The Boy and the Heron(2023)
"Where death comes to an end, life finds a new beginning."
Overview
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."
Hayao Miyazaki
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay
Top Billed Cast
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Official Trailer 2
Trailer
Official English Trailer
Trailer
Mahito Meets The Warawara
Clip
Official Clip - Flight of the Warawara
Clip
On 4K Steelbook, 4K/Blu-ray & Blu-ray/DVD
Featurette
Coming Soon to 4K Blu-ray & Digital!
Teaser
Joe Hisaishi Conducts "The Last Smile"
Behind the Scenes
![Toshio Suzuki on Hayao Miyazaki & the Future of Animation [Subtitled]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Rvvo4ddrRpA/hqdefault.jpg)
Toshio Suzuki on Hayao Miyazaki & the Future of Animation [Subtitled]
Featurette
'The Boy and the Heron' | Scene at The Academy
Featurette
Joe Hisaishi on the Piano
Behind the Scenes
Hayao Miyazaki's THE BOY AND THE HERON is a Staggering Work of Imagination | TIFF 2023
Featurette
The Final Teaser
Teaser
![Kenshi Yonezu & Masaki Suda on working with Hayao Miyazaki [Subtitled]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/_XRWCAA5f-g/hqdefault.jpg)
Kenshi Yonezu & Masaki Suda on working with Hayao Miyazaki [Subtitled]
Featurette
![Behind the Scenes of “The Boy and the Heron”（君たちはどう生きるか）[Subtitled]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/pgoD-BpcqjU/hqdefault.jpg)
Behind the Scenes of “The Boy and the Heron”（君たちはどう生きるか）[Subtitled]
Behind the Scenes
Guillermo del Toro on Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron
Featurette
![Official Teaser Trailer [Subtitled]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/f7EDFdA10pg/hqdefault.jpg)
Official Teaser Trailer [Subtitled]
Teaser
Introduction
Teaser
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Written on October 27, 2023
THE BOY AND THE HERON is a visually captivating film that struggles to balance all of its storylines and themes. Technically, no faults. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, with each shot meticulously detailed and rich in storytelling. The animation is a true work of art, drawing viewers into a world of wonder and magic. The sound design and score complement the visuals beautifully, enhancing the overall viewing experience. And finally, the film retains the typical Ghibli humor that fans have come to love, sprinkling lighthearted moments throughout the narrative.
However, Hayao Miyazaki succumbs to his ambition. The filmmaker tries to incorporate too many ideas, resulting in a somewhat confusing, messy narrative, particularly in the transitions between different characters, locations, and story arcs. THE BOY AND THE HERON stumbles in its attempt to juggle multiple ideas, but overall, it still manages to deliver a delightful, enchanting experience for fans of the studio's work.
Rating: B-
