How does one conclude a legacy so timeless and beautiful?

As a master in the art of animation and storytelling, Hayao Miyazaki, among few names, shines bright in the realm of cinematic brilliance. 

Nearly a decade after leaving audiences in awe of his iconic work, with The Wind Rises, Miyazaki makes his triumphant return to the world of cinema through his new installment, serving as the opening premiere film at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The film also debut in America at the New York Film Festival.

The Boy and The Heron is an enchanting and immersive experience, weaving a tapestry of profound emotion, themes, and heartfelt exploration. The story follows a young Mahito Maki (voiced by Soma Santoki), who suffers a devastating loss through the unforeseen tragedy of war and is compelled to leave home with his father and relocate to the countryside. In this seclusion, Mahito encounters an incessant grey heron, a consistent, antagonizing, and strange presence. Provoked by the bird, Mahito journeys through this mysterious landscape eventually stumbling upon an abandoned tower calling for his presence. Fuelled by curiosity, the boy ventures inside; thus beginning a mesmerizing, fantastical, and dream-like odyssey beyond imagination.

Studio Ghibli is renowned for its visual prowess and this newest installment does not disappoint. The breathtaking animation that enlivens each frame is even more ambitious than ever before, serving as a testament to the studio’s unwavering dedication to its artistic virtue.

In typical Miyazaki fashion, this film presents a self-referential and expressive story reflecting themes and aspects of the filmmaker’s life that have been commonplace throughout the majority of his elusive filmography. Having experienced and witnessed the devastating destruction caused by war at a young age, the turmoil that had a deep-rooted impact on Miyazaki’s childhood is mirrored throughout this film in a way that feels even more authentic and personal than anything we’ve seen before. While the backdrop of war in Studio Ghibli films is familiar, the profound appreciation for peace, nature, and humanity in The Boy and The Heron stays fresh and compelling by posing a weighted existential question.

“How Do You Live?”

The film’s original Japanese title asks a question that remains relevant throughout the journey. At its core, the film delves into the ambivalence of our existence. Whether it’s possible to persist ahead in life atop souls departed. Whether it’s possible to see a world tainted by fires of war as offering moments of unbridled beauty. Whether it’s possible to face the inevitability of life’s malice or live to create a world without it. The narrative harmoniously addresses the themes of unintentional loss, grief, and acceptance while being seamlessly immersive and entertaining.

The Boy and The Heron stands as a monument to Miyazaki’s inimitable storytelling and as a celebration of the filmmaker’s unparalleled legacy. As a profound meditation on existence and poignant exploration of life’s contrasts, it is heartfelt and surreal. While it could have served as a masterfully crafted, incredibly personal conclusion to an ever-iconic filmography, it is now another gift of a film received through Hayao Miyazaki’s unique vision. An ode to his career.

4.5/5