The Boy and the Heron is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and produced by the renowned Studio Ghibli. Despite its title referencing Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 novel, this film is not an adaptation but rather an original work inspired by various elements from Miyazaki’s life and childhood memories. Released theatrically in Japan on July 14, 2023, the film is now available to watch on Apple TV+.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie on Apple TV+
Contents
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Plot Summary:
Set during the Pacific War, the story follows a young boy named Mahito Maki, who moves to the countryside with his father, Shoichi, after the death of his mother, Hisako. As Shoichi remarries Hisako’s sister, Natsuko, Mahito struggles to adapt to his new life. One day, a mysterious grey heron leads Mahito to an abandoned tower near his home, and soon, the boy finds himself venturing into a fantastical realm in search of answers about his late mother.
The film dives into a dreamlike world full of wonder and danger, where Mahito encounters a multitude of surreal characters. His journey is marked by a battle between the forces of creation and destruction, and through these experiences, Mahito learns to embrace the grief and complexities of growing up in a world fraught with loss and conflict.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Cast:
- Soma Santoki as Mahito Maki
- Masaki Suda as the Grey Heron (Japanese) / Robert Pattinson (English)
- Ko Shibasaki as Kiriko
- Aimyon as Lady Himi
- Yoshino Kimura as Natsuko
- Takuya Kimura as Shoichi Maki
- Shinobu Otake as Aiko
- Kaoru Kobayashi as the Noble Pelican
- Jun Kunimura as the Parakeet King
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Production Details:
Miyazaki’s Return: After declaring his retirement in 2013, Miyazaki reversed his decision in 2017, citing a desire to create something for his grandson. Production officially started in May 2017, though Miyazaki began storyboarding the project in July 2016. The film was initially planned to coincide with the 2020 Summer Olympics, but due to production delays and the COVID-19 pandemic, it took nearly seven years to complete.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Production Team:
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Producer: Toshio Suzuki
- Animation Director: Takeshi Honda
- Original Story and Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki
- Music Composer: Joe Hisaishi
- Theme Song Composer and Singer: Kenshi Yonezu
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Distributor: Toho
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Themes and Reception:
The film is rooted in Miyazaki’s signature themes of coming of age, familial bonds, grief, and the conflict between man and nature. The Boy and the Heron has been widely praised for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation, emotional depth, and intricate world-building. As Miyazaki’s first film in a decade, it became Japan’s fifth-highest-grossing film of all time, earning critical acclaim globally.
Joe Hisaishi’s music, paired with Kenshi Yonezu’s theme song “Spinning Globe,” further enriches the narrative. The film has been recognized at numerous awards ceremonies, including winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, and the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year.
Trailer: The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie
True to Studio Ghibli’s tradition, The Boy and the Heron avoided conventional promotion. There were no trailers, plot synopses, or casting announcements released ahead of its theatrical debut, with only a single poster teasing the audience. This unique marketing strategy heightened anticipation and mystery surrounding the film.
Where to Watch:
The Boy and the Heron is available to stream on Apple TV+ on a rental basis, offering audiences around the world the chance to witness this fantastical tale in the comfort of their homes.
Here is the Apple TV+ Link to Watch: “The Boy and the Heron“.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Director:
- Hayao Miyazaki, a visionary animator and director known for films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. He is often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in animation history.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Writer:
- Hayao Miyazaki, who not only directed the film but also wrote the screenplay, infusing it with autobiographical elements and reflections on his childhood.
The Boy and the Heron Japanese Animated Movie Languages:
- Japanese (Original)
- English (Dubbed)
Episodes:
This is a feature-length film, not a series, with a runtime of approximately 125 minutes.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is The Boy and the Heron about?
The Boy and the Heron follows a young boy, Mahito Maki, who embarks on a fantastical journey after moving to the countryside with his father following the death of his mother. He encounters a mysterious grey heron that leads him into a surreal world. - Is The Boy and the Heron based on a book?
While the film’s Japanese title references Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 novel, it is not a direct adaptation. It is an original story created by Hayao Miyazaki. - Who composed the music for the film?
The film’s score was composed by long-time Miyazaki collaborator Joe Hisaishi, with the theme song “Spinning Globe” written and performed by Kenshi Yonezu. - What themes are explored in The Boy and the Heron?
The film delves into themes of grief, the passage from childhood to adulthood, the complexities of family relationships, and the struggle between creation and destruction. - How long did it take to make The Boy and the Heron?
The production of The Boy and the Heron took approximately seven years, with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Miyazaki’s slowed pace in hand-drawing the film. - Why was there no trailer or promotion for the film?
Studio Ghibli chose to release The Boy and the Heron without traditional marketing materials such as trailers or casting announcements. This decision was made to preserve the mystery and wonder of the film. - Has The Boy and the Heron won any awards?
Yes, the film has won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, and the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year. - Where can I watch The Boy and the Heron?
The film is available to stream on Apple TV+. - Who voices the Grey Heron in the English version?
In the English dub of the film, the Grey Heron is voiced by Robert Pattinson. - Is this Miyazaki’s last film?
While there has been speculation that this might be Miyazaki’s final film, producer Toshio Suzuki has suggested that as long as Miyazaki is alive, he may continue to create more films.
Conclusion:
The Boy and the Heron marks another brilliant entry in Hayao Miyazaki’s illustrious career, blending stunning animation, a deeply emotional story, and profound themes. It stands as a testament to Miyazaki’s unparalleled artistry, offering a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. Now available on Apple TV+, this film is a must-watch for fans of Studio Ghibli and animated cinema.
Also read: The Boy And The Heron Japanese Animated Movie Review: Should Watch Or Not
Pattaapakal: Malayalam Comedy Movie Now Available To Watch On Amazon Prime
Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam: Tamil Comedy TV Series Available on Amazon Prime
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha: Bollywood Romantic Thriller Movie Available to Watch on Amazon Prime
