The Boy and the Heron
The Boy and the Heron | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Theatrical release poster | |||||
Japanese name | |||||
Kanji | 君たちはどう生きるか | ||||
Literal meaning | How Do You Live? | ||||
| |||||
Directed by | Hayao Miyazaki | ||||
Written by | Hayao Miyazaki | ||||
Produced by | Toshio Suzuki | ||||
Starring | |||||
Cinematography | Atsushi Okui | ||||
Edited by | Takeshi Seyama | ||||
Music by | Joe Hisaishi | ||||
Production company | |||||
Distributed by | Toho | ||||
Release date |
| ||||
Running time | 124 minutes | ||||
Country | Japan | ||||
Language | Japanese | ||||
Box office | US$144.9 million |
The Boy and the Heron (Japanese: 君たちはどう生きるか, Hepburn: Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka, lit. 'How Do You[a] Live?') is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the Japanese title references Genzaburō Yoshino's 1937 novel of the same name, which briefly appears in the film, but the film has an original story that is not connected to the novel. The Japanese voice cast includes Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Shinobu Otake. Described as a "big fantastical film", it follows a boy named Mahito Maki during the Pacific War who discovers an abandoned tower in his new town after his mother's death and enters a fantastical world with a talking grey heron.
Miyazaki announced his retirement in September 2013 but later reversed this decision after working on the short film Boro the Caterpillar, which was released in 2018. He began storyboarding for a new feature-length project in July 2016, and official production began in May 2017. The film's title was announced in October 2017, targeting a release around the 2020 Summer Olympics. By May 2020, 36 minutes of the film had been hand-drawn by 60 animators, with no set deadline. Production spanned approximately seven years, facing delays as it navigated challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Miyazaki's slowed animation pace, before nearing completion in October 2022. Financing for the project involved streaming deals for previous Ghibli films. According to producer Toshio Suzuki, The Boy and the Heron is the most expensive film ever produced in Japan. The screenplay draws heavily from Miyazaki's childhood, and explores themes of coming of age, and coping with a world marked by conflict and loss. Joe Hisaishi composed the film's score, while Kenshi Yonezu wrote and sang the film's theme song "Spinning Globe".
The Boy and the Heron was theatrically released in Japan on July 14, 2023, by Toho, and was screened in both traditional theaters and other premium formats such as IMAX. The release of the film was noted for its intentional absence of any promotion, with Ghibli choosing not to release any trailers, images, synopsis or casting details of the film in advance of its Japanese premiere with the exception of a single poster. The film received critical acclaim and has grossed over US$144 million worldwide. Among its numerous accolades, it won the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film (the first hand-drawn and non-English-language animated film to receive the prize) and was also nominated for Best Original Score.
Plot
During the Pacific War in Tokyo, Mahito Maki loses his mother Hisako in a hospital fire. Mahito's father Shoichi, an air munitions factory owner, marries his late wife's sister, Natsuko. They evacuate to her rural estate. Mahito, distant to the pregnant Natsuko, encounters a peculiar grey heron leading him to a sealed tower, the last known location of Natsuko's architect granduncle.
After a school fight, Mahito deliberately injures himself. The heron, now speaking, entices Mahito with promises of finding his mother. Mahito is nearly taken by a supernatural swarm of toads but Natsuko saves him with a whistling arrow, inspiring him to craft his own bow and arrow. The arrow is magically imbued with true aim after it is fletched with the heron's feather. Mahito's reading of a book left by Hisako is interrupted when ill Natsuko disappears into the forest. Leading one of the maids, Kiriko, into the tower, Mahito is deceived by a watery imitation of his mother made by the heron, which dissolves at his touch. Affronted, he pierces the heron's beak with his arrow, revealing a flightless creature, the Birdman, living inside it. A wizard appears, ordering Birdman to guide Mahito and Kiriko as all three sink into the floor.
Mahito descends into an oceanic world. He is rescued from attacking pelicans and a forbidding, megalithic dolmen by a younger Kiriko, an adept fisherwoman who uses fire through a magic wand. They catch and sell a giant fish to bubble-like spirits called Warawara, which fly to the world above to be reborn. A pyrokinetic young woman, Himi, protects Warawara from predation by the pelicans. A dying pelican explains that their species is desperate to survive after being introduced to this world with no other food. Kiriko mediates peace between Mahito and the Birdman, and Mahito plugs Birdman's beak, restoring his flight. The two are separated by anthropomorphic, man-eating parakeets. Himi saves Mahito and shows him a counterpart of the tower which contains doors to many worlds. They enter a door leading back to Natsuko's estate and are found by Shoichi, but Mahito returns through the door to continue his search for Natsuko.
