The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Îles El Niño y la Garza ar (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 ÎThe Wind Rises (2013). The film is a mix of fantasy, drama and philosophical exploration that uses traditional animation to build a magical, introspective and deeply personal universe.

The film is loosely inspired by the novel of the same name by Genzaburō Yoshino published in 1937, although the story Miyazaki presents to us is largely original, using the book more as a philosophical guide than as a narrative basis. As is customary in his filmography, 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 who lives in Tokyo during the final days of World War II. Following the tragic death of his mother in a fire caused by bombing, Mahito moves to the countryside with his father, a man who runs an ammunition 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 environment. A gray heron, with mysterious and almost human behavior, begins to follow him and even talk to him. This heron acts as a guide to an alternative, magical and surreal world, where time and logic seem to flow differently.

Through this dreamlike journey, Mahito confronts fantastic creatures, meets characters that represent parts of his past and himself, and little by little he understands 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 like Mahito Maki 3 The young protagonist, marked by tragedy and in search of answers in an incomprehensible world.
• Masaki Suda like the Blue Heron ér An ambiguous and enigmatic guide who takes Mahito to the alternative world.
• Ko Shibasaki like Natsuko ér Mahito's stepmother, a complex maternal figure.
• Aimyon like Himi ern A girl with magical powers who helps Mahito on his journey.
• Takuya Kimura like Shoichi Maki ér Mahito's father, a cold and pragmatic man.
• Yoshino Kimura, Jun Kunimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, among others, they complete a high-level voice cast.

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

Criticisms

ÎEl Niño y la Garza ar 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 certain times, most agreed that the film feels deeply honest and emotional.

The magazine Variety he 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 it gave it 5 stars, highlighting the artisanal 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 in the studio, such as My neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away. Still, she was admired for her artistic bravery.

Public reception

Although Studio Ghibli opted for a premiere without prior marketing or trailers (a rare decision), ÎEl Niño y la Garza ar it achieved surprising box office both in Japan and abroad. In Japan, it debuted at number one in its opening weekend and grossed over $55 million during its local run.

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

The public that values contemplative, artistic and poetic cinema found in this film a gem that invites multiple interpretations. Although some younger viewers or those accustomed to a more direct narrative may have been baffled, many called it a unique cinematic experience.

Technical and visual aspects

One of the highlights of the film is, without a doubt, its visuals. Miyazaki and his team of animators worked with traditional techniques, combining watercolors, hand-painted backgrounds and frame-by-frame animation. This results in a nostalgic and detailed aesthetic, where each frame looks like a painting.

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

The music, composed by the 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, but loaded with emotion.

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

Conclusion

ÎEl Niño y la Garza ar it is not simply an animated film. It is a work of cinematic art that explores the mind of a child faced with the pain, loss and absurdity of war. It is also a testament to the legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, who at 82 years old continues to expand the boundaries of animation as a narrative and philosophical medium.

The film is deeply personal, both for the director and the viewers. It does not offer easy answers or a conventional closure. Instead, it invites us to reflect, dream and accept the uncertainty of life.

It may not be the most accessible of his works, but it is one of the most sincere and ambitious. For film lovers who appreciate stories that defy norms, who explore human emotions sensitively and who dare to break molds, ÎEl Niño y la Garza ar it's essential.

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