A mysterious heron, a grieving boy, and a journey beyond reality—The Boy and the Heron is a story of loss, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. Created by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, this film blends fantasy and emotion, inviting us into a world where the boundaries between life and death blur.
Movie Details
| Title | The Boy and the Heron (Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka) |
|---|---|
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Studio | Studio Ghibli |
| Release Date | July 14, 2023 (Japan) |
| Runtime | 124 minutes |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Drama |
| Language | Japanese (with multiple dubbed versions) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
| Number of Reviews | Over 92,000 user reviews |
| IMDb Link | IMDb Page |
A Boy’s Life Shattered
Mahito Maki, a 12-year-old boy, lives in Tokyo during World War II. When his mother dies in a hospital fire, his world falls apart. His father, Shoichi, moves him to the countryside, hoping for a fresh start. But nothing feels right.
His father has remarried—to Natsuko, his late mother’s sister. The estate they now live in is beautiful but unfamiliar, and Mahito struggles to accept his new life. Lonely and lost, he becomes withdrawn, unable to connect with his father or stepmother.
One day, a strange gray heron begins following him, watching him from a distance. Unlike ordinary birds, this heron can talk—and it whispers secrets about his mother.
“She’s still alive,” the heron tells him.
Is it a cruel trick? Or could there be truth in its words?
The Hidden World Beyond
Mahito is drawn to a mysterious old tower near the estate—an abandoned structure filled with forgotten stories. When Natsuko disappears, Mahito follows the talking heron into the tower, stepping into a world unlike anything he’s ever known.
Inside, reality twists and shifts. Time is fluid. The laws of nature do not apply. He finds himself in a magical realm, one that exists between life and death, a place where spirits, memories, and dreams blend together.
Here, Mahito meets strange and wonderful beings—including Kiriko, a kind woman with a deep connection to this world, and the Parakeet King, a bird ruler with a hidden agenda.
But Mahito doesn’t have time to be afraid. He must navigate this strange land and uncover the truth behind his mother’s fate—before he loses himself in this world forever.
A Journey of Growth and Understanding
As Mahito travels deeper, he encounters figures from his past and visions of a possible future. He realizes that this world reflects his own pain and fears.
The talking heron is not just a guide but a test—forcing Mahito to confront the grief and guilt he has buried inside.
“What does it mean to live?”
This question echoes through the story. Mahito’s journey is not just about finding his mother—it’s about finding himself.
Can he accept loss and move forward? Or will he stay trapped in the past?
What This Movie Teaches Us
- Grief and healing: Mahito’s journey mirrors the process of grief—denial, anger, and acceptance. The film shows that loss does not mean the end but a transformation.
- The search for meaning: The film asks deep questions about life and purpose, urging us to embrace both joy and sorrow as part of being human.
- Childhood and imagination: The world Mahito enters feels like a dream—showing how children process emotions through fantasy and storytelling.
My Honest Review
The Boy and the Heron is a visually stunning, deeply emotional story that blends magical adventure with real human struggles.
Unlike Miyazaki’s past works like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, this film is more introspective, focusing on life, death, and legacy. It is a farewell letter from Miyazaki, filled with personal themes and reflections on existence.
FAQ – The Boy and the Heron
1. What does the heron represent?
The heron is a symbol of Mahito’s grief. It acts as a guide, challenging him to face his emotions and fears.
2. Is Mahito’s mother really alive?
The heron tells Mahito that his mother is alive, but this is a metaphor. The film explores memory and longing, making the truth more emotional than literal.
3. What is the world inside the tower?
It is a realm between life and death, where souls, dreams, and reality merge. It reflects Mahito’s emotional state.
4. Why did Hayao Miyazaki make this film?
Miyazaki created this as a deeply personal story—inspired by his own childhood, thoughts on war, and ideas about life and legacy.
5. Is this Miyazaki’s last film?
Many thought so, but Miyazaki has hinted that he might make another. Still, The Boy and the Heron feels like a farewell—a film that captures the essence of his storytelling.
