and philosophical exploration that uses traditional animation to construct a magical, introspective, and deeply personal universe.

The film is loosely inspired by Genzaburō Yoshino's 1937 novel of the same name, although Miyazaki's story is largely original, using the book more as a philosophical guide than a narrative basis. As is typical in his films, Miyazaki addresses themes such as war, loss, personal growth, and the connection between worlds.

Synopsis

The story follows Mahito Maki, a 12-year-old boy living in Tokyo during the final days of World War II. After the tragic death of his mother in a fire caused by bombing, Mahito moves to the countryside with his father, a man who runs a munitions factory, and his new stepmother, Natsuko, who is also his deceased mother's younger sister.

The transition to his new life is difficult for Mahito. Isolated and emotionally disturbed, he begins to notice strange phenomena in his surroundings. A grey heron, with a mysterious and almost human-like behavior, begins to follow him and even speak to him. This heron acts as a guide to an alternate, magical, and surreal world, where time and logic seem to flow differently.

Through this dreamlike journey, Mahito confronts fantastic creatures, meets characters who represent parts of his past and himself, and gradually comes to understand the pain of loss, the value of sacrifice, and the importance of finding his own path in a fractured world.

Voice cast (original Japanese version)

• Soma Santoki as Mahito Maki – The young protagonist, marked by tragedy and searching for answers in an incomprehensible world.
• Masaki Suda as the Blue Heron – An ambiguous and enigmatic guide who leads Mahito to the alternate world.
• Ko Shibasaki as Natsuko – Mahito’s stepmother, a complex maternal figure.
• Aimyon as Himi – A girl with magical powers who helps Mahito on his journey.
• Takuya Kimura as Shoichi Maki – Mahito’s father, a cold and pragmatic man.
• Yoshino Kimura, Jun Kunimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, among others, complete a high-level cast of voices.

In the English version (distributed by GKIDS in North America), the cast includes Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson (as Heron), Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, and Dave Bautista, demonstrating the film's global appeal.

Reviews

“The Boy and the Heron” It was widely acclaimed by international critics. Many consider it one of Miyazaki's most mature and complex films, both visually and narratively. While some critics noted that the narrative structure can be confusing or cryptic at times, most agreed that the film feels deeply honest and emotional.

The magazine Variety praised Miyazaki's ability to create worlds that escape the conventional rules of Western cinema, describing the film as "a love letter to the imagination in times of war and loss." For his part, The Guardian gave it 5 stars, highlighting the handcrafted animation and symbolism in each scene.

In Japan, the film was also well received, although some viewers expressed that it was not as accessible as other works from the studio, such as My Neighbor Totoro either Spirited Away. Still, she was admired for her artistic courage.

Public reception

Although Studio Ghibli opted for a release without marketing or trailers (an unusual decision), “The Boy and the Heron” achieved surprising box office success both in Japan and abroad. In Japan, it debuted at number one in its opening weekend and grossed over $55 million during its domestic run.

In the United States and Europe, the film was distributed by GKIDS and was nominated and awarded at multiple festivals. It won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film in 2024 and received a Oscar nomination in the same category, competing with productions such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Elementary.

Audiences who appreciate contemplative, artistic, and poetic cinema found in this film a gem that invites multiple interpretations. Although some younger viewers or those accustomed to more direct narratives may have been disconcerted, many described it as a unique cinematic experience.

Technical and visual aspects

One of the film's highlights is undoubtedly its visuals. Miyazaki and his team of animators worked with traditional techniques, combining watercolors, hand-painted backgrounds, and stop-motion animation. This results in a nostalgic and detailed aesthetic, where each frame resembles a painting.

The character designs, fantastical creatures, and surreal landscapes of the alternate world are a testament to Miyazaki's artistic genius. The viewer is transported to a universe where the laws of physics do not apply, filled with visual symbolism, magical portals, floating towers, and anthropomorphic creatures.

The music, composed by regular collaborator Joe Hisaishi, perfectly complements the narrative. The score is melancholic, ethereal, and emotional, guiding the viewer through moments of tension, tenderness, and spiritual revelation. The main theme is simple yet charged with emotion.

The sound mix and ambiance are also noteworthy. From the intentional silences to the natural sounds of wind, water, and footsteps on the grass, everything is carefully designed to create an immersive experience.

Conclusion

“The Boy and the Heron” It's not simply an animated film. It's a cinematic work of art that explores the mind of a child confronted with the pain, loss, and absurdity of war. It's also a testament to the legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, who at 82 continues to expand the boundaries of animation as a narrative and philosophical medium.

The film is deeply personal, both for the director and the audience. It offers no easy answers or conventional closure. Instead, it invites reflection, dreaming, and accepting life's uncertainty.

It may not be the most accessible of his works, but it is one of his most sincere and ambitious. For film lovers who appreciate stories that challenge the norm, that explore human emotions with sensitivity, and that dare to break the mold, “The Boy and the Heron” it is essential.

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