The Boy and the Heron, the latest masterpiece from animation maestro Hayao Miyazaki, has just had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. With rumors swirling around Miyazaki’s retirement, this film is speculated to be his final hurrah as a writer and director. While it may not reach the soaring heights of his most celebrated works, The Boy and the Heron showcases Miyazaki’s mastery and ability to captivate audiences with its heart and whimsy.
Set during the Pacific War, The Boy and the Heron follows the journey of Mahito, a young boy forced to navigate the complexities of life amidst the chaos of war. After his mother’s hospital is destroyed, Mahito and his father move to the countryside, where he encounters a peculiar grey heron. This encounter sets off a chain of events that leads Mahito to an alternate wonderland, in search of his missing mother and his newfound stepmother, Natsuko.
In this captivating alternate world, Miyazaki delights us with a blend of the familiar and the extraordinary. From adorable sprites called warawara to the discovery of a man living inside the heron’s beak, the film is filled with fantastical creatures that both charm and intrigue. One of the highlights is an army of bulked-up parakeets, adding humor and threat to Mahito’s journey.
As expected from Miyazaki’s works, The Boy and the Heron is a visual masterpiece. The film’s stunning imagery, coupled with the attention to detail, captivates viewers from start to finish. Each frame is a work of art, with pastoral backgrounds resembling oil paintings. The characters move with natural grace, their hair and clothes in constant motion, adding to the immersive experience.
Even the unpleasant moments in the film, such as gutted fish and bleeding characters, are rendered in a visually stunning style. Miyazaki’s ability to evoke both beauty and discomfort through animation is unparalleled. It is through this visual feast that viewers can easily overlook some of the plot’s more puzzling elements, staying engaged and enamored with the film.
A Fitting Farewell
If The Boy and the Heron proves to be Miyazaki’s last endeavor, it would be a fitting thematic send-off. The film’s Japanese title, “How Do You Live?” references a book and serves as the central question of the story. It is a question that is both pertinent and poignant, reflecting on the themes of life, love, and loss.
In many ways, Mahito can be seen as a stand-in for Miyazaki himself, embodying the challenges and wonders of the world. While it is uncertain whether the film directly parallels the filmmaker’s own experiences, it is difficult to separate Miyazaki from his creations. If this is his farewell, it is a farewell filled with warmth and fondness.
Hayao Miyazaki’s influence on animation is unparalleled. His name is synonymous with virtuosity and imagination, and it is rare to find an animator who does not acknowledge him as an inspiration. The Boy and the Heron is set to be released in US cinemas on December 8, gaining global attention and eagerly anticipated by fans around the world. As we await its UK release date, we can only marvel at the legacy Miyazaki has left behind and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Studio Ghibli.
The Boy and the Heron is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that showcases Hayao Miyazaki’s mastery as an animation maestro. While it may not reach the same heights as his previous works, it is a fitting and poignant farewell if this indeed proves to be his last film. The whimsical journey into the world of The Boy and the Heron is one that captivates and enchants audiences, leaving a lasting impression that will be cherished by animation enthusiasts worldwide.
Leave a Reply