Release: 2023-07-14
Runtime: 2h 04m (124 minutes)
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Family
Cast: Ko Shibasaki, Takuya Kimura, Masaki Suda, more
Ko Shibasaki
as Kiriko (voice)
Takuya Kimura
as Shoichi Maki (voice)
Masaki Suda
as Gray Heron (voice)
Jun Fubuki
as Utako (voice)
Sawako Agawa
as Eriko (voice)
Karen Takizawa
as Warawara (voice)
Shinobu Ôtake
as Aiko (voice)
Yoshino Kimura
as Natsuko (voice)
Kaoru Kobayashi
as Noble Pelican (voice)
Jun Kunimura
as The Parakeet King (voice)
Aimyon
as Lady Himi (voice)
Keiko Takeshita
as Izumi (voice)
Hayao Miyazaki
Storyboard Artist
Hayao Miyazaki
Writer
Hayao Miyazaki
Original Story
Hayao Miyazaki
Director
Kenshi Yonezu
Theme Song Performance
Akihiko Yamashita
Key Animation
Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Key Animation
Kazuo Oga
Background Designer
Yumi Ishii
Background Designer
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Key Animation
Atsushi Okui
Director of Photography
Joe Hisaishi
Original Music Composer
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."
Where death comes to an end, life finds a new beginning.
The Boy and the Heron is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, notable for his work with Studio Ghibli. This film, which translates to How Do You Live?, is not a direct adaptation of the 1937 novel by Genzaburō Yoshino, but it draws inspiration from it. With a runtime of 124 minutes, the film features a star-studded voice cast, including Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, and Ko Shibasaki.
The story follows a boy named Mahito Maki, who moves to a rural area after the tragic death of his mother. In his new home, he discovers an abandoned tower and encounters a talking grey heron. This fantasy adventure unfolds against the backdrop of the Pacific War, reflecting deeply personal themes of loss, growth, and discovery.
Miyazaki initially announced his retirement from feature films in September 2013 but returned to animation after creating the short film Boro the Caterpillar in 2018. Production for The Boy and the Heron began in May 2017 and faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Miyazaki's careful approach to animation. After seven years in the making, the film was released in Japan on 14 July 2023, without any marketing campaign. Despite this, it received critical acclaim and grossed US$294.2 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Japanese films.
The film's plot revolves around Mahito, who experiences profound loss and struggles with his emotions. After a devastating incident in Tokyo, Mahito is taken to his stepmother's country home. There, he meets the heron, who promises to help him find his mother. Mahito's journey leads him through a magical realm filled with strange creatures and challenges that force him to confront his grief and learn about love and acceptance.
Joe Hisaishi composed the film's score, while Kenshi Yonezu contributed the theme song titled Spinning Globe. The film has been celebrated for its stunning animation, poignant storytelling, and the way it resonates with audiences of all ages. Critics have praised it as a "swan song" for Miyazaki, showcasing his ability to blend rich narratives with breathtaking visuals.
Upon its release, The Boy and the Heron quickly captivated audiences and critics alike. It has secured various awards, including Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards and the BAFTA Awards, solidifying Miyazaki's legacy as a master storyteller in animation.
The film is set to have a wider international release, with plans for screenings in the United States starting on 8 December 2023. It has been recognized as a significant contribution to contemporary animation and a testament to Miyazaki's enduring impact on the film industry.
Overall, The Boy and the Heron not only marks a return to form for Miyazaki but also invites viewers on an emotional journey that balances fantasy and reality, ultimately highlighting the importance of love and connection in overcoming life's adversities.