Infiltrating the parakeets' kingdom, Mahito finds Natsuko in a delivery room. When Natsuko rebuffs him, he acknowledges her as his mother. Himi incinerates the paper attacking them but all three are worn unconscious by the encounter. In a dream, Mahito meets the wizard, Natsuko's granduncle. The wizard, preoccupied by a stack of stone toy blocks representing their dimension, requests Mahito, possessing the power of his bloodline, to succeed to custodianship of this world. Mahito warns that the blocks are infused with malice. Waking up, he is freed from captivity by Birdman. They climb the tower to pursue the Parakeet King, who is delivering Himi to the wizard as a political bargaining chip. The wizard has collected replacement blocks free of malice for Mahito, and implores him to build a better world with them, but Mahito states that he himself possesses malice, embodied by his self-inflicted scar. He refuses, saying that he must first embrace those who love him.
Enraged by the frivolity of the toy blocks, the Parakeet King slices them apart. The world begins to collapse and flood, and Mahito, Himi, and Birdman escape, reuniting with Natsuko and young Kiriko. Learning that Himi is his birth mother, Mahito warns her of her fate, but Himi returns to her own time without regrets. Mahito returns with Natsuko, amidst an exodus of animals that revert to non-anthropomorphic forms. Birdman notices Mahito keeping a stone of power, and advises him to forget his experiences. A charm doll carried by Mahito transforms back into the old Kiriko. Two years later, Mahito moves back to Tokyo with Shoichi, Natsuko, and his new half-sibling.
Voice cast
Character | Voice actor | |
---|---|---|
Japanese | English | |
Mahito Maki | Soma Santoki | Luca Padovan |
The Grey Heron | Masaki Suda | Robert Pattinson |
Lady Himi | Aimyon | Karen Fukuhara |
Natsuko | Yoshino Kimura | Gemma Chan |
Shoichi Maki | Takuya Kimura | Christian Bale |
Granduncle | Shōhei Hino | Mark Hamill |
Kiriko | Ko Shibasaki | Florence Pugh |
Noble Pelican | Kaoru Kobayashi | Willem Dafoe |
The Parakeet King | Jun Kunimura | Dave Bautista |
Izumi (Maid #1) | Keiko Takeshita | Denise Pickering |
Utako (Maid #2) | Jun Fubuki | Barbara Rosenblat |
Eriko (Maid #3) | Sawako Agawa | Melora Harte |
Aiko (Maid #4) | Shinobu Otake | Barbara Goodson |
Warawara | Karen Takizawa | |
Parakeets | Mamoudou Athie Tony Revolori Dan Stevens[1] |
Themes
The Boy and the Heron has autobiographical features. The protagonist, Mahito Maki, is modeled after Miyazaki's childhood. Miyazaki's father, similar to Mahito's father, was employed by a company involved in the manufacturing of fighter plane components. Additionally, Miyazaki's family had to evacuate from the city to the countryside during the war.[2][b] The hospital fire at the beginning of the film evokes personal parallels with Miyazaki's own loss of his mother,[4] who was known for her strong opinions and is believed to have been a source of inspiration for several of the director's female characters, and Mahito's emotional connection with his mother parallels Miyazaki's love for his mother.[5] The BBC defined the film as "a coming-of-age tale in which a child must overcome his selfishness and learn to live for others."[6]
Suzuki spoke of Miyazaki's desire to create the film based on personal experiences and relationships when he proposed it in 2016. He was initially taken aback, given Miyazaki's avoidance of highly personal themes. The narrative is inspired by Miyazaki's (Mahito) professional relationships with Isao Takahata (Granduncle) and Suzuki (Heron), and integrates themes of destruction, reconstruction and imagination. Following Takahata's death in 2018, revisions were made to the film, shifting the focus from the Granduncle to the relationship between Mahito and Heron. Suzuki observed that Miyazaki's storytelling choices were deeply influenced by the memories shared between the two.[7]
Taichiro Yoshino, the grandson of Genzaburō Yoshino, confessed to being somewhat bewildered by the film's messages. He also mentioned a meeting he had attended at Studio Ghibli's offices in 2017, during which Miyazaki articulated his intention to create the film and acknowledged his past works, primarily featuring cheerful and optimistic male protagonists, and contrasted them with his perception of boys as complex individuals. Miyazaki aimed to depict a protagonist who grapples with inner conflicts and insecurities, emphasizing the transformative power of overcoming personal challenges. Yoshino drew a distinction between The Boy and the Heron and Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka as separate works, yet highlighted their shared central theme—how individuals navigate and come to terms with a world characterized by strife and loss.[8][2]
The film contains the message of creating "a world without conflict with your own hands."[8] According to The Japan Times, Miyazaki's faith in children's potential to surpass previous generations under challenging circumstances is exemplified in the film's Japanese title, which offers children a choice between emulating the chaos of Japan's past war or forging a better path, and thus demonstrates the "continued optimism" that serves as the "greatest testament" to the director's imagination.[5] The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film retains elements of the book that emphasize the theme of spiritual growth. The film, open to diverse interpretations, fundamentally conveys resilience in the face of conflict and grief, while advocating for the cultivation of meaningful friendships and trustworthy alliances, ultimately promoting progress and fostering "humanity and understanding to the world."[9] IndieWire's analysis argues that the film weaves together various thematic layers and tonal elements drawn from Miyazaki's past work. It draws attention to the film's departure from the conventional children's genre, instead aligning more closely with the "violent" style of Princess Mononoke rather than the "cuddly charm" of My Neighbor Totoro, with the exception of the Warawara characters.[4]
