The Boy and the Heron is the latest Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the filmmaker behind other Studio Ghibli hits such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. The film follows young boy, Mahito Maki as he enters a new world with a talking grey heron on the search for his missing aunt. That’s probably more than I should share. The film was first presented earlier this year as one that would have no marketing whatsoever. As appealing as that was, the marketing only grew after it was released in Japan before hitting the States. I knew very little going into it luckily. I only saw a few photos and some clips from trailers, but knew little to nothing about the plot. That would be the best way going into the film, because you just have to experience it.

The film had been on my most anticipated list of the year since it was announced and that probably wouldn’t be the case if I hadn’t just seen most of Studio Ghibli films on HBO Max at the time. I had a friend recommend them to me, so I finally made an effort to watch them and I loved every single one. Director Hayao Miyazaki has even admitted that this film is something that he personally doesn’t understand, so this may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, then I highly recommend this.

Going into the theater, I saw that it looked like a family of four was going to be sitting near me, which I found interesting, because the film was subtitled. I think they quickly realized this as they dipped out just a few minutes in, which turned out great for me getting more space in the IMAX theater. As the film opened up with the bright blue Studio Ghibli logo, I was reminded that this was my first ever Studio Ghibli film in theaters and my excitement for the film increased again as I had been looking forward to the film all year, and honestly, it did not disappoint.

Seeing the animation was IMAX was immediately a selling point and made me quite fortunate to be in that position to do so as I am sure IMAX showing won’t be around much longer. Every single detail from start to end was used effectively. The film opens up to the main character, Mahito Maki, as he encounters an unfortunate situation that sets him on a journey of self discovery and importance. From here, he travels to a new land where people unknown to him are now taking care of him. It’s a slow start and I think some of it could have been cut for the sake of doing more of what is achieved in the second half. While you could say the first half is all set up and character development, the second half is the most intriguing as so much happens, but you never really know what to make of it. Once again, the filmmaker even said that he doesn’t understand it; however, I’d like to think I have a good sense of it.

This year, in particular, has been interesting for directors as it feels like directors are trying to emulate a film based on what goes on through their head. Wes Anderson did it with Asteroid City, as did Cord Jefferson with American Fiction. I loved both movies, because not everything is meant to make sense. It’s through rewatches and creating dialogue with others who have seen it that it can make more sense. That’s how I would explain this best to viewers. Miyazaki creates a world in which he wants to replicate as he gets older – a world where he is younger and trying to make sense of things between family expectations and setting your own path. I really don’t even want to give much else away as that is how I went into this and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For those who are unsure about going to see it, I encourage you to still go see it. It’s a film that has a lot of challenging themes told through an unorthodox structure, but it offers so much detail that I can’t wait to see on a rewatch.

As for other positives, I can only speak on the subtitled version as I did not see the dubbed version, but the voice talent, as always, is amazing. They bring so much life to these characters. The animation is gorgeous as it maintains its central style, yet is able to utilize today’s technology to bring an even more crisp image. The themes are quite dark, yet they are rewarding. The world presented in the second half is a reflection of the main character’s own world seen through his eyes told in a way that only makes sense to him. We just have to try to see it through his eyes to make sense. It almost feels Miyazaki is trying to tell a personal story of what he went through. Sometimes the structure can be a bit confusing, especially if they happened to him as a child, but it all makes sense in the end.

Overall, The Boy and the Heron was everything I needed it to be as a fan of Studio Ghibli’s work, so I am confident that will be the same for others. I don’t think it will welcome newcomers as its approach is very unusual and challenging. The first half has its slower moments, while the second half pays it all off. If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki, or film in general, I highly recommend going to see this. I can’t wait to see it again.

VERDICT: Amazing