Fresh out of retirement for the nth time, this seasoned veteran is ready to take on the world once again. With a wealth of creativity and talent, he’s more than equipped to tackle any challenge that comes his way. Get ready to see his another masterpiece! Hayao Miyazaki introduces us to his new protagonist, Mahito, in his new 2D animation film: The Boy and The Heron.
A trigger warning to those who would see the movie, the protagonist has a self harm scene and it’s audience discretion if they still wants to continue watching.
Synopsis
This film is set in World War II. Mahito who is 12 yrs. old, is still processing the loss of his mother in a tragic hospital fire, and is unable to easily fit in his new environment. Loss is a major life event, but coupled with a few more elements: living during war time, having a new and pregnant mother, moving away from where you grew up, and adjusting to life in general? It being overwhelming is an understatement.
The Plot
After moving to his new home in the countryside, he encounters a grey heron. This heron, his frenemy at the beginning, keeps on pestering him to go to the delipidated tower near his home. Ultimately, Mahito is pulled and accompanied by a grey heron on a fantastical journey in an alternate universe filled with beautiful sceneries, peculiar creatures and characters, and opportunities. You really are pulled from one scene to another to the point that sometimes you ask yourself “what is the plot again?”. There is a plot! It’s just that it’s like a tide, it gradually builds up.
Movie Overview
The Plot
Besides the classic Hayao themes that we know of, I think this film focuses on grief, what comes after it, and making your choices. We see a lot of subtle symbolism with regard to life and death the entire time. And there are these pivotal moments of wondering the what ifs. What if your dead loved one is alive somewhere? What if you can go back in time? What if you just stay where you are? How do you live? Mahito was given many chances to pick between staying in the alternate world or going back to reality. To move on or think the entire encounter was a dream that could be forgotten. Coupled with a sense of orderly disorder and an impending feeling of being overwhelmed, I think these elements truly showed some aspects of processing grief without being it being too heavy visually or story-wise.
The Technicalities
If you are a long time fan of Hayao’s work and the studio then with just a glance you would know this film is helmed by him. The beautiful and nostalgic landscape weather it is the land, air or sea is simply a signature one would not miss. This is a very traditional film further enhanced by digital tools, but no aspect of this film is made in 3D. The art is a product of hand drawn mastery of techniques, not so old school color sensibilities made better with digital art tools.
I would say there are two art style approach in this film: first is the overall approach, that is the dna. Its very prevalent in the other films. And second is how they animated a certain fire scene. That one is completely different among the rest to further enhance the story telling experience.
The movie’s theme song, Spinning Globe, I would say was really good! It plays at the ending and really sets a contemplative mood that helps you digest the film. While some might find the lyrics a bit somber or has a very “everyday vibe”, i think it compliments the movie well as it is very grounding in a sense, and it has a hopeful message to it.
Overall Verdict
Adventurous but poignant, a visual feast and novelty in a 3D animation-dominated space, but still encourages you to ponder. I think this film successfully encapsulated such feelings well. Some people might find this film underwhelming, but I find it worth a second or more trip to the cinema. And like I mentioned before it builds up like a tide, so the full effect of experiencing the story is really at the end. It’s the reason why I think it’s worth a repeat visit to the cinema. If you love fantastical animation with subtle symbolisms that make you think, then this is your cup of tea.
The animated movie The Boy and the Heron will be released nationwide in theaters this January 8, 2024. Check the schedules and purchase tickets at cinemas near you to experience this highly anticipated Ghibli film.
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Movie Review by Maria Cattleya Vanessa Querubin
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