Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, revered for his captivating storytelling, has emerged from retirement with a new film, “The Boy and the Heron.” This latest work, a blend of mystery and magic, delves into themes of sorrow, relationships, and personal history, all through Miyazaki’s signature lens of surrealism.
Exploring Childhood Grief Through Fantasy
Written and directed by Miyazaki, “The Boy and the Heron” returns to the themes that have defined his career: the impact of childhood grief and the lingering shadows of the Second World War. The narrative resonates with influences from classic English children’s literature, reminiscent at times of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and C.S. Lewis’s “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader“. The film’s title, originally “How Do You Live?” borrows from Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 Japanese novel, which intertwines with the film’s plot and themes.
A Personal Journey Mirroring Miyazaki’s Past
The story follows young Mahito, whose life is marred by the trauma of losing his mother during an allied air raid in 1943. As he grapples with his father’s remarriage and their move to a family estate, Mahito encounters a mystical heron that leads him on a quest through a parallel universe. This quest is a journey of adventure and a metaphor for coping with loss and change. Mahito’s experiences reflect some of the personal history of Miyazaki himself, whose father managed a munitions factory during the war.
The film’s landscape is populated with bizarre yet intriguing characters, a hallmark of Miyazaki’s work. While these characters might seem familiar to fans, their presence represents more than just imaginative storytelling; they symbolize the emotional turmoil and coping mechanisms of young Mahito. “The Boy and the Heron” transcends its narrative to become a powerful meditation on dealing with profound sadness and transforming it into something positive.
Golden Globe Glory for Miyazaki’s Animated Triumph
“The Boy and the Heron,” has clinched the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Animated. This prestigious accolade adds to the film’s growing list of recognitions in this awards season.
It has garnered critical acclaim and achieved remarkable commercial success, shattering box office records. In North America alone, the film, representing a collaborative effort between Gkids and Studio Ghibli, debuted with an impressive $12.8 million, a new high for Miyazaki’s regional works. Its global revenue has soared past $136 million, cementing its status as a box-office sensation.
This animated gem’s journey to success is marked by near-universal praise from critics, positioning it as a formidable contender in a year that has seen a somewhat muted showing from usual animation giants. In contrast to Disney’s “Wish” and Pixar’s “Elemental,” which also competed at the Golden Globes, “The Boy and the Heron” stands out. While “Wish” stumbled both with critics and in box office returns, and “Elemental” garnered a modest fan base without matching the cultural impact of previous Pixar hits, Miyazaki’s creation has soared, captivating audiences and critics alike with its unique storytelling and visual splendour.
In conclusion, Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” is a poignant addition to his celebrated work. It’s a film that not only captivates with its fantasy and wonder but also offers a deeper reflection on the complexities of grief and the resilience of the human spirit.