A review on RogerEbert.com asserts that the film's narrative explores themes of "acceptance, redemption, and the power of creation", drawing explicit connections between Miyazaki's youthful inspirations and his hopes of inspiring others over four decades. The film delves into the juxtaposition of life and death, wherein childhood and the end of life can serve as reflective counterparts.[10] As highlighted by Unseen Japan, the film's themes make the viewer reflect on their role in a world marked by violence and uncertainty, their obligations to future generations and their connection to their ancestors.[11] This view is shared by some publications, commenting that Miyazaki's recurring exploration of mortality and the aftermath of profound loss is a central theme in the film, showing the importance of everyday choices and depicting a journey of self-discovery and the search for meaning amidst the uncertainties of life,[12][13] and underlining the film's open-ended approach in contrast to the book centered on the moral development of adolescent boys. The narrative imparts various moral lessons but centers on an "impassioned plea" from an aging master (Granduncle) to his progeny, emphasizing the urgency of their tasks as time passes quickly.[14]
For Nikkei Asia, the primary emotional driver in the film is the yearning for a mother's presence. This emotion fuels the narrative, occasionally diverting into adventures involving fantastical creatures. Mahito's father marries his mother's sister, evoking significant Freudian undertones. Miyazaki emphasizes the child's perspective, sometimes with quasi-sexual elements, as seen in encounters with frogs. Such moments, though evocative, are brief and dreamlike. The film stands as one of Miyazaki's less textured works, focusing on Mahito's mission to save his mother and stepmother, emblematic of Miyazaki's recurring theme of worthiness.[15] Fiction Horizon referred Mahito as resonant and inspiring, associating these traits with his resilience, vulnerability, and transformative growth.[16]
Vulture noted that despite the serious narrative of the multi-themed film, it deliberately includes scenes of bird droppings, which provides comic relief, and which it felt were in line with Miyazaki's broader message about the messy and natural aspects of life as opposed to the oppressive order of Imperial Japan depicted in the film.[17]
Production
Following the release of The Wind Rises, Miyazaki held a press conference in Venice in September 2013 announcing his retirement from feature animation, saying: "I know I've said I would retire many times in the past. Many of you must think, 'Once again.' But this time I am quite serious."[18][19] However, Miyazaki later changed his mind after concluding work on the short film Boro the Caterpillar (2018) and decided to come out of retirement to direct another full-length film, a decision which was captured in the 2016 documentary film Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki.[20][21] He commenced storyboarding for the film in July 2016 and presented a project proposal for it the next month.[22] This proposal included a children's novel The Book of Lost Things by Irish author John Connolly, which formed "a loose framework" for the project. Edogawa Ranpo's Ghost Tower (幽霊塔, Yūrei-tō), which Miyazaki loved as a child, inspired the tower in the film.[23][24] Suzuki later approved the project, taking into account Miyazaki's commitment and storyboard work.[7] After Suzuki publicly announced the start of work on Miyazaki's new film in February 2017,[25] the studio's official website posted a call for staff for the new project on May 19, 2017, and production began in earnest.[26] With Miyazaki coming out of retirement, Studio Ghibli reopened with many of its past collaborators working on the project.[27] At an event held at Waseda University in October 2017, Studio Ghibli announced the film would be titled Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka, after the 1937 novel of the same name by Genzaburo Yoshino.[28][29] The release date was not determined, but Miyazaki voiced his desire to release the film around the time of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan.[22] Suzuki said that Miyazaki is working on the film for his grandson as his way of saying "Grandpa is moving on to the next world, but he's leaving behind this film."[30]
Suzuki stated in August 2018 that the film was expected to be completed in 2021 or 2022. The film was confirmed to be 15% complete at the end of October 2019. In a December 2019 interview with NHK, Suzuki explained that the film is not to be expected anytime soon; Miyazaki in his younger age used to produce 10 minutes of animation every month, but now his speed was reduced to 1 minute per month. He contended that Miyazaki was unlikely to retire completely, as idleness would trouble him. Despite talk of Miyazaki's upcoming film being his last, Suzuki doubted it, asserting that as long as Miyazaki lives, he will likely keep making films.[31] Unlike his previous films, Miyazaki did not oversee every single frame and focused solely on creating the film's blueprint through storyboarding, while the animation director Takeshi Honda took charge of the animation process.[32] In March 2020, Suzuki disclosed that since the new film required a significant amount of time and money, the studio planned to finance the production by showcasing their previously released films on streaming platforms like Netflix. Miyazaki did not use a computer or smartphone and was unaware of online streaming, so Suzuki convinced him to make this deal to cover the costs, especially considering that their current project is unlike their previous endeavors.[33]
