The Boy and the Heron marks legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's twelfth entry into his illustrious directing filmography. Beginning with The Castle of Cagliostro in 1979, Miyazaki's career has transcended generations, having helmed such masterpieces as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. His last directorial effort was ten years ago with The Wind Rises so The Boy and the Heron remains one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Miyazaki wrote and directed the film that is described as a "grand fantasy". Although inspired by Genzaburo Yoshino's 1937 novel, The Boy and the Heron is not a direct adaptation. The film, which has been in production since 2016, marks his return to directing a feature film after announcing his retirement for the second time in 2013 following The Wind Rises. Miyazaki's decision to showcase his creative artistry once more with The Boy and the Heron certainly promises a unique cinematic endeavor.
Here is a recap on everything you need to know about The Boy and the Heron before heading to the theater.
What is The Boy and the Heron about?
Set in a new town following his mother's death, The Boy and the Heron follows 12-year-old Mahito as he struggles to settle. However, after a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he embarks on a journey through an abandoned tower that leads to another world. Officially described as a "semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation, in tribute to friendship," the film explores these themes by using Miyazaki’s trademark animation style and his unique skill in examining the connections individuals share with the world and their inner selves.
Who is the voice cast in The Boy and the Heron?
The Japanese voice cast of The Boy and the Heron features Soma Santoki in the lead role of Mahito Maki. Joining him are a talented ensemble of voice actors including Masaki Suda lending his voice to the character of The Grey Heron. Aimyon voices Himi, Yoshino Kimura as Natsuko, Shōhei Hino in the role of the Great-Uncle, Ko Shibasaki portraying Kiriko and Takuya Kimura taking on the character of Shoichi Maki. Additionally, the cast includes Jun Kunimura as The Parakeet King, Kaoru Kobayashi as Dying Pelican, Keiko Takeshita as Maid #1, Jun Fubuki as Maid #2, Sawako Agawa as Maid #3, Shinobu Otake as Maid #4 and Karen Takizawa as Waru Waru.
When is the release date for The Boy and the Heron?
The Boy and the Heron will be released in the United States on December 8, 2023. The film was released in Japan on July 14, 2023 and it made its international debut following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7.
Was there any promotion for The Boy and the Heron?
The Boy and the Heron did things differently when it came to promoting the film. There were no trailers or ads shown for it (other than the mysterious heron poster) before it premiered in Japan. Long-time Studio Ghibli producer and trusted Miyazaki collaborator, Toshio Suzuki, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that they wanted to keep everything about the film a secret until it was shown in theaters:
“I’ve been involved with our movies since Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), but this was the first time Hayao Miyazaki genuinely praised me. ‘Suzuki-san, this is amazing. This is the best poster you’ve ever made,’ he said. I felt like that was a hint, so I decided, ‘Let’s go with just this one poster for the marketing.’ So, no trailers or TV commercials at all… No newspaper ads either. Deep down, I think this is what moviegoers latently desire.” With just how much promotion and sneak peeks are given for films in the modern era, the lack of marketing materials for this film was actually quite refreshing as audiences truly had no idea what to expect from it. Such a tactic can only work, however, when the person behind the film is as revered as Miyazaki is.
The first bit of information we got about The Boy and the Heron came from a short video released by GKIDS, the company that would release it in North America. The clip briefly explained what the film was about. It wasn't until September 6 that we saw the first official teaser for The Boy and the Heron, which gave us our first real look at the film in action.
Is The Boy and the Heron the last Studio Ghibli movie?
Contrary to initial reports that The Boy and the Heron might mark the end of Hayao Miyazaki's remarkable career, it turns out that this Studio Ghibli director has more in store for his fans. While speaking at a red carpet during TIFF, Studio Ghibli's vice president, Junichi Nishioka, shared with CBC that Miyazaki has been actively developing new movie concepts following the international release of his latest work:
“Other people say that this might be [Miyazaki’s] last film, but he doesn’t feel that way at all… He is currently working on ideas for a new film. He comes into his office every day and does that. This time, he’s not going to announce his retirement at all. He’s continuing working just as he has always done.” This revelation dismisses the idea of Miyazaki's retirement, as he remains committed to creating captivating stories for his audience.
Audiences around the world are eagerly awaiting the release of The Boy and the Heron and their anticipation is well-founded. Studio Ghibli has been an integral part of the cinematic journey for many movie fans from their earliest years. With Hayao Miyazaki taking the reins for The Boy and the Heron, there is no doubt that it will carry the distinctive charm that has solidified his status as a beloved household name for decades.
The Boy and the Heron will be released in theaters on December 8, 2023.