We did not choose this life. My kind were brought to this hellscape so we could eat the Warawara. This sea has few fish we can eat. My kind were all starving. We flew as high as we could, as high and far as our wings could carry us but it always ended the same way. We could only reach this island. Now our newborns are forgetting how to fly. We eat the Warawara. The Fire Maiden burns us. This sea here is cursed.
-Noble Pelican
Introduction:
Coming a decade after The Wind Rises—which I have yet to watch—Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron is a chaotic yet mesmerizing cosmic odyssey that dares audiences to unravel the enigmatic depths of the legendary filmmaker's mind. Released in 2023, the film earned an impressive $173 million, reaffirming Miyazaki's enduring influence on animated cinema.
A visual and narrative marvel, The Boy and the Heron enchants viewers with its breathtaking animation and evocative storytelling. Miyazaki masterfully blends fantasy and reality, creating a dreamlike world that feels both surreal and deeply personal. The film explores profound themes of grief, growth, and the transformative power of friendship, making it a poignant journey of self-discovery.
Each frame is meticulously crafted, bursting with vibrant colours and intricate details that bring the story to life. The animation is a feast for the senses, immersing the audience in an ever-shifting landscape of wonder and mystery. Complementing this visual spectacle is a hauntingly beautiful score, that mirrored the protagonist’s emotional journey, further deepening the film’s impact.
Beyond its technical brilliance, The Boy and the Heron resonate emotionally, leaving a lasting impression on both young and adult audiences. It is a testament to the boundless imagination of its creator—a triumphant celebration of adventure, introspection, and the enduring magic of storytelling.
Plot Overview:
Guided by a mysterious heron, The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito on a journey of self-discovery as he confronts his grief and learns to embrace life once more.
After losing his mother in a tragic fire, Mahito’s world is upended when his father hastily remarries and moves them to a secluded countryside mansion. Struggling to adjust to his new reality, Mahito finds little comfort in his unfamiliar surroundings and remains distant from his father’s new wife, whose past holds its own secrets. However, his mundane existence takes a surreal turn when he encounters a peculiar, talkative heron; an enigmatic creature that appears to possess hidden knowledge about his mother and an unseen world beyond human comprehension.
Drawn into a mysterious parallel universe teeming with strange creatures and breathtaking landscapes, Mahito embarks on a fantastical odyssey that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Along the way, he encounters a host of mystical beings, each offering profound insights into loss, love, and acceptance. The heron, serving as both guide and trickster, leads Mahito through realms that challenge his perceptions, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and insecurities.
Through this extraordinary journey, Mahito discovers the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing memories without letting them overshadow the present. Ultimately, his adventure becomes a poignant exploration of healing, revealing profound truths about the interconnectedness of all living things. Immersed in a dreamlike tapestry of wonder and introspection, Mahito’s path is one of transformation where he learns to navigate grief, embrace change, and find meaning in the unknown.
Animation and art style:
Studio Ghibli is renowned for its breathtaking animation and artistry, and The Boy and the Heron is no exception. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, the film stands as a testament to the studio’s meticulous craftsmanship, blending intricate detail with sweeping, immersive landscapes that define Ghibli’s signature style.
The animation is fluid and expressive, breathing life into every character and scene with an impressive level of nuance and realism. Each frame is crafted with precision, ensuring that even the subtlest movements convey deep emotion and intention. The film’s visuals are undeniably mesmerizing, seamlessly balancing Ghibli’s characteristic warmth with surreal, dreamlike imagery that enhances the narrative’s depth and mystique.
The art style masterfully bridges the gap between the fantastical and the familiar, transporting audiences to a world that feels both tangible and enchantingly otherworldly. The colour palette is rich and varied—vibrant hues illuminate moments of wonder and magic, while softer tones evoke introspection and tranquillity. The backgrounds, a hallmark of Ghibli’s artistry, are particularly striking; from the rustling leaves to the rippling water, every element is meticulously rendered to create a vivid and immersive experience.
With its stunning animation and rich visual storytelling, The Boy and the Heron is a remarkable achievement, reaffirming the limitless potential of hand-drawn animation. It doesn’t just present a story—it pulls viewers into a living, breathing world, reminding us why Studio Ghibli remains an unparalleled force in the medium.