In May 2020, Suzuki recounted to Entertainment Weekly that the film was a "big fantastical" film. He said that 60 animators were working on the film and that an estimated 36 minutes had been completed after three years of production, saying "we are still hand-drawing everything, but it takes us more time to complete a film because we're drawing more frames", and they were "hoping it will finish in the next three years".[34] In December 2020, Suzuki stated that the production was working with no deadlines, similarly to The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013), which took eight years to make. He said that the animation was half-finished, that production was running faster due to COVID-19 restrictions requiring them to work at home, and that the film would be 125 minutes long.[35] He also revealed that Miyazaki wanted to adapt Earwig and the Witch (2020) during development, but his son Goro, an executive-producer of Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka alongside Koji Hoshino and Kiyofumi Nakajima,[9] directed the adaptation instead.[36] Cinematographer Atsushi Okui introduced the idea of utilizing Dolby Cinema to Miyazaki during the production of Earwig and the Witch, which received the director's approval. Okui was particularly drawn to the technology's ability to maintain image sharpness in bright scenes while preventing dark areas from becoming overly black.[37][38] In October 2021, the director conveyed to T that he was making the film because he didn't have an answer [to the question Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka], while the producer characterized the forthcoming release as an ambitious fantasy project.[39] In October 2022, Hoshino mentioned during a press conference that the production of the film had progressed quite smoothly, even during the pandemic, and was nearing completion. Hoshino did not specify the exact release date for the film but added that it would "indeed be Miyazaki's final film".[40] In December 2022, Takuya Kimura, who voiced Howl in Howl's Moving Castle, "hinted" that he was in the film with a post on social media.[41] Suzuki considered The Boy and the Heron to be the most expensive film ever produced in Japan.[42] The production timeline spanned approximately seven years, comprising two and a half years dedicated to pre-production activities and about five years for the production phase.[43] In June 2023, Suzuki clarified that the novel is not related to the film beyond inspiring the title.[44][45]
GKIDS managed casting for the English version in collaboration with Studio Ghibli, adhering to the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The dub was directed by Michael Sinterniklaas at NYAV Post, and Stephanie Sheh wrote the English script.[46] The English cast, unveiled on October 17, features Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh.[1]
Music
The film score was composed by Miyazaki's longtime collaborator Joe Hisaishi.[47] The soundtrack, consisting of 37 songs, was released in Japan on August 9, 2023, by Tokuma Japan Communications.[48][49] Kenshi Yonezu was in charge of the theme song, titled "Chikyūgi" (地球儀, lit. "Globe") in Japan,[47][50] and titled "Spinning Globe" internationally.[51] Yonezu's first visit to Studio Ghibli in 2018 led to his collaboration with Miyazaki, driven by his composition of "Paprika" for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Suzuki witnessed Miyazaki singing the song with children at Ghibli's nursery school, and the director approved the composition after reviewing a demo recording. Yonezu, shown storyboards and provided with project details, engaged in a five-year creative process with Miyazaki and Suzuki, resulting in the completion of the musical composition.[52]
Release
On December 13, 2022, Toho declared that The Boy and the Heron has a scheduled theatrical release date of July 14, 2023 in Japan.[53][54][55]
The film was released in Japan without any traditional marketing campaign, with no trailers nor promotional stills of the film released before its premiere with the exception of a single poster. The decision to do so came from Suzuki, who opted to eschew traditional marketing methods due to concerns about over-revealing film content, in response to what he believed to be a fundamental preference among moviegoers for a more enigmatic cinematic experience.[56][57] The cast and crew were kept largely undisclosed until the release date.[58] After the preview screening held in late February 2023, where strict confidentiality measures were in place, a message from Miyazaki was read out following the end credits, saying "Perhaps you didn't understand it. I myself don't understand it."[8][2] On June 29, 2023, during the opening day of Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition Tokyo 2023,[59] Suzuki publicly spoke on how Miyazaki is "worried" over the lack of publicity for the film, but said that he trusts the work behind it and believes it is best for the film.[60][61] It is the first Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki film to have a simultaneous release on IMAX, as well as other high-end formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, and DTS:X.[62][63][64]
