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In 2013, it was widely announced and believed that the legendary Hayao Miyazaki would be stepping down and retiring from animation and filmmaking. A massive heartache spread across Miyazaki’s studio, Studio Ghibli, but also across fans worldwide who had seen and breathed the company’s breathtaking and heartfelt animated features. However, Miyazaki has come back for what certainly feels like the true final film of his filmography, and granted us the gift that is The Boy and The Heron.
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The Boy and The Heron, originally titled “How Do You Live” in Japan, follows the story of a 12 year old boy, Mahito, who is grieving the death of his mother, and is forced to begin a new life with his father during the Pacific War. Mahito encounters the ramblings of a Grey Heron who leads him into a different world, pushing him to embark on a breathtaking adventure. Both the film’s Japanese subbed and English dubbed versions utilize veteran voice actors who have voice characters in Miyazaki’s previous films, adding a nostalgic yet oddly bittersweet feeling to the film.
A major factor and possible issue of the film for some is the convoluted nature of its first act which throws the viewer right into the middle of tragedy and new beginnings. Nothing is quite what it seems, something that Studio Ghibli fans are no stranger to, and it only adds to the mysterious nature of the story that catches us off-guard while simultaneously reeling us in, praying we stick around long enough to see what it all means and what it was all for. It can be difficult to hang onto a story like The Boy and The Heron. But given that there is so much to look at, so many characters to love, and a heartwarming ending to bring it all together, it makes the drag of the first half of the film worthwhile.
Much of the film features many references to Miyazaki’s previous works, whether it’s everyone’s favorite sidekick characters, the hidden themes, or perhaps Miyazaki’s well-known love of planes. It becomes clear over the course of the film that The Boy and the Heron is essentially one final letter to cinema as whole but also to the audience, particularly to fans of Studio Ghibli, many of whom wonder what the future of the company will be. Throughout the story of the film, we are also guided through a life lesson quite literally about choosing the life we want to live and committing to that life. No matter what happens around us, it is our responsibility to keep moving forward and to keep paving the way for the future as we live with the choices we’ve made, something that is very clearly reflected in the character of Mahito.
Does the film feel like a classic Hayao Miyazaki film, one that we’ll remember for decades to come? Absolutely. In fact, it would be shocking for lovers of film and Miyazaki to not remember its story, its characters, and the way it evokes the same feelings of melancholy we feel when we say our final goodbyes. Not only does the story manage to tear apart our hearts, but its characters are just as lovable. Whether it’s our main character full of grief and courage, the adorable “walla walla”, or even the sea-sailing adventurer, it is impossible not to get attached to these wonderful characters that are written with purpose and heart. And if the characters don’t convince you enough, then Joe Hisaishi’s spectacular musical themes will certainly remind you of the old days of Studio Ghibli.
The Boy and the Heron is ultimately one of those films one has to see for themselves. It is truly an incredible experience to see it in theaters amongst a crowd of Studio Ghibli fans who have more than likely grown up watching the company’s films. The film captures exactly what Hayao Miyazaki sought to bring to audiences: Magic, wonder, curiosity, and hope. And while the future of Studio Ghibli remains unclear, one thing is for certain: Miyazaki has created a long-lasting legacy for the studio with his many worlds of characters and creations, several of which have made their way into our hearts and given us comfort in times of loss and darkness. And that is truly magical.
Samosa Rating:
The Boy and the Heron receives 4.5 out of 5 Samosas.
The Boy and the Heron is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 2hr 4m
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