The Boy and the Heron (Subtitled)

12A124 min

Synopsis

Hayao Miyazaki’s new film begins as a simple story of loss and love, and rises to a staggering work of imagination. Coming after the maker of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke announced his retirement, The Boy and the Heron is an especially precious gift, and possibly the final film we will see from one of cinema’s greatest artists. During the Second World War, young Mahito Maki suffers a heart-breaking family tragedy and must move immediately to the countryside, where his father works for a family making planes for Japan’s military, as Miyazaki’s own father did.

Mahito begins exploring the mysterious landscapes and encounters a grey heron, persistent in its presence. The boy also happens upon an abandoned tower. Curious, he enters. From there, The Boy and the Heron expands into a wondrous, often-startling fantasy.

Miyazaki is at the height of his storytelling and visual powers, filling the frame with gorgeous compositions, vibrant colour, and arresting movement. As it draws you in, The Boy and the Heron becomes richer, stranger, and profoundly beautiful. This is a very special cinematic experience and not to be missed.