The film was pre-sold overseas with no concrete release date.[44] Goodfellas, formerly known as Wild Bunch International, served as the sales agent for the film's distribution.[65] Upon the film's release in Japan, the North American rights were acquired by distributor GKIDS, making it the widest film release in the company's 15-year history.[4] Internationally titled The Boy and the Heron, it was screened in special previews on November 22 ahead of its theatrical United States release on December 8, 2023.[66][67][68] The first photos from the film were published in the theater pamphlets distributed by Ghibli on August 11.[69][70][71] The film had its international premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival as its opening film on September 7, becoming the first animated film in history to open the festival[72][73] and the festival's "strongest opening night film in decades".[74] The film was also shown at the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival, the 2023 New York Film Festival, the 56th Sitges Film Festival and the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival.[75][76][77][78]
Studio Ghibli granted promotional control to GKIDS for the American release, leading GKIDS to adapt a new marketing strategy, including the release of a teaser trailer on September 6[79] in advance of the film's international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, to reach a wider audience while preserving Ghibli's branding and integrity.[4] At the international premiere, where the director Guillermo del Toro introduced the film at its gala presentation,[c][80] Studio Ghibli's Vice President Junichi Nishioka said that, contrary to rumors of retirement, Ghibli did not consider The Boy and the Heron to be Miyazaki's final film, and that Miyazaki is developing ideas for a new film and maintains a daily presence at his office, dispelling any notions of retirement. He said that Studio Ghibli did not envisage this film as a contender in award competitions and rejects the notion of associating films with wins or losses, and that Miyazaki's primary aim is for the audience to watch and enjoy the film.[4][81] Suzuki reiterated Nishioka's statement about Miyazaki's next project in October 2023, saying that Miyazaki has already moved on from The Boy and the Heron and is thinking about his new film every day.[82] Later in the same month, the official guidebook for the film was released, showing behind-the-scenes featurettes such as interviews, roundtable discussions and storyboards.[83]
Reception
Box office
In Japan, The Boy and the Heron grossed US$13.2 million (¥1.8 billion) in its opening weekend, becoming the biggest opening in Studio Ghibli's history and surpassing Howl's Moving Castle's ¥1.5 billion debut in 2004. The film earned US$1.7 million from 44 IMAX screens, setting a new 3-day record.[84] It attracted 1.35 million viewers and exceeded ¥2.1 billion (US$15.2 million) in box office revenue in its first four days.[85] On July 24, it was reported that 2.3 million people watched the film and box office revenue exceeded ¥3.6 billion (US$25.5 million).[86][87] A week later, the number of viewers was reported as 3 million and the box office revenue exceeded ¥4.7 billion (US$33.2 million).[88][87] On August 7, it was reported that 3.6 million people watched the film, and it made more than ¥5.48 billion (US$38.65 million) at the box office.[89][87] The film had 4.1 million viewers and grossed over ¥6.2 billion (US$43 million) in its first month of release.[90][87] By August 21, it had 4.6 million viewers and grossed over ¥6.9 billion (US$48 million).[91][87] In its seventh weekend, the film garnered an audience of 143,800, generating a box office revenue of ¥217 million. Overall, it engaged a total of 4.9 million moviegoers and achieved a cumulative box office income of ¥7.4 billion (US$50.629 million).[92][87] On September 4, the film was reported to have sold more than 5.1 million tickets and grossed over ¥7.7 billion (US$52.9 million).[93][87][94] On September 11, the film became the 20th highest-grossing anime in Japan,[95] grossing US$7.9 billion (US$53.8 million) within 59 days of its release.[96][97][87] By September 18, more than 5.5 million tickets had been sold and the film's gross had exceeded ¥8.16 billion (US$55 million).[98][99][87] These figures passed 5.5 million tickets and ¥8.3 billion yen (US$55.6 million) a week later.[100][101][87] In its twelfth weekend, the film's gross exceeded ¥8.3 billion (US$55.8 million).[102][87] With a gross of ¥8.4 billion (US$56.2 million),[103][87] the film dropped out of the top 10 grossing films for the first time in its thirteenth weekend.[104] The gross amount increased by about one to three hundred thousand yen each week, from ¥8.44 billion on October 15 to ¥8.66 billion on December 24.[105]
Film journalist Hiroo Ōtaka noted the industry's astonishment at the rapid box office success for the film's unconventional "minimalist promotion" strategy. The achievement has evoked mixed feelings among industry insiders, with distribution representatives expressing concerns to Ōtaka, fearing the challenge of this no-promotion strategy on their livelihoods and the necessity of traditional advertising methods. In addition to this marketing strategy, Ōtaka identified two important aspects of the film's commercial success. The first is that the deliberate approach of leaving the film by itself capitalized on its existing fan base by generating discussion and interaction on social media. He also mentioned Ghibli's earlier works, regularly featured on Friday Road Show for a decade, indirectly promoted the film.[106]
As of January 8, 2024[update], the film had grossed an additional US$80.4 million worldwide, bringing its total gross to US$144.9 million.[107][108] It became the first original anime film and Miyazaki's first film to reach number one at the box office in Canada and the United States, opening with US$5.2 million and grossing US$12.8 million over its first weekend.[109]
