The Boy and The Heron: A Fitting Conclusion to Decades of Excellence

Since his directorial debut 44 years ago with 1979’s Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (an incredible movie), filmmaker and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has pushed the limits of what animated film can accomplish. Now, after 17 movies, multiple other projects, and vast critical acclaim, we find ourselves at the release of The Boy and The Heron, rumored to be the final movie released by the now renowned Studio Ghibli. And after watching, I can say at least one thing: this movie is high art. 

The basic synopsis goes as follows: in 1943, Mahito, a young Japanese boy living in Tokyo, moves to his ancestral home in the countryside with his father two years after his mother dies in a hospital fire. This is also the residence of his aunt, who is now pregnant with Mahito’s little brother. While exploring the grounds nearby, he finds a mysterious tower said to have been built by his great-uncle, who disappeared mysteriously years ago. In a contemplative coming-of-age story, Mahito finds himself transported to another world full of spirits and magic where he struggles to overcome his grief and to get a grasp at reality. 

In this reportedly semi-autobiographical story, Miyazaki combines the best elements of his previous successes; vast, shimmering landscapes full of color and life similar to the cityscapes of 2004’s Tales from Earthsea are juxtaposed with pensive stills of nature reminiscent of 1989’s My Neighbor Totoro that inspire a feeling of loneliness and contemplation. These two moods are presented together throughout the film, perhaps conveying Miyazaki’s feelings towards the prospect of his career coming to an end. My favorite way these emotions are conveyed is through the use of dialogue. The majority of the movie consists of little conversation, with most of the message being shown through imagery. But occasionally, the characters will have a loud outburst, releasing pent up emotion and deepening the plot. 

The Boy and The Heron is Miyazaki going out with a bang. The clouds are big and puffy, the creatures are fantastical, the world is bright and full of life. This is a master who has honed his craft to a spearpoint, giving it one final go. Ghibli movies have always provided a sense of comfort and nostalgia to their audiences; Miyazaki has now provided what may be the last one. And to those concerned with the lack of closure at the end of the film, you missed the point. An obvious parallel can be drawn between the great-uncle and Miyazaki--both have created flourishing worlds that have brought joy to many. But they’re old, and tired. Their time has come and gone. The Boy and The Heron is the exposition to a story that has been spun for over 40 years now, and the final message is simple: it’s gonna be okay. All good things must come to an end, right?