Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is a visually stunning and emotionally charged farewell from the legendary director, weaving together themes of love, loss, and acceptance in his signature fantastical style. As Mahito, a 12-year-old boy grappling with the grief of his mother’s death, is led by a mysterious talking heron into a world that exists somewhere between reality and dream, Miyazaki takes viewers on a surreal, yet profoundly moving journey.
True to Studio Ghibli form, the film’s art direction is breathtaking, with gorgeously hand-drawn landscapes that immerse the viewer into a world where the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary dissolve. The sheer beauty of The Boy and the Heron is amplified on its home release, with the Blu-ray and digital editions bringing the deep colors and intricacies of Miyazaki’s animation into even sharper focus.
However, attempting to rationalize the narrative can feel as whimsical and puzzling as the movie itself. Like many of Miyazaki’s films (Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle), the plot defies convention, existing more as a tapestry of emotions and metaphors than a linear story. Yet, this embrace of the bizarre is what makes The Boy and the Heron a profound exploration of grief and the paths we walk to heal.
For those who adore Ghibli’s magical realism and the emotive heart of Miyazaki’s films, The Boy and the Heron will sit among his finest works, easily on par with Spirited Away. But, like much of his filmography, its surreal elements may be divisive for some, leaving it to resonate strongest with those who appreciate the beauty within the strange.
The Blu-ray and digital editions come loaded with extras, including the fascinating art of the film, storyboarding, trailers, and the poignant music video Spinning Globe. Overall, The Boy and the Heron is a mesmerizing send-off for Miyazaki, one that should not be missed by Ghibli fans and animation lovers alike.
The Boy and The Heron will be available to rent and buy on digital from 16th September, on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD from 23rd September, and with a limited edition Steelbook available from 7th October.