Critical response
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 232 critics gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "Soulfully exploring thought-provoking themes through a beautifully animated lens, The Boy and the Heron is another Miyazaki masterpiece."[110] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 91 out of 100 based on 53 critic reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[111] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the English-dubbed version of the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[112]
Although initial reactions to the film were described as "mixed",[d] with reviewers finding it abundantly detailed and laden with meaning,[e] the film quickly garnered critical acclaim in Japan.[f] Film site Eiga Channel praised the film as one of Ghibli's finest in terms of visuals and storytelling, but pointed out that non-Ghibli enthusiasts might find the rapid scene transitions confusing.[125] Film and culture magazine Cinemas+ observed that the film draws on motifs and characters from throughout Miyazaki's career, embedding them in a narrative that is somewhat darker, more complex, and more personal than many of his works.[126] Similarly, Time Out Japan hailed the film as "a mature, complex masterpiece, weaving together the director's past, present, and future – a beautiful enigma that promises to be worth the wait."[115] Cezary Jan Strusiewicz from Polygon found the fantasy elements to be "absolutely beautiful, and they naturally include shots of the classic impossibly delicious-looking Ghibli food", and wrote that people "can watch this movie over and over, always finding something new and exciting in it". He stated that there is a nostalgic longing for the past that evokes the impression of a director reflecting on their career before stepping away, and this underlines "the makings of a perfect swan song".[127] In his review for The Japan Times, Matt Schley awarded the film a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, expressing that while its position within his list of favorite Miyazaki works remains uncertain, there were moments that left him breathless.[5] While acknowledging the film's complexity and potential to not resonate with all viewers, Full Frontal author Matteo Watzky regarded these qualities as its best aspects, showcasing Miyazaki's talent, subtlety, and imagination.[116]
First international reviews were "unanimously positive".[128] Caryn James of the BBC, who rated it 5 out of 5 stars, felt the film is the culmination of Miyazaki's career and therefore may require multiple viewings to fully absorb the narrative's unwavering pace and the rich tapestry of imagery. She opined that the film presents a narrative blending wartime tragedy and supernatural exploration through the character Mahito, characterized by Miyazaki's meticulous attention to detail, a vibrant palette, and the seamless interplay between reality and the otherworldly, with characters assuming dreamlike forms that exemplify Miyazaki's innovative storytelling and visual prowess.[129] Tomris Laffly, writing for TheWrap, epitomized the film as a "swan song so personal, artful and ultimately timeless" and thought it was "the deepest and darkest Studio Ghibli film" since Grave of the Fireflies.[130] David Ehrlich of IndieWire, who gave the film an "A" rating, wrote that the film "finds Miyazaki so nakedly bidding adieu — to us, and to the crumbling kingdom of dreams and madness that he'll soon leave behind — that it somehow resolves into an even more fitting goodbye [than The Wind Rises], one graced with the divine awe and heart-stopping wistfulness of watching a true immortal make peace with their own death."[131] IGN's Rafael Motamayor reviewed The Boy and the Heron as Ghibli's "most visually complex film" and awarded it a score of 9 out of 10, where he expressed how Miyazaki has delivered an exceptional conclusion to his distinguished career through a "stunning animated adventure" that reminds audiences of their fortune to witness Studio Ghibli's cinematic creations.[132] On a less positive side, The Guardian writer Radheyan Simonpillai, assigning the film 3 out of 5 stars, saw it as "a gentler and slower though no less soulful addition to his canon."[133]
Accolades
Impact
After the film's release, the novel How Do You Live? became temporarily in short supply due to the "synergy" with the film. The publisher decided to reprint the book, while the volumes were in large quantities on Mercari marketplace app. On July 20, Iwanami Shoten announced on its official Twitter account that the total circulation of the book had reached 1.8 million copies, making it the number one book published by Iwanami Bunko in its history.[164]
Notes
- ^ Second-person plural, as in "you all"
- ^ GKIDS advertised the film as a "semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki."[3]
- ^ Miyazaki refrained from attending the world premiere and participating in promotional activities for the film in Japan, reportedly due to his age and "in an effort to raise the [film's] mystique". Cameron Bailey asked del Toro to present the film.[80][4]
- ^ Deadline Hollywood reported that initial Japanese reactions to the film were "mixed but mostly favourable",[113] while Digital Spy reported that they were "decidedly mixed".[114]
- ^ Attributed to multiple references:[115][116][11][117][9][118]
- ^ Attributed to multiple references:[119][120][121][122][123][124]
- ^ Shared with Barbie, Ferrari, The Holdovers, The Iron Claw, Maestro, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, and Poor Things
