'The Boy and the Heron' Review: An Epic Coming of Age Adventure Fuelled by a Mother-Son Bond [TIFF 2023]
a visually stunning, emotional masterwork of a film, follow mahito through a mysterious world as he tracks down his family.
At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron was the main attraction, with audiences vying for tickets and, in some cases, paying extremely high prices to secure a seat. This is director-writer Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film since The Wind Rises in 2013, and with his legacy, any of his films would inspire mass excitement. Miyazaki is known in most circles to be the unrivaled king of animation, and this title is just reaffirmed with this most recent film.
The Boy and the Heron is a gorgeous epic following 12-year-old Mahito as he copes with the loss of his mother after a fiery accident and the familial changes that follow. The film starts off with tragedy, and the viewer is immediately transported into the emotional world of the main character. Mahito is well-developed, with defining character traits apparent in the first few moments. By the end of the film, the viewer sees Mahito test the boundaries of his morals and ideas, developing his maturity and responsibility, and ultimately allowing him to accept the world for what it is.
This film has received minimal marketing, with no real advertisements or trailers, which definitely works to the film’s advantage. The film is best to be watched with no prior knowledge of the plot – without knowing what to expect, the viewer follows the same journey as Mahito, feeling every emotion along with him.
This is one of the more mature titles from both Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli as a whole. This studio almost always markets its films as primarily family friendly, and The Boy and the Heron is not necessarily an exception, but it seems a focus on storytelling was prioritized, no matter what that brought to the screen. Death and destruction are key themes in this film, and while not frightening, are full of intensity. One scene that unfolds with Mahito after school one day is difficult to watch. For those avid Studio Ghibli lovers, this may be a little more mature than expected, but completely needed. Everything in this story is meticulous and deliberate, maintaining a special creativity and adventure shining through every moment.
This entire film is very thematically rich, a colourful animation steeped in emotion. Coming of age and the maturity that comes with loss in on full display, along with the unbreakable bond between a mother and son. The importance of family is behind this rich narrative, and through smiles and laughs, tears will inevitably fill a viewer’s eyes.
As always, Miyazaki’s story is brimming with unique characters, each with defining traits and goals. Colourful players, in both external and internal design, accompany Mahito as he navigates a mysterious realm, some working to protect him and others looking to tear him down. With Studio Ghibli, there are always fan-favourite characters, and there are a few contenders within this film. My Neighbour Totoro’s titular character, Totoro, and Spirited Away’s No Face and Soot Sprites have found their way onto shirts and merchandise, even sometimes on bodies (in the way of tattoos). After this film is released theatrically, its likely one of the characters will receive the same treatment – get ready for some cute little creatures!
The hand-drawn animation is, as many would come to expect, absolutely stunning. Some scenes are so beautifully rendered, they leave a viewer breathless. Landscapes and characters are expertly depicted, accompanied by an exquisite score from Studio Ghibli regular Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi, composer of over 100 film scores, has been the mind behind every classic score found within Miyazaki-directed features. Technically, this film is a masterwork, and the years of experience behind the minds involved is apparent. Their craft has been honed to the best of the best – it’s this type of movie that makes a viewer grateful to be alive to see it.
The Boy and the Heron is a beautiful story, thick with originality and feeling, and should be consumed with an open mind and an open heart. This film will follow you long after the screen goes dark and you leave the theatre. Studio Ghibli’s reputation creates an intimating standard for new films (and has resulting in some harsh criticism of films in the past), but this film is one for the ages. While there are several films one could claim to be Miyazaki’s masterpiece, this film immediately joins the conversation. The Boy and the Heron will have a different meaning for everyone, creating a personal connection with each viewer. This is a gorgeous film that needs to be appreciated for both its technical prowess and affecting story. After watching this, you’ll want to give your mom a hug – and don’t all the best movies make us want to do that?