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The Boy and the Heron (2023 Film)
“The Boy and the Heron” (Japanese: 君たちはどう生きるか, Hepburn: Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka, lit. ‘How Do You Live?’) is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film takes inspiration from the 1937 novel of the same name by Genzaburō Yoshino, but Miyazaki weaves an original story that stands independently from the novel’s narrative. The cast includes Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Shinobu Otake.
Miyazaki, who initially announced his retirement in September 2013, later reversed this decision after working on the short film “Boro the Caterpillar,” released in 2018. The journey towards “The Boy and the Heron” began with Miyazaki storyboarding the project in July 2016, and official production kicked off in May 2017. Facing various challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Miyazaki’s meticulous animation pace, the film neared completion in October 2022 after seven years of production.
The narrative unfolds during the Pacific War, where 12-year-old Mahito Maki copes with the loss of his mother and discovers a mysterious tower after moving to the countryside. Guided by a talking grey heron, Mahito embarks on a fantastical journey that blends reality and magic. The film explores themes of coming of age, coping with conflict and loss, drawing heavily from Miyazaki’s own childhood experiences.
“The Boy and the Heron” features an impressive creative team, with Joe Hisaishi composing the film’s score and Kenshi Yonezu contributing the theme song “Spinning Globe.” Released in Japan on July 14, 2023, by Toho, the film was strategically unveiled without any promotional material, including trailers, images, or casting details, creating an air of mystery around its debut. Despite this unconventional approach, the film garnered critical acclaim and achieved global success, grossing over $115 million worldwide. It received several award nominations, including Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score.
The storyline follows Mahito Maki’s journey into a magical world after the tragic death of his mother during the Pacific War. Encountering a talking heron, Mahito navigates a mysterious tower and discovers his connection to a granduncle wizard, his new stepmother Natsuko, and the complex truths about himself. The film skillfully interweaves elements of fantasy, adventure, and Miyazaki’s signature storytelling.
Notable characters, including the heron, Natsuko, and the wizard, contribute to Mahito’s transformative experiences. The narrative explores Mahito’s relationships, his confrontation with supernatural challenges, and his growth as he grapples with the magical and the mundane. The film is a testament to Miyazaki’s ability to craft enchanting tales that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Despite its intentional lack of pre-release promotion, “The Boy and the Heron” captivated viewers with its magical world and heartfelt storytelling. The English release and internationalization are highly anticipated, promising a wider audience the chance to experience Miyazaki’s likely last cinematic masterpiece. The film’s unique blend of whimsy, depth, and Ghibli magic ensures it will be remembered as a standout entry in Miyazaki’s illustrious career. For those seeking a magical and mystical cinematic experience, “The Boy and the Heron” promises an unforgettable journey into the imaginative realms crafted by the maestro of Japanese animation.
Summary
In 1943, amidst the backdrop of the Pacific War, the life of 12-year-old Mahito Maki takes a poignant turn when his mother, Hisako, perishes in a Tokyo hospital fire. His father, Shoichi, a munitions factory owner, remarries Hisako’s younger sister, Natsuko, and they seek refuge in her countryside estate. Mahito, grappling with loss and indifference, encounters a mysterious grey heron that leads him to a sealed tower with a hidden past.
The heron, now speaking, entices Mahito with promises of finding his lost mother, initiating a supernatural journey. Mahito, armed with a magical bow and arrow, discovers a copy of “How Do You Live?” left by his mother. As the narrative unfolds, Mahito encounters illusions, magical creatures, and a wizard who tasks him with an unexpected custodianship of the world.
His quest intertwines with the enigmatic Himi, a pyrokinetic young woman, and the transformed birdman. Together, they navigate perilous worlds, confront political intrigue, and ultimately face the consequences of Mahito’s bloodline power. Themes of love, acceptance, and the balance of malice permeate the fantastical narrative.
The story weaves seamlessly between the tangible and the magical, creating a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s iconic style. Hayao Miyazaki’s masterful direction and the voice talents of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, and others elevate the film’s emotional depth.
Despite the absence of promotional material, the anticipation for the English release and international acclaim builds. Described as Miyazaki’s potentially final masterpiece, the film promises a blend of familiar Ghibli magic with a unique narrative that warrants multiple viewings for full appreciation.
Intriguingly, the movie draws inspiration from Ghibli classics like “Alice in Wonderland” while incorporating elements from Miyazaki’s own repertoire. The reviewer expresses eagerness for the global audience to experience the enchantment and mystique of this cinematic gem, emphasizing its magical and mystical qualities that make it a must-watch for enthusiasts of Ghibli’s unparalleled storytelling.
Release Date
On December 13, 2022, Toho announced that The Boy and the Heron was scheduled for a theatrical release on July 14, 2023, in Japan. In a departure from conventional marketing practices, the film was released in Japan without any traditional promotional materials such as trailers or stills, with only a single poster made available prior to its premiere. Director Suzuki made this choice to maintain an air of mystery, aligning with a perceived audience preference for a more enigmatic cinematic experience. The cast and crew were intentionally kept undisclosed until the release date. Following a preview screening in late February 2023, director Miyazaki conveyed a cryptic message stating, “Perhaps you didn’t understand it. I myself don’t understand it.”