- ^ The Boy and the Heron is the first animated film in the history of the Florida Film Critics Circle to win the top prize.[146]
References
- ^ a b Wu, Valerie (October 17, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' Announces English Voice Cast: Christian Bale, Florence Pugh and Robert Pattinson to Star". Variety. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c Brzeski, Patrick (July 15, 2023). "First Reactions to Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film, 'The Boy and the Heron,' Begin to Emerge From Japan". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron". GKIDS Films. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Welk, Brian (September 8, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' Is Studio Ghibli and GKIDS' Biggest Marketing Challenge Yet". IndieWire. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ a b c Schley, Matt (July 18, 2023). "'The Boy and the Heron': It's so good to be back in Hayao Miyazaki's world". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on July 22, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Schley, Matt (July 14, 2023). "How Do You Live: Hayao Miyazaki releases mystery final film". BBC News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ a b Desowitz, Bill (November 22, 2023). "'The Boy and the Heron' Is So Personal, Hayao Miyazaki Needed a Year to Grieve Before Pivoting in a New Direction". IndieWire. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ a b c 「君たちはどう生きるか」宮崎駿監督が、新作映画について語っていたこと。そして吉野源三郎のこと|好書好日 [What "How Do You Live?" Director Hayao Miyazaki had to say about his new film. And about Genzaburo Yoshino]. The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ a b c Rooney, David (September 8, 2023). "'The Boy and the Heron' Review: Hayao Miyazaki Emerges From Retirement With a Profoundly Personal Swan Song". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian. "TIFF 2023: The Boy and the Heron, We Grown Now, Unicorns | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b Oskow, Noah (July 14, 2023). "Review: With Miyazaki's New "How Do You Live/The Boy and the Heron", a Master Returns". Unseen Japan. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ Okun, Alanna (December 8, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron treats growing up with the seriousness it deserves". Vox. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
- ^ Weaver, Jackson (December 9, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron has a beautiful, secret backstory". CBC News. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
- ^ Kronman, Cole (September 29, 2023). "'The Boy and the Heron' Review: Finding Truth in the Unreal". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's farewell film may be his most personal". Nikkei Asia. Nikkei, Inc. Archived from the original on September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Milaković, Hrvoje (December 25, 2023). "The Boy And The Heron: Meet Mahito Maki, The Film's Protagonist". Fiction Horizon. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ Grebey, James (December 8, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron Is the Year's Poopiest Movie". Vulture. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
- ^ "宮崎駿監督「この世は生きるに値する」 引退会見の全文" (in Japanese). The Nikkei. September 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ Highfill, Samantha (September 6, 2013). "Hayao Miyazaki on his retirement: 'This time I am quite serious'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
- ^ Loo, Egan (November 13, 2016). "Hayao Miyazaki Works on Proposed New Anime Feature Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ "Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki". NHK. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ a b Loo, Egan (October 28, 2017). "Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki Reveals His 'Final' Film's Title, Release Window". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- ^ ""The Boy and the Heron": Miyazaki Hayao Carries Viewers into a World of Stories". nippon.com. July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "『君たちはどう生きるか』には宮﨑駿の"ジブリでの全て"が詰まっている【ネタバレあり】". Real Sound|リアルサウンド 映画部 (in Japanese). July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "宮崎駿監督が新作長編の準備に 事実上の「引退」撤回" [Director Hayao Miyazaki prepares for new feature film, effectively withdrawing his "retirement"]. 産経ニュース (Sankei News) (in Japanese). Sankei Shimbun. February 24, 2017. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ "宮崎駿監督の新作、始動!ジブリがスタッフ募集を開始 今度こそ本当に最後の監督作品に…|シネマトゥデイ". シネマトゥデイ (in Japanese). May 19, 2017. Archived from the original on May 20, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Dent, Steve (August 12, 2017). "Studio Ghibli reopens for Hayao Miyazaki's new film". Engadget. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- ^ "宮崎駿監督、新作タイトルは「君たちはどう生きるか」:朝日新聞デジタル". Asahi Shimbun. November 14, 2021. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Piedra, Josh (October 28, 2017). "Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film Title is How Do You Live?". The Outerhaven. Archived from the original on February 21, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- ^ Sharf, Zack (October 25, 2017). "The Insanely Adorable Reason Hayao Miyazaki Came Out Of Retirement". IndieWire. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
- ^ Loo, Egan (December 17, 2019). "Hayao Miyazaki's Next Film Is 15% Complete After 3.5 Years". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
