The Boy and the Heron: A Journey of Grief and Healing

The Boy and the Heron made its rounds, screening at movie theatres across the globe. South Africa was lucky enough to be one of the countries to experience the movie on the big screen, even if we did need to wait nine months. I am still grateful to have the experience and I am relieved and excited that we are getting more anime movies to our circuit.

I was lucky enough to be one of the few invited to Gravel Road’s premiere for the movie back in April. It was a fantastic experience, and seeing so many fans gather for it was absolutely fantastic. Gravel Road helped get this Studio Ghibli movie on our screens, so a massive shout out and thank you to the team who pulled this together. 

• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
• Type: Movie
• Duration to watch: +/- 2 Hours
• Age restriction: PG-13
• Trigger warnings: Self harm and graphic imagery (fire and blood)
• Release date: July 2023
• Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
• English Dub: Yes
• Source: Original
• Kanji: 君たちはどう生きるか
• Alternative Title: Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka

What is The Boy and the Heron about?

The Boy and the Heron follows the story of a young boy named Mahito, who grapples with the loss of his mother and the upheaval of relocating to his family’s countryside estate. Struggling with grief and adapting to a new life, Mahito stumbles upon a mysterious grey heron who beckons him towards an abandoned tower and into a fantastical world. 

This otherworldly realm is filled with magical creatures and surreal landscapes, offering Mahito an escape and the chance to discover truths about life, loss, and his resilience. As he navigates this dreamlike world, Mahito must confront his deepest fears and learn to cope with his emotions in the real world. 

This movie beautifully weaves themes of grief, healing, and the power of imagination through stunning animation and an emotional narrative.

Is this movie worth the watch?

Ignoring all of the awards, yes and no. It depends entirely on what you expect from the movie. If you are already a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, definitely. If you seek a straightforward, plot-driven narrative, this may not be for you. However, if you’re open to a more abstract and visually stunning experience, it offers a unique and thought-provoking journey into the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s imagination. It is a movie that is best appreciated by those familiar with Ghibli and how they construct their movies. Still, it may leave newcomers puzzled and less entertained. So, starting with this as your first Studio Ghibli movie might not be a good idea. The Boy and the Heron requires you to watch it multiple times to take everything in. The movie has a lot going on and has a lot to say.

My thoughts on the movie:

I have been sitting on this review for a while now, debating whether to make it completely spoiler-free and how to go about it. I realised fairly quickly that giving a full spoiler-free experience and review would be impossible, as there are aspects I wish to discuss that require spoilers and context.

Thus, I have split this into two posts, a quick overall and spoiler-free review here and then the in-depth The Boy and The Heron review with spoilers as a separate post. I do not spoil the whole movie, and there are elements I have not covered in the in-depth review, so there are still enjoyable twists and discoveries for you when/should you watch the movie.

Overall Impression:

I understand why this movie has mixed reactions from its viewers. I can also see why this movie won the awards that it did. It won:

• 2023 BAFTA Award
• 2023 Golden Globe ®️ Award
• 2023 Academy Award ®️ for Best Animated Film

Hayao Miyazaki’s Legacy

The Boy and the Heron, touted as Hayao Miyazaki’s final work, evokes mixed feelings. The movie captures Studio Ghibli’s nostalgic charm and visual splendour, While watching the movie, you can recognise elements from previous Studio Ghibli titles like Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, etc. This is great to see and does not distract from the movie itself. It is just a gentle nod to the other works and implements the techniques used in those movies. As a fan of the studio and considering this is said to be Miyazaki’s final movie, I feel it is appropriate.

The Storytelling

The plot explores themes of grief and the journey of accepting loss. However, the narrative structure feels disjointed. Significant portions of the story lack the emotional depth and cohesive fantasy elements that fans expect from a Miyazaki movie.

Many viewers, myself included, found the pacing uneven, with some scenes dragging and others rushing through crucial developments. After the screening, we all pretty much agreed this needed a rewatch. Certain elements seemed to come from nowhere, while others had symbolism we could not grasp fully with a singular watch. The conclusion of the movie also feels rather abrupt.

The characters, particularly the protagonist Mahito, are less compelling than they should be. Their development feels rushed, and their roles are underexplored, leaving a sense of detachment. Basically, it falls short in storytelling and character development. As a group we agreed the movie would have benefited with at least five to ten minutes of extra content dedicated to the conclusion and characters.

The movie’s philosophical undertones and symbolic elements offer a deeper layer for those willing to delve into multiple viewings, like myself. However, it does not satisfy those seeking a straightforward, engaging narrative.

The Visuals

As mentioned, The Boy and the Heron is stunning visually, showcasing Ghibli’s renowned animation quality and imaginative world-building through breathtaking landscapes and meticulously detailed characters. The animation style itself is a treat, with smooth character movements and expressive close-ups that capture the full range of emotions on each characters’ face.Every detail, from the architecture to the clothing of the creatures, feels thoughtfully considered and contributes to the overall immersive experience.

The Music Score

The music score complements the movie’s aesthetic, adding to its magical ambience. The film’s music score further elevates the experience. A sprawling 37-track score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, a longtime collaborator of both Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, perfectly complements the visuals. Together they create a captivating soundscape that perfectly complements the visuals. Soaring orchestral pieces build a sense of wonder and adventure during Mahito’s journey, while delicate piano melodies underscore quieter moments of reflection. Additionally, the film features the hauntingly beautiful main theme “Spinning Globe,” performed by the acclaimed Japanese artist Kenshi Yonezu. The music seamlessly blends with the animation and storytelling, creating a truly magical ambience that pulls viewers deeper into the film’s world.

The Boy and the Heron – Original Soundtrack available here on YouTube Music

Ultimately, The Boy and the Heron is a visually enchanting tribute to Miyazaki’s illustrious career. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his most beloved works, it’s still an enjoyable watch for its beauty and themes. The Boy and the Heron presents a visually stunning experience that captures the charm and imagination characteristic of Studio Ghibli. Despite its narrative and character development shortcomings, the film offers a unique journey into themes of grief and healing. Whether you are a long-time Ghibli fan or new to their works, this movie evokes feelings and invites multiple viewings to fully appreciate its depth. Watching it is still fun and engaging; I just wish we had been given more.

Did the mixed reviews surprise you? Did the movie live up to the hype for Miyazaki’s final work? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

All images in this post are sourced from https://www.ghibli.jp/works/kimitachi/#frame.