Character Development:
In The Boy and the Heron, character development is intricately woven into the narrative, allowing viewers to experience the protagonist’s journey as he navigates a world filled with both beauty and adversity. Mahito, the central character, is portrayed with remarkable depth, undergoing a compelling transformation shaped by his experiences and interactions. Initially, a naive and emotionally withdrawn child grappling with personal loss, he gradually evolves into a resilient and introspective individual, shaped by the challenges he faces along the way.
A key driver of Mahito’s growth is his enigmatic relationship with the heron—a mysterious and symbolic figure that serves as both guide and provocateur. The heron challenges Mahito’s perceptions, forcing him to confront his fears, question reality, and ultimately gain a deeper understanding of himself. His relationships with other characters are equally pivotal, serving as catalysts for his emotional and psychological evolution. These interactions go beyond surface-level exchanges, delving into themes of trust, betrayal, courage, and acceptance.
Even the supporting characters exhibit varying degrees of growth, reinforcing the film’s exploration of personal evolution. The dynamics between Mahito and his companions feel authentic, enriched by dialogue that is both poignant and thought-provoking. This meticulous attention to character depth allows the audience to connect with their struggles and triumphs, making their journeys feel personal and relatable.
Ultimately, The Boy and the Heron presents a masterful study of self-discovery, illustrating how internal reflection and external influences shape one’s identity. It is a story that speaks to the universal experience of growth, demonstrating that resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace change are essential to finding one’s place in the world.
Themes And Symbolism:
Nature serves as a powerful symbol throughout the narrative, mirroring the protagonist’s inner emotions and psychological journey. The seamless intertwining of the human and natural worlds reinforces the theme of interconnectedness, emphasizing how one’s environment shapes personal growth and self-discovery. Through breathtaking imagery and evocative landscapes, the film explores the delicate balance between clinging to the past and embracing the ever-changing present. It gently urges viewers to seek harmony—both within themselves and with the world around them—illustrating that true growth comes from accepting change while staying rooted in one’s experiences.
In The Boy and the Heron, the heron serves as a powerful and multifaceted symbol, intricately woven into the narrative to add depth and meaning beyond the immediate plot. Across various cultural mythologies, herons are often associated with patience, independence, and a profound connection to nature—qualities that closely mirror Mahito’s own transformative journey. As both a guide and a challenge to the protagonist, the heron embodies the themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the delicate balance between the known and the unknown, enriching the film’s exploration of personal growth and introspection.
Critical Reception And Impact:
The Boy and the Heron received widespread critical acclaim for its masterful storytelling and breathtaking animation. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film was praised for its emotional depth and intricate narrative, captivating both audiences and critics alike. Its rich world-building and nuanced character development were highlighted as standout elements, immersing viewers in a visually and thematically compelling experience.
Critics lauded the film’s ability to balance a fantastical, surreal plot with deeply human emotions, making it resonate with a diverse audience. The animation, a hallmark of Studio Ghibli’s artistry, was another focal point of praise. With its vibrant colour palette, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless blend of traditional and modern techniques, the film set a new benchmark in the anime industry. Each frame was crafted with precision, reinforcing Miyazaki’s reputation as a visionary storyteller.
Beyond its technical brilliance, The Boy and the Heron made a profound impact on both the anime community and the broader cinematic landscape. It sparked discussions on themes of loss, resilience, and the human connection to nature, prompting audiences to reflect on these universal subjects. The film’s success further cemented Miyazaki’s legacy, inspiring future filmmakers to explore complex narratives and push the boundaries of animated storytelling.
With its evocative themes and mesmerizing visuals, The Boy and the Heron stands as a landmark achievement in animation, ensuring its enduring legacy in the ever-evolving world of anime.
Critics have offered a range of opinions on The Boy and the Heron, with many praising the film’s bold storytelling and its refusal to provide clear answers, while others have expressed disappointment at the unresolved nature of the plot. The open-ended conclusion has sparked debate, with some viewers finding it unsatisfying or confusing due to the lack of closure. However, others have applauded this artistic choice, seeing it as an invitation for deeper introspection and encouraging multiple viewings to uncover new layers of meaning.
On the other hand, some critics have deemed the film’s narrative lacklustre, considering it a creative misstep for Studio Ghibli that could potentially jeopardize the studio’s future. Despite these critiques, the film's stunning visuals and evocative storytelling have garnered widespread acclaim, with many noting how they elevate the emotional resonance of the plot.
Ultimately, The Boy and the Heron has sparked a dynamic blend of admiration, curiosity, and debate among audiences and critics alike, leaving a lasting impression and ensuring its place as a topic of continued discussion in the world of cinema.
