The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Last updated:
October 29, 2024

Detailed Summary: Critical Moments

A World Torn by War

The story begins in 1943 Tokyo, as young Mahito Maki’s life is turned upside down by a devastating air raid that claims his mother’s life. This tragic event sets the stage for Mahito’s journey of grief, growth, and fantastical discovery.

Moving to the Countryside

Mahito’s father, Shoichi, remarries his late wife’s younger sister, Natsuko. The family relocates to the countryside, where Mahito struggles to adjust to his new surroundings and family dynamics.

The Mysterious Heron

A peculiar grey heron begins to appear, seemingly trying to communicate with Mahito. This enigmatic creature serves as a guide and catalyst for Mahito’s upcoming adventure.

Entering the Magical Tower

Mahito discovers an abandoned tower on the estate, which becomes a portal to a surreal alternate world. This moment marks the beginning of his fantastical journey.

Encounters in the Other World

In this strange realm, Mahito meets various eccentric characters, including the mysterious Warawara, peculiar pelicans, and a mischievous parakeet man. Each encounter challenges Mahito’s perceptions and helps him confront his inner turmoil.

The Great Parakeet King

Mahito’s confrontation with the tyrannical Parakeet King serves as a pivotal moment in his quest, forcing him to confront the nature of power and responsibility.

Reuniting with His Mother

In a poignant and surreal sequence, Mahito encounters a version of his deceased mother, grappling with themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Mahito’s return to the real world, having gained a new perspective on life, death, and the complexities of family. He reconciles with his new stepmother and embraces his role in shaping his own future. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of hope and the realization that life, like Mahito’s journey, is full of wonder, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Post-Credits Scene

There is no post-credits scene in “The Boy and the Heron.” The film ends definitively with its final moments, staying true to Studio Ghibli’s traditional storytelling approach.

Type of Movie

“The Boy and the Heron” is an animated fantasy drama film. It blends elements of coming-of-age stories, magical realism, and philosophical exploration, creating a rich tapestry of visual storytelling characteristic of Studio Ghibli’s work.

Cast

The film features a talented voice cast, including:

Soma Santoki as Mahito Maki
Masaki Suda as adult Mahito
Ko Shibasaki as Natsuko Maki
Aimyon as Himi
Yoshino Kimura as Kiriko
Takuya Kimura as Shoichi Maki
Shohei Hino as the Parakeet King

Film Music and Composer

The enchanting score for “The Boy and the Heron” was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator of director Hayao Miyazaki. Hisaishi’s music beautifully complements the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing emotional moments and adding depth to the fantastical sequences.

Filming Locations

As an animated film, “The Boy and the Heron” wasn’t shot in physical locations. However, the settings depicted in the movie draw inspiration from various places:

1940s Tokyo: The opening scenes capture the chaos of wartime Japan.
Rural Japanese Countryside: The lush, green landscapes of Mahito’s new home reflect the beauty of rural Japan.
The Mysterious Tower: This fantastical structure serves as a gateway between worlds, embodying themes of transition and discovery.

These locations play crucial roles in the narrative, representing Mahito’s journey from urban war-torn chaos to rural serenity, and finally to a realm of imagination and self-discovery.

Awards and Nominations

“The Boy and the Heron” has garnered significant acclaim since its release. Some notable accolades include:

Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film
Annie Award for Best Animated Feature – Independent
Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year

The film has also been nominated for numerous other awards, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated animated features of 2023.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Miyazaki came out of retirement to make this film, inspired by a 1937 novel “How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino.
The production took over seven years to complete, with Miyazaki personally reviewing and redrawing thousands of frames.
Studio Ghibli took an unusual approach to marketing, releasing no trailers or promotional images before the film’s premiere.
The film’s Japanese title, “How Do You Live?”, was kept secret until just before its release.
Miyazaki described the film as his way of leaving a message to his grandson about how to navigate life.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from various sources:

