The Boy and the Heron, the latest film from animation maestro Hayao Miyazaki, has just premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to much anticipation. Miyazaki, who has been hinting at retirement for some time now, returned to create this beautiful piece of art. Although there are reports that he may continue to produce more ideas for Studio Ghibli, his co-founded anime powerhouse, The Boy and the Heron has the potential to be his final film as a writer and director. Despite the lack of pre-release promotion in Japan, the film still managed to dominate the box office due to Miyazaki’s reputation for virtuosity and imagination.
Comparing The Boy and the Heron to Miyazaki’s masterpieces such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away would be unfair. However, even if it falls short of those heights, the film is filled with heartwarming moments and whimsical storytelling. It stays true to the traditions of Miyazaki’s previous works while remaining fresh and unique. The film explores familiar themes, such as the impact of war and a disrupted childhood, as well as the solace found in nature and the presence of fantastical creatures.
The protagonist of The Boy and the Heron is Mahito, a young boy who is forced to confront the challenges life throws at him. Set during the Pacific War, the film begins with a powerful and expressive opening scene depicting the destruction of the hospital where Mahito’s mother is staying. A year later, Mahito and his father move to the countryside, where he encounters a persistent grey heron that starts to pester him.
This encounter leads Mahito on a quest to an alternate wonderland, as he searches for his missing mother and Natsuko, his stepmother. The upside-down world he discovers is filled with adorable sprites called warawara and an army of bulky parakeets that provide both threat and humor. The visuals in this fantastical world are stunning, with every frame resembling an oil painting. The meticulous attention to detail and the naturalistic movements of the characters immerse the audience in this imaginative world.
While the film presents charming and cute characters, it also portrays the harsh realities of life. From a gutted fish with spilling organs to characters bleeding in a painfully real manner, Miyazaki doesn’t shy away from gruesome images. This juxtaposition of beauty and darkness adds depth to the story and reminds viewers of the unpredictability of life. In this world, even the cutest creatures can be devoured by a pelican, and birds naturally leave droppings—a detail that is both amusing and a reminder of life’s less pleasant aspects.
The Boy and the Heron, with its underlying question of “How Do You Live?”—which is also the film’s title in Japan—could potentially be Miyazaki’s thematically fitting farewell. Many may see Mahito as a representation of Miyazaki himself, making the emotional connection between the film and the filmmaker even stronger. If this is indeed Miyazaki’s goodbye, it is a deeply heartwarming one, filled with fondness and nostalgia.
The Boy and the Heron is set to be released in US cinemas on December 8, and its UK release date is yet to be announced. Fans of Miyazaki’s enchanting storytelling and captivating animation can expect a heartfelt and imaginative journey that pays tribute to his extraordinary career. Even if it is not his final film, The Boy and the Heron stands as a testament to Miyazaki’s mastery and leaves audiences eagerly awaiting his future works.
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