Review, The Boy and The Heron (2024)

The Boy and the Heron is the latest animated movie from Studio Ghibli, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of a young boy named Mahito, who moves to the countryside with his father after his mother dies. Set during World War II, Mahito meets a strange heron that takes him to a magical world. This coming-of-age story is not only visually stunning but also explores deep themes of loss, resilience, and finding oneself. With its enchanting storytelling, The Boy and the Heron captures the hearts of viewers of all ages.

The movie follows Mahito as he tries to adjust to his new life after losing his mother. His father remarries Mahito’s aunt, and they move into a big house together. While his dad works at a nearby factory, Mahito spends time exploring his new surroundings. He discovers a beautiful and mysterious world filled with interesting creatures and magical experiences. As he navigates his feelings about missing his mother and accepting his father’s new marriage, Mahito embarks on an adventure that teaches him about love, loss, and the importance of family. Throughout this journey, he learns valuable lessons about friendship and bravery, which help him grow and understand himself better.

Mahito Maki, the main character, starts off as a confused and lonely boy. He struggles to express his feelings after his mother’s death and finds it hard to accept his father’s new life. However, as the story progresses, Mahito’s curious and adventurous side shines through. He explores the stunning countryside and discovers a world filled with magic. Through his experiences, he learns to face his grief and finds strength in his friendships and family. His transformation from a nonchalant boy to a more confident one makes him relatable to anyone who has gone through loss or change.

The animation in the movie is breathtaking, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the countryside, which is a trademark of Hayao Miyazaki’s style. The bright colors and detailed visuals make Mahito’s magical world come alive, from the lush landscapes to the fascinating creatures he meets. Each scene is crafted with care, immersing viewers in Mahito’s adventure. The lovely soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi complements the visuals with soft melodies and powerful orchestral music, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. Together, the animation and music create a magical atmosphere that makes the story even more memorable.

The Boy and the Heron deals with important themes of grief, family, and self-discovery. It emphasizes the need to face your emotions, accept changes, and find strength in relationships. The movie has a slow and thoughtful pace, allowing viewers to fully engage with Mahito’s healing journey while gradually introducing the magical aspects of his world. This slower pacing helps build emotional depth, making Mahito’s moments of wonder and growth even more impactful as he learns to cope with his loss and embrace new beginnings.

While the movie has a unique theme that is typical of Hayao Miyazaki, some viewers might find the plot a bit slow, especially in the middle sections. This makes the movie slightly boring for people who are new to Ghibli’s universe. The plot may also seem confusing and hard to follow as well compared to the previous works. However, the stunning animation and beautiful music help make up for this, drawing audiences into a captivating world. Mahito’s journey is heartfelt, and the emotional scenes resonate deeply, even if some parts feel a little drawn out. Overall, despite its pacing, the movie’s artistic style and meaningful themes leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, The Boy and the Heron is a beautifully crafted and emotional movie that showcases Hayao Miyazaki’s incredible storytelling talent. Following Mahito’s journey of self-discovery, the movie explores important themes like grief, family and hardships during tough times. Some might feel that the movie moves slowly and is particularly boring, but the gorgeous animation and lovely music create a magical experience for everyone. This movie offers a touching story that reminds us of the strength we can find in love and relationships in different times.

Score – 7,5/10

Title: The Boy and The Heron
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenwriter: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Suda Masaki, Aimyon, Santoki Souma, Ootake Shinobu, Shibasaki Kou