Mahito, a young 12-year-old boy, struggles to settle in a new town after his mother's death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, which takes him to another world.
Hayao Miyazaki, the creative force behind Studio Ghibli, takes audiences on an enchanting journey with his latest masterpiece, The Boy and the Heron. Miyazaki crafts a tale of profound depth, weaving themes of loss, grief, and the transformative power of imagination. This cinematic gem delves into a magical realm that captivates both the eyes and the heart.
Against the backdrop of war-torn Tokyo in 1943, the film introduces us to Mahito, a young boy whose world crumbles in the wake of an Allied bombing, resulting in the loss of his mother. Miyazaki skillfully portrays Mahito's deep mourning, leading to his reluctant relocation to the countryside with an emotionally distant father and a new stepmother. The solitude of Mahito's walks becomes a canvas for a unique relationship with a mysterious grey heron, setting the stage for a captivating narrative that explores both tangible and metaphysical worlds.
The Boy and the Heron unfolds as Mahito embarks on a quest to confront paralyzing grief. The film gracefully guides audiences into Miyazaki's dreamworld, where life and death dance together, and fantastical adventures unfold. The animation's handmade feel becomes apparent in daring character designs and compositions. Colours bleed beyond lines, portraying chaos, and characters contort in mesmerizing ways.
Miyazaki introduces a rich palette of characters, including the titular heron, who is revealed to be a man in disguise. Together, this unlikely duo traverses an otherworldly realm where younger versions of the living and the dead coexist. The film masterfully balances heavy themes of grief and war with moments of humour, featuring comically dull-witted parakeets and the heron's misadventures. This delicate balance transforms The Boy and the Heron into a delightful fantasy film, offering a touch of magic on the big screen.
Miyazaki's enchanted world oscillates between light and darkness, mirroring life's complexities. Themes of grief and war are explored with a delicate touch, providing levity through humorous characters and situations. However, the continuous introduction of new layers and ideas may challenge some viewers, and a more condensed runtime could have enhanced the film's overall pacing.
The animation's breathtaking visuals, reminiscent of watercolours and oils, immerse the audience in a world where reality and fantasy seamlessly coexist. The music score, skillfully composed, complements the narrative without overpowering the scenes. Miyazaki's inventive storytelling and imagery consistently surprise, refusing to let the audience passively observe Mahito's transformative odyssey.
While the film's plot is undeniably intricate, there's a distinction between complexity and complication. Miyazaki's choice to embrace complexity results in a slow-burn storytelling approach. Streamlining certain segments for brevity, without sacrificing thematic richness, could have elevated the film's overall impact.
As Mahito explores "the above," Miyazaki cleverly employs the four elements—Earth, water, air, and fire—to construct a universe of wonder and depth. Each challenge Mahito faces becomes a journey of curiosity and awe, leaving the audience spellbound.
The Boy and the Heron unfolds its magical system with a careful unveiling of relevant aspects, allowing Miyazaki to explore ideas without overwhelming the audience. Themes of death and horror, disguised by playful characters, create a captivating blend of mystery and enchantment throughout the film.
Hayao Miyazaki's storytelling and direction bring forth a poignant narrative that transcends the boundaries of animated cinema. As Mahito's journey unfolds in a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, audiences are treated to a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
The Boy and the Heron is in NZ cinemas on December 7, 2023