the boy and the heron

Review of The Boy and the Heron – The latest film by Hayao Miyazaki

The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka) is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki and the legendary Studio Ghibli. On this occasion, we will share with you our review, detailing the aspects that make this film an exceptional piece and a milestone in the career of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The plot of The Boy and the Heron

El Niño Y La Garza

In this new film from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, we meet Mahito, a 12-year-old boy facing the challenges of adjusting to a new town after the loss of his mother. This transition is further complicated when a talking heron, a mysterious and disturbing presence, crosses his path and insists on tormenting Mahito with the claim that his mother is still alive and that the secret to finding her lies in a mysterious tower.

The narrative is woven around Mahito’s internal struggle between reality and fantasy, between the pain of grief and the temptation to believe in the impossible. The film explores profound themes such as dealing with grief, resilience in the face of life’s changes, and the fine line between reality and imagination.

An artistic style that makes you travel back in time

Reseña De El Niño Y La Garza - La Última Película De Hayao Miyazaki

From the very first minute of The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka) we are presented with a very characteristic Studio Ghibli visual aesthetic that takes us back in time with its visuals that look simply phenomenal, but reminiscent of iconic films from the early 2000’s, such as Spirited Away and The Walking Castle.

Takeshi Seyama’s excellent composition is masterfully complemented by Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack to convey in a profound way the wonders hidden in this film and the emotions of its characters.

The film is complemented by the masterful composition of Takeshi Seyama, whose work contributes significantly to the fluidity and emotional rhythm of the film. This experience is enhanced by Joe Hisaishi’s haunting score, whose melodies capture and deeply convey the wonders hidden in the plot and the complex emotions of its characters.

A fantasy world that never stops captivating you.

Reseña De El Niño Y La Garza - La Última Película De Hayao Miyazaki

True to their legacy that characterizes them so much, Studio Ghibli presents a film full of fantasy that as it progresses gets crazier and crazier with concepts and ideas that excite the inner child of the viewers. There are many moments where you can’t process what you see on screen and you can tell Hayao Miyazaki is not interested in explaining and simply wants to convey concepts that leave it up to interpretation what happens and causes you to end up reflecting on what you’ve seen.

More than a traditional animation film, we are talking about The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka) is a cult film that conveys emotions that impact you emotionally.

Studio Ghibli, maintaining its distinctive legacy, presents in The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka) a universe full of fantasy that becomes more and more enigmatic and fascinating as the plot progresses. The film unfolds a series of concepts and ideas that awaken and excite the inner child of each viewer, taking them through a surreal and wonderful journey. Each scene is loaded with elements so surprising and visually stunning that, at times, they defy immediate comprehension.

The Boy and the Heron transcends the concept of a commercial animated film, positioning itself as a cult film. Its ability to convey deep emotions and resonate on an emotional level with the audience is a testament to Miyazaki’s storytelling skill and Studio Ghibli’s masterful artistry. This film is not only a visual spectacle, but also an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, establishing itself as an essential work in the history of animated cinema.

The legacy of Hayao Miyazaki

Reseña De El Niño Y La Garza - La Última Película De Hayao Miyazaki

The Boy and the Heron stands as a symbolic letter from Hayao Miyazaki, addressed not only to a successor, but to future generations of filmmakers. In this work, Miyazaki seems to convey a profound and personal message by pointing out that his creative career is in its final stages and, with it, the invitation to new generations to carry on his legacy.

This legacy is not only that of creating emotional films, but of forging narratives that defy convention, that dare to explore terrain untrodden in the world of animation. Miyazaki has been a master at leaving profound symbolic messages in his works, messages that not only entertain, but also invite reflection and deeply mark those who experience them.

Should you watch The Boy and the Heron?

You should definitely see it, this latest work from Studio Ghibli is an experience not to be missed. The film is not only notable for Miyazaki’s storytelling and visual prowess, but also an opportunity to relive the excitement and wonder of the inner child in all of us.

The fact that this may be the last major production by Hayao Miyazaki, a director whose influence has transcended generations and inspired countless films, adds sentimental and historical value to the experience.