It is a bit of a mixed bag as there are moments of beauty along with narrative missteps.
There is a fire in the town hospital that belongs to his mother.
The entrance is sealed off, but Mahito is small enough to climb through.
‘The Boy and the Heron’Studio Ghibli
But before he can fully get in, hes caught by one of the nannies.
Theres an undeniableAlice in Wonderlandquality.
This isnt just a film about birds; its about interconnections, transitions and transformations.
Its not about heaven or hell; in Miyazakis universe, as above, so below reigns supreme.
Theres a cyclic nature to life and death; theyre two sides of the same coin.
Every frame is a hand-painted canvas, reminding viewers of the depth and emotion that traditional animation can convey.
Unfortunately, mainstream audiences have drifted from this style, but Miyazaki stands loyal, illuminating its unending potential.
Their innocence and charm add a whimsical layer, providing levity to the films weighty themes.
Yet, for all its strengths on a conceptual and technical level, the story lacks a strong focus.
It pains me to say, but narratively, this is the weakest in Miyazakis filmography.
The Boy and the Herondeals with complex themes that manifest with visual splendor.
While it might not be Studio Ghiblis strongest outing, its still an important one.