“How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino: This 1937 novel serves as a thematic inspiration, though the film is not a direct adaptation.
Miyazaki’s personal experiences: The wartime setting and themes of loss reflect Miyazaki’s own childhood memories.
Japanese folklore and mythology: The fantastical creatures and alternate world draw on elements of traditional Japanese stories.
Environmental themes: Like many Studio Ghibli movies, it touches on humanity’s relationship with nature.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

As is typical for Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki’s works, information about alternate endings or deleted scenes is scarce. The studio is known for its meticulous planning and execution, often resulting in final cuts that closely resemble the original vision. However, given the film’s long production time, it’s likely that some scenes were revised or cut for pacing or narrative cohesion.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While “The Boy and the Heron” is inspired by the novel “How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino, it is not a direct adaptation. The film uses the book as a thematic springboard rather than following its plot. Miyazaki’s story is an original creation that explores similar coming-of-age themes but in a fantastical, uniquely Ghibli setting.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The Tokyo Air Raid: The harrowing opening sequence sets the tone for Mahito’s journey, showcasing the devastation of war and the loss of innocence.
First Encounter with the Heron: Mahito’s initial meeting with the mysterious grey heron marks the beginning of his fantastical adventure and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative.
Entering the Tower: The scene where Mahito first steps into the abandoned tower and discovers the portal to another world is breathtaking, filled with Miyazaki’s signature blend of wonder and trepidation.
The Warawara Sequence: Mahito’s interaction with the strange, soul-like Warawara creatures is visually stunning and thematically rich, exploring concepts of life, death, and rebirth.
Confrontation with the Parakeet King: This climactic scene is a perfect blend of Miyazaki’s whimsical character design and deeper themes of power and responsibility.

Iconic Quotes

Mahito: “I don’t want to run away anymore. I want to live.”
The Heron: “The world you see is not the only world there is.”
Kiriko (Mahito’s mother): “Life is nothing like what you imagined, but isn’t it more interesting that way?”
Parakeet King: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Natsuko: “The future is yours to shape, Mahito. Make it a good one.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The design of the mysterious tower bears resemblance to the bathhouse in “Spirited Away,” another Miyazaki masterpiece.
The Warawara creatures share similarities with the soot sprites from “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away.”
The war scenes contain subtle references to Miyazaki’s earlier work “The Wind Rises.”
The heron’s design incorporates elements of Japanese mythology, particularly the crane, a symbol of longevity and good fortune.
Sharp-eyed viewers might spot callbacks to other Ghibli films hidden in the background details of certain scenes.

Trivia

“The Boy and the Heron” was initially announced as Miyazaki’s final film, though this claim has since been retracted.
The film’s production coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges for the animation team.
Miyazaki hand-drew thousands of frames for the film, maintaining his traditional animation style in an era of increasing CGI use.
The film’s Japanese release was shrouded in mystery, with no promotional material released before its premiere.
“The Boy and the Heron” marks Studio Ghibli’s first film to be released simultaneously in both subbed and dubbed versions internationally.

Why Watch?

“The Boy and the Heron” is a must-watch for several reasons. It is potentially Hayao Miyazaki’s final masterpiece, showcasing the culmination of his storytelling and animation prowess. The film offers a profound exploration of grief, growth, and the human experience, wrapped in a visually stunning package. Its blend of historical setting and fantastical elements creates a unique viewing experience that appeals to both long-time Ghibli fans and newcomers to animated films. Moreover, the film’s themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity resonate deeply in our current global context.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Your Name (2016) by Makoto Shinkai
Wolf Children (2012) by Mamoru Hosoda
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) by Isao Takahata
A Silent Voice (2016) by Naoko Yamada
Paprika (2006) by Satoshi Kon
Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011) by Makoto Shinkai
Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017) by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Mirai (2018) by Mamoru Hosoda
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) by Mamoru Hosoda
In This Corner of the World (2016) by Sunao Katabuchi