By Logan Wofford
2023 was a great year for movies in general, but especially for animated films. The Golden Globes, which took place three weeks ago had tough competition for the best animated feature. Out of the nominees, “Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse,” “Wish,” “Suzume,” “The Boy and The Heron,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” and “Elemental” only one film could win, and that was “The Boy and The Heron.”
“The Boy and The Heron” is a 2023 animated film by Studio Ghibli, the same people who made the classic animated film “Spirited Away.” Studio Ghibli is a Japanese studio known for its immensely positive reputation and its dreamlike animation style. The colors are bright, and the landscapes are transcendental in each of their movies. “The Boy and The Heron” was a huge movie for Studio Ghibli because it was the last movie made by Hayao Miyazaki, the man behind almost all of Ghibli’s movies. So, does this career-finishing movie of Miyazaki live up to the hype?
The film follows a young boy, Mahito Maki, shortly after the untimely death of his mom, Himi. After this event, Mahito and his father Shoichi move out to live with Himi’s sister (Netsuko) in a grand mansion in the countryside of Japan. At this estate, Mahito finds it hard to fit in, and even harder to get past his mom’s death. Even worse, there’s a strange Heron that seems compelled to Mahito. The film’s setup is very well-paced as we get to see all of the early movie characters before anything crazy happens. Every scene no matter what’s happening looks like a painting, beautifully drawn and crafted to stand on its own. Ever since “Toy Story” in 1995 the animation industry has been moving towards CGI supremacy leaving hand-drawn animation in the past. Despite this, Studio Ghibli has continued making hand-drawn animated films that often, if not always, look better than the competing CGI films.
Eventually, the story takes a mysterious turn when Netsuko disappears. Mahito and one of the house ladies, Kiriko, head out into the forest to find Netsuko and stumble upon a desolate tower. Upon entering, The Heron attacks, but loses to Mahito who after meeting the Heron multiple times has crafted a bow using the Heron’s feather. After this encounter a mysterious man tells the Heron to guide Mahito to Netsuko, and then suddenly Mahito, Kiriko, and the Heron fall through the floor into another world.
In this other world, the real Studio Ghibli magic shines its brightest. The world is full of unexplainable oddities and remarkably gorgeous set pieces filled to the brim with wonder. The juxtaposition of the standard normal world to this fantastical other world creates a division in the movie that perfectly captures the feeling of a dream. Adding to these wonderful visuals, the audio and score bring a sense of adventure and wonder. The score can also add a somewhat haunting feel when things are getting bad but overall feels grand and extravagant. With all of this being said, the film also has its more touchy subjects in its themes.
“The Boy and The Heron” attacks themes of growing up and living in a world full of conflict and loss. Notably, the theme of loss can especially be seen in the time period the movies take place in. The film is set in 1943, four years after the start of WWII and two years before it ended. During this time many Japanese citizens were forced into the war by way of Conscription, and even worse the army called for soldiers to take their own lives if it meant victory. This ongoing war and Himi’s death both have major effects on Mahito’s psyche as he goes on an adventure not only to save Netsuko but also to learn why no matter what you should never give up on life.
From score, to themes, to pure visuals, “The Boy and The Heron ” is a pure modern-day classic and dare I say a masterpiece. Any fan of animation shouldn’t pass up the experience that is “The Boy and The Heron,” and anyone who thinks that just because it’s an animated film it can’t stand along with other films is just flat-out wrong.