Nominated for Best Animated Feature.
The Boy and the Heron tells the story of a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki), who, upon discovering an abandoned tower in his new town, ventures into a magical realm accompanied by a talking gray heron. Mahito, full of longing for his mother, travels to a realm where life and death coexist.
Watching my very first Hayao Miyazaki’s work on the big screen, I cannot help but be enchanted yet again by its meticulous animation. Each scene is a visual spectacle, transporting viewers into a world where everything feels like a new experience, even though the film is very reminiscent of the many Ghibli films from the director that we’ve come to love.
What I really appreciate about Miyazaki’s storytelling is that it is always thought-provoking and contemplative. The pacing of the film was initially slow, and its narrative seems confusing at times, but I think this ambiguity is precisely what makes it a great film because it invites its viewers to dig deeper, prompting exploration of the film’s underlying themes.
After watching the film, I was asking myself, “What did I just watch? But after a few days, while still thinking about what to write for my review, I figured that each viewer’s understanding—or rather, my understanding—is uniquely my own.
The Boy and the Heron is a captivating journey of masterful storytelling with top-notch animation that breathes life into each frame, evoking a poignant resonance that defies easy categorization because it engages its audience on a personal level based on personal experience and perspectives.
It is a testament to the power of Miyazaki’s storytelling. Whether it leaves you yearning for something undefined or sparks a newfound understanding, one thing is certain: Miyazaki’s masterwork is an experience that transcends the boundaries of cinema, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into its world.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
Starring: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Shonei Hino, Ko Shibasaki, Takuya Kimura
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