Studio Ghibli's new movie 'The Boy and the Heron' tells a whimsical story of life and death
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Studio Ghibli's newest film "The Boy and the Heron" takes the audience on an emotional journey through the eyes of a young boy learning how to process grief.
Director Hayao Miyazaki retired after 2013's "The Wind Rises" but he didn't stay gone for long. In 2016 he pitched the idea of a semi-autobiographical film about his own childhood.
While it can't replace "Howl's Moving Castle" as my favorite Studio Ghibli movie, I did find it heartwarming, fun and a beautiful and seamless addition to the massive Ghibli film collection.
In true Studio Ghibli fashion, there will be an English-dubbed version of "The Boy and the Heron" starring Robert Pattinson, Mark Hamill, Willem Dafoe, Gemma Chan and Florence Pugh. However, this review is specifically about the original Japanese version with subtitles, so I won't be speaking on vocal performances by the above stars.
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'The Boy and the Heron' is a classic Studio Ghibli film
The second the film starts it's evident you're watching a Studio Ghibli film. The animation is unmistakable and is so detailed and fluid you almost forget you're watching an animation.
The rich, vibrant colors and intricate details in the background enhance the story.
"The Boy and the Heron" follows a similar structure to Miyazaki's other films: the main character experiences some sort of tragedy or difficulty and is then taken on a soul-searching journey full of whimsy.
This film was something a little extra special for Miyazaki though. It's based loosely on his own childhood experiences of living through Japan being firebombed during World War II and his father being head of the family's aircraft manufacturing facility. Additionally, it was inspired in part by his two close friends who worked with him at Studio Ghibli.
What is 'The Boy and the Heron' about?
When 12-year-old Mahito's mother dies in a fire after her hospital is bombed, Mahito and his father move to the countryside and the young boy is shocked to find his father is soon-to-be remarried to his mother's younger sister, Natsuko. Soon after moving, Natsuko becomes pregnant and falls ill.
A peculiar grey heron begins to stalk Mahito and ends up telling him directly that his "presence is requested." When Natsuko mysteriously disappears, Mahito decides he must go after her despite their strained relationship.
In true Miyazaki fashion, the titular heron turns out to be a man in disguise. Together, the unlikely duo traverse through an otherworldly realm that seems to house younger versions of the living and the dead.
During his trek, Mahito crosses paths with Lady Himi, a young girl with the power to manipulate fire who turns out to be his mother at an earlier age and she joins him on his search for Natsuko.
Where to see 'The Boy and the Heron'
At heart, "The Boy and the Heron" is a story about how a boy must confront his traumas, process loss for the first time and learn to embrace change.
All pretty heavy subjects that are also accompanied by a touching coming-of-age theme. Meanwhile, there are giant parakeets in a war band, a peculiar man in a grey heron suit and little white puffballs that float.
These elements soften the heavy themes a bit and make it a fun, fantasy film that is like magic on the big screen.
'The Boy and the Heron' 4.5 stars
Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★
Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★
Director: Hayao Miyazaki.
Cast: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura and Shōhei Hino in the subtitled Japanese version. Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Gemma Chan, Mark Hamill and Florence Pugh in the dubbed English version.
Rating: PG-13 for some violent content/bloody images and smoking.
Where to watch: In theaters Friday, Dec. 8.
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Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic |azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her atmeredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'The Boy and the Heron' review: A perfect addition to Studio Ghibli
