The Boy and the Heron

 

Studio Ghibli movies are a unique and mesmerising experience in the cinema. Hayao Miyazaki has done it again with a captivating tale of grief that’s magical, imaginative and fantastical. Also I don’t think I’ll ever look at parakeets the same again.

A young boy named Mahito (Soma Santoki) loses his mother in a firebombing during WWII. His father moves them out to the countryside to live with his new wife. After exploring the grounds, he ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. As far as the plot goes the less said the better.

The Boy and the Heron feels like a dream and is soothing for the soul. It doesn’t follow a traditional story format giving the entire film a nostalgic fairy-tale feel to it as you delve into the imaginative mind of Hayao Miyazaki. The animation is absolutely stunning down to every single detail. A world packed full of beautiful locations, adorable creatures and some terrifying birds. I’m not even talking about the weird looking Heron, the budgies could give anyone nightmares.

 

The film deals with a lot of complex issues and not everything in it makes sense all of the time but life itself is often complex and confusing. At its core it’s a heart-breaking story that tackles loss and grief through the eyes of a young boy. The story gives each of us enough puzzle pieces to pull together our own meanings from it. It will hit everyone differently, particularly depending on what stage of life you’re in. It’s beautiful to look at, incredibly moving and exactly what cinema should be. Artistic and made by a filmmaker with clear heart and vision.

The Boy and the Heron probably benefits from multiple viewings. But if this is your first ever Studio Ghibli film you might consider Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro or Howl’s Moving Castle first, especially if you’re bringing a young child to see it. Leaving the cinema I overheard a child say “that was very dragged out and it definitely didn’t make any sense.” Sure The Boy and the Heron might not be to everyone’s tastes but you’ll have to see it to know for sure. It’s a truly enchanting story that will stay with you long afterwards. Film buffs and animation fans, get yourselves to the cinema this weekend to see The Boy and the Heron.

★★★★☆