Despite concerns expressed by Miyazaki about the film’s limited publicity, Suzuki emphasized his trust in the work and its unique approach. The film marked a significant milestone for Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki, being the first to have a simultaneous release on IMAX and other high-end formats.
Internationally titled The Boy and the Heron, the film was pre-sold overseas without a confirmed release date. GKIDS acquired the North American rights upon its Japanese release, marking the widest film release in the company’s history. The film had its international premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, making history as the first animated film to open the festival. Studio Ghibli granted promotional control to GKIDS for the American release, adopting a new marketing strategy, including a teaser trailer release on September 6. Contrary to retirement rumors, Ghibli asserted that The Boy and the Heron was not Miyazaki’s final film, and discussions about his next project were underway. The film was not positioned as a contender in award competitions, with Miyazaki’s primary goal being audience enjoyment. Official behind-the-scenes content, including interviews and storyboards, was released in October 2023.
Tv Series Cast
Top Four Cast
| Character | Voice actor (Japanese) | Voice actor (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Mahito Maki | Soma Santoki | Luca Padovan |
| The Grey Heron | Masaki Suda | Robert Pattinson |
| Lady Himi | Aimyon | Karen Fukuhara |
| Natsuko | Yoshino Kimura | Gemma Chan |
| Shoichi Maki | Takuya Kimura | Christian Bale |
| Granduncle | Shōhei Hino | Mark Hamill |
| Kiriko | Ko Shibasaki | Florence Pugh |
| Noble Pelican | Kaoru Kobayashi | Willem Dafoe |
| The Parakeet King | Jun Kunimura | Dave Bautista |
| Izumi (Maid #1) | Keiko Takeshita | Denise Pickering |
| Utako (Maid #2) | Jun Fubuki | Barbara Rosenblat |
| Eriko (Maid #3) | Sawako Agawa | Melora Harte |
| Aiko (Maid #4) | Shinobu Otake | Barbara Goodson |
| Warawara | Karen Takizawa |
In September 2013, following the release of “The Wind Rises,” acclaimed animator Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement from feature animation at a press conference in Venice. Despite previous declarations of retirement, Miyazaki expressed a sincere intention to step away from the medium. However, a change of heart occurred after the completion of the short film “Boro the Caterpillar” in 2018, as documented in the 2016 film “Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki.” The decision to come out of retirement was influenced by the desire to direct another full-length film.
In July 2016, Miyazaki began storyboarding for the new film, presenting a project proposal in the subsequent month. The proposal drew inspiration from Irish author John Connolly’s children’s novel, “The Book of Lost Things,” and Edogawa Ranpo’s “Ghost Tower,” a childhood favorite of Miyazaki’s that inspired a key element in the film. Studio Ghibli’s co-founder, Toshio Suzuki, approved the project after considering Miyazaki’s commitment and storyboarding efforts. The studio officially announced the commencement of work on Miyazaki’s film in February 2017, with production starting in May of the same year. Notably, many past collaborators returned to work on the project following Miyazaki’s return from retirement.
In October 2017, at an event held at Waseda University, Studio Ghibli revealed the film’s title as “Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka,” based on Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel of the same name. While the release date was initially undetermined, Miyazaki expressed a desire to release the film around the time of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. Suzuki mentioned in August 2018 that the film’s expected completion would be in 2021 or 2022.
However, the timeline extended, and by October 2019, the film was only 15% complete. In a December 2019 interview, Suzuki emphasized that the film’s completion would take time, highlighting Miyazaki’s reduced animation speed as he focused on storyboarding. Despite discussions about this potentially being Miyazaki’s last film, Suzuki doubted it, asserting that, as long as Miyazaki is alive, he is likely to continue making films.
The production faced challenges, and by March 2020, Suzuki revealed plans to finance the film’s production by showcasing previously released films on streaming platforms like Netflix. In May 2020, Suzuki shared that the film was a “big fantastical” project involving 60 animators and estimated a three-year completion timeline. The ongoing COVID-19 restrictions led to an accelerated production pace as animators worked from home.
In October 2022, producer Koji Hoshino indicated that the film was nearing completion, describing it as Miyazaki’s final work. By December 2022, actor Takuya Kimura hinted at his involvement in the film through a social media post. Studio Ghibli founder Toshio Suzuki clarified in June 2023 that the novel inspiring the film’s title had no direct connection to the storyline.
For the English version, GKIDS managed the casting in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, adhering to the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The English cast, unveiled in October 2023, includes notable names such as Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh, with Michael Sinterniklaas directing the dubbing at NYAV Post and Stephanie Sheh writing the English script.
Tv Series Information
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Directed & Written | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cinematography | Atsushi Okui |
| Produced | Toshio Suzuki |
| Edited | Takeshi Seyama |
| Music | Joe Hisaishi |
| Production | Studio Ghibli |
| Distributed | Toho |
| Box office | $115.2 million |
| Time | 124 Minutes |
| Country | Japan |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Release | July 14, 2023 |
