The Boy and the Heron (2023) - Review

This review of The Boy and the Heron has been published to coincide with the film's Indian release on May 10, 2024. Warner Bros. India invited IGN India to a screening for this review.

In 2013, The Wind Rises was believed to be director Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell film. He had hinted at retiring on multiple occasions, even before The Boy and the Heron. Perhaps that’s why Miyazaki pours his heart and soul into each film, treating it as a final masterpiece, only to discover that he still has stories left to share with the world. This sentiment holds true for The Boy and the Heron as well. This time, Miyazaki embraced the idea of retirement and held nothing back to present a deeply personal story, drawing from aspects of his own life.

The Boy and the Heron is about Mahito Maki, a young boy whose life takes a drastic turn after his mother tragically passes away in a hospital fire during the Pacific War in Tokyo. Mahito’s father marries his mother’s sister, and the new family relocate to the countryside, seeking solace. Between grappling with the loss of his mother and adjusting to a new family dynamic, Mahito struggles with the challenges of adapting to a completely different environment.

Studio Ghibli films are known for their breathtaking visuals, fluid animation, unforgettable characters and settings, and stories that convey real-world themes via fantasy. Each film carries a unique essence that reflects the creative vision of its creator. With Miyazaki at the helm, this essence becomes unmistakable. The Boy and the Heron embodies all these hallmark elements to the fullest. Miyazaki’s creative energy is in full force in the film, as he unleashes his artistic vision through the medium of animated storytelling.

What I’m getting at is that Miyazaki’s personal experiences are reflected in the film. If you’re a Ghibli buff, you’d know that Miyazaki’s father worked on building fighter planes during the war, much like Mahito’s father in the movie. Also, Miyazaki’s family relocated to a rural area during the same period. He lost his mother at a young age, which parallels Mahito’s experience in the film. The 1937 novel How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino, which greatly influenced Miyazaki, serves as the Japanese title of the film and even appears within the movie itself.

Certainly, there are still resemblances to other Ghibli films that we cherish. You’ll notice echoes of Miyazaki’s earlier creations, like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. However, in The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki communicates much more subtlety and attention to detail.

In the story, we witness a speaking heron from The Boy and the “Heron” nudging Mahito to follow him into a mysterious tower that holds a world of its own. This world is full of fantastical creatures, including evolved, talking birds and adorable creatures known as Warawara. Despite the risks, Mahito sets out on a journey into this magical realm to rescue his mother.

Of course, the beauty of the stunning visuals and the animation in The Boy and the Heron cannot be overstated. Being a Ghibli film, it’s a masterpiece of art and wonder. Each frame is a piece of artwork, made with vibrant colours, impeccable composition, and captivating lighting. The animation flows smoothly, and simply satisfying to look at.

While Ghibli films are of course for the visual style, the music often gets overshadowed. However, in The Boy and the Heron, the soundtrack deserves special mention. It skilfully complements the visuals, conveying the emotions and nuances of each scene in perfect harmony.

The Boy and the Heron dives deep into Miyazaki’s personal experiences, using fantasy to prompt viewers to contemplate real-world issues. From life’s challenges to coping with pain, relationships, and the passage of time, the film subtly conveys messages about them. This thematic depth becomes evident within the first few minutes, making it clear that The Boy and the Heron commands your full attention.

While there may be moments where one can feel a bit lost about what’s taking place on the screen, the emotion conveyed through the film’s tone is palpable in every scene. You’ll truly sense what’s being communicated. Plus, The Boy and the Heron is worth another viewing anyway, even if you happen to miss something.