To say Miyazaki has a new classic seems both par for the course and wholly unexpected. Given his career full of films that will go down as some of the most influential and important works in art there has never been a doubt the man is a genius visionary. Still, at the age of 82, some might expect even a legendary director to lose some of what made him special. This film proves that Miyazaki has not fallen victim to that. The Boy and the Heron is one of the most creative films of the 2020s. One can only compare it to other great works such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Tree of Life, and, of course, his own films The Wind Rises and Spirited Away. This clearly comes from a man who has spent his life dedicated to the art of animated storytelling/ Its evident in every frame and every line of the script.
The film follows a young boy named Mahito Maki who is coming of age in the midst of World War II. As his family suffers a sudden tragedy, he has to move to the countryside and is forced to adopt a new way of life. In the countryside though, a grey heron appears and starts causing trouble to young Mahito. As Mahito faces off against the heron, he discovers an unexpected revelation that leads him to a mysterious place where he confronts the tragedy that brought him to the countryside in the first place.
Somehow Misizaki keeps pushing himself and his team forward creatively. While this film feels like one of his classics in the ’90s, the animation is modern and elegant, blending amazingly well with the painted and hand-drawn backgrounds. Every frame and every part of the world feels well thought out. The opening scene in particular uses its set pieces remarkably well making the atmosphere of that situation feel extremely visceral to the audience. It pushes what a children’s movie is supposed to show yet all of it immerses you in the world. When there is a more mature subject matter it is done purposefully in a manner that children would be able to understand, though I’d see some parents not bringing their kids. That would be a shame as each creature and part of the world is so well thought out and charming. While Spirited Away often felt alien and scary to fit the themes of coming of age, The Boy and The Heron’s creatures feel part of our world and familiar, connecting to the more spiritual themes of the film.
The movie tackles many poignant themes and, while not all of them feel fully developed, neither stops the story from soaring nor finding a special place in your heart. It feels like a true artistic statement about creating, loss, and how those two ideas coincide. The collision between those creates some beautiful moments and features unexpected scenes which are absolutely delight. Featuring some great voice acting especially for the role of the Heron, The Boy and the Heron feels like it’s locked in for People’s Choice and is a must-see experience.
The Boy and the Heron is now playing at TIFF ’23. For more information, click here.
