The Boy and the Heron - Hayao Miyazaki
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The Boy and the Heron (Kimi-tachi wa Dō Ikiru ka), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a Japanese animated film released in 2023. Considered one of the director's most personal works, it blends autobiographical elements, dreamlike fantasy, and philosophical reflection on life, death, and legacy.
The story follows Mahito, an 11-year-old boy who, after tragically losing his mother in a fire during WWII, is forced to move to the countryside with his father and new stepmother, Natsuko. Isolated and grieving, Mahito discovers a mysterious tower and encounters a talking grey heron that leads him into a parallel world filled with strange creatures and symbolic trials.
This coming-of-age journey allows Mahito to confront his fears, anger, and pain. He meets enigmatic figures, including a great-uncle who offers him control over the fantasy world. However, Mahito chooses to return to reality, embracing life’s complexity instead of escaping into illusion.
The film explores deep themes such as grief, resilience, responsibility, and growing up. It draws inspiration from Genzaburō Yoshino’s novel “How Do You Live?”, a philosophical work that poses moral and existential questions for young minds. Miyazaki uses this reference to ask viewers: "How do you choose to live when facing life’s challenges?"
Visually, The Boy and the Heron is a triumph of traditional animation. Its landscapes are richly detailed, its fantastical creatures imaginative, and its tone hovers between dream and reality. Joe Hisaishi’s score adds emotional depth and resonance to each scene.
Winner of the 2024 Oscar for Best Animated Feature, the film is a meditation on life, loss, and personal growth. It marks a triumphant return for Miyazaki after a decade-long absence, offering a rich and introspective experience that invites each viewer to reflect on their own path.