The Boy and the Heron (2023)

12-year-old Mahito struggles to cope with his mother’s recent passing and the challenges of adjusting to a new town. His life takes an unexpected turn when a talking heron informs him that his mother might still be alive. Driven by hope, Mahito embarks on a magical journey through an abandoned tower that leads him to another world. (Bard AI)

I’m not a huge fan of Studio Ghibli movies (so keep that in mind as you read my review!), but I accompanied my eldest daughter, who teaches Japanese to primary school kids, to check out The Boy and the Heron. There are two versions available to see in cinemas: an English-dubbed version and a Japanese-language version with subtitles. We went to see the latter one.

As is usual with Studio Ghibli films, the animation is breathtaking. The hand-drawn elements seamlessly blend with modern technology, making for a stunningly beautiful visual experience. The heartwarming story explores some very deep themes of grief, resilience, and the power of love. In addition to the most prominent themes, there are also subtle messages about the environment—encouraging us to respect nature and preserve the environment. The Boy and the Heron is a touching and uplifting experience. The characters are compelling, and all the people and characters Mahito meets on his journey are captivating and relatable. The original soundtrack is whimsical and poignant, and it gently supports the tone of the film. 

The pacing of The Boy and the Heron may be one of the most challenging aspects of the movie. Some scenes feel slow-paced and may, especially for younger audiences, mean they don’t stay engaged. Some of the scenes, too, especially those between adults, can be a bit dry and lack some of the charm of the other aspects of the movie. And given that the main focus of the story is emotional exploration, the lack of action might be disappointing to some. For those of us who have seen a lot of coming-of-age movies, the plot may feel familiar and somewhat predictable. There are not many unexpected plot twists or surprises.

Returning to the thematic elements for a moment, The Boy and the Heron is very rich with important issues that resonate with contemporary concerns and also includes aspects of Japanese culture and lore that require some thoughtful reflection or further exploration to understand. I believe this is to be the last film by Hayao Miyazaki and is a gift to his grandson, which makes the movie even more poignant, as if it is a message for the next generation. I think this movie is one that will benefit from multiple viewings to excavate the layers of meaning. While I don’t think The Boy and the Heron is as good as some of Studio Ghibli’s other movies, it certainly deserves ongoing attention.

Overall, The Boy and the Heron will, I think, resonate with a wide audience. As I said, I didn’t see the English dubbed version. But maybe that version will be more accessible to English audiences. Because the story is so heartwarming and the characters are so captivating, I’d suggest it would be a good watch for families and anyone who loves beautiful handdrawn animation. But anyone looking for lots of fast-paced action may be disappointed with this one. I’d recommend it for anyone aged 8 and up.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)