- ^ 日本放送協会 (July 6, 2023). "ジブリ 謎の新作映画「君たちはどう生きるか」鈴木敏夫Pに単独インタ" [Interview with Toshio Suzuki, Prod. of Ghibli's mysterious new film "How Do You Live?"]. NHKニュース. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリがNetflix解禁した理由、鈴木敏夫さんが明かす。宮崎駿監督を「映画の制作費をこれで稼ぎます」と説得". ハフポスト (in Japanese). March 7, 2020. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Nick (May 13, 2020). "Studio Ghibli co-founder teases Hayao Miyazaki's next 'big, fantastical' film". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 15, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Harza, Adriana (March 8, 2021). "Ghibli Producer: Hayao Miyazaki's 'How Do You Live?' Film's Animation Is Half Finished". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ Yanagabashi, Kan (December 28, 2020). "Ghibli Rebooted: Studio Goes 3D for New Movie "Earwig and the Witch"". Nippon.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
- ^ "『君たちはどう生きるか』 制作陣が伝えるドルビーシネマでの表現「あくまで技術の選択肢」|最新の映画ニュースならMOVIE WALKER PRESS". MOVIE WALKER PRESS (in Japanese). August 22, 2023. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ 株式会社インプレス (August 23, 2023). "「君たちはどう生きるか」Dolby Vision/Atmosをどう活用した? 宮﨑監督も気に入ったHDR". AV Watch (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- ^ Mishan, Ligaya (November 23, 2021). "Hayao Miyazaki Prepares to Cast One Last Spell". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Raup, Jordan (October 27, 2022). "Hayao Miyazaki's Next Feature How Do You Live? is Nearly Complete". Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ "キムタク&ジブリ公式が「意味深投稿」 新作映画めぐり匂わせ?ファン期待「確定演出な気がする」". J-CAST ニュース (in Japanese). December 15, 2022. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ・鈴木敏夫氏「君たちはどう生きるか」制作費に言及 "規格外"の金額に共演者「そんなに…」 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex 芸能". スポニチ Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ "(2ページ目)次回作は「あるんじゃないんですか」 鈴木敏夫さんが語る「君たちはどう生きるか」". AERA dot. (アエラドット) (in Japanese). August 9, 2023. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Schilling, Mark (June 5, 2023). "Miyazaki Hayao's Final Film 'How Do You Live': Maximum Secrecy to Be Maintained Until Release". Variety. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
- ^ 【冒頭30分】鈴木敏夫×新谷学「鈴木敏夫はどう生きるか」 [[Opening 30 minutes] Toshio Suzuki x Manabu Shintani "How does Toshio Suzuki live?"] (in Japanese). 文藝春秋 電子版. June 2, 2023. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron Film Reveals English Dub Cast". Anime News Network. October 18, 2023. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b 「君たちはどう生きるか」ストーリー、声優、主題歌が明らかに [Story, voice actors, and theme song revealed for "How Do You Live?"]. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ 宮崎駿監督「君たちはどう生きるか」久石譲が音楽担当 主題歌の存在も明らかに [Hayao Miyazaki's "How Do You Live?" with music by Joe Hisaishi, theme song also revealed]. Eiga.com. July 4, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ "「君たちはどう生きるか」 サウンドトラック / 「君たちはどう生きるか」 サウンドトラック - 徳間ジャパン". Tokuma Japan Communications. Tokuma Shoten. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 13, 2023). "Kenshi Yonezu Performs Theme Song for Hayao Miyazaki's How Do You Live? Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ Hussey, Allison (July 17, 2023). "Listen to the Theme Song for Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "Singer-Songwriter Kenshi Yonezu Talks About Working With Boy and The Heron Director Hayao Miyazaki". Anime News Network. September 12, 2023. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ 君たちはどう生きるか [How Do You Live?] (in Japanese). Toho. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2023. 原作・脚本・監督 宮﨑 駿 [Original story, script, director: Hayao Miyazaki]
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 13, 2022). "Hayao Miyazaki's How Do You Live? Film Opens in Japan on July 14, 2023". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ 東宝2023年以降のラインナップ発表、宮崎駿の新作は「超大作であることは間違いない」 [Toho announces lineup for 2023, Hayao Miyazaki's new work is 'no doubt a blockbuster']. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 13, 2022. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ Brzeski, Patrick (June 4, 2023). "Studio Ghibli to Release Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film 'How Do You Live?' With No Trailer, No Promotional Marketing". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ Pulver, Andrew (June 5, 2023). "Studio Ghibli to release Hayao Miyazaki's final film with no trailers or promotion". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "一切宣伝なしの異例「君たちはどう生きるか」宮崎駿の現在の心境は?鈴木敏夫が明かす". 映画ナタリー (in Japanese). Natalie. June 28, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ "Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition Tokyo 2023". June 29, 2023. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ Harding, Daryl (June 28, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki Worried About Lack of Publicity for How Do You Live? Anime Film". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ 宮崎駿監督、最新作"宣伝ナシ"を心配「大丈夫かなぁ」 鈴木敏夫Pが明かす [Hayao Miyazaki worried about the lack of publicity for his latest work: "I wonder if it will be OK," reveals Toshio Suzuki]. Oricon. June 28, 2023. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ Brzeski, Patrick (July 10, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'How Do You Live?' Will Be First Ghibli Film to Get a Simultaneous Imax Release". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 10, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ^ Carter, Justin (July 8, 2023). "How Do You Live? Will Be Studio Ghibli's First IMAX Film". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on July 10, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ^ McCullough, Hayley (July 8, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's How Do You Live? Is the First Studio Ghibli Movie Ever Released in IMAX". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 10, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
- ^ Rosser, Michael (September 12, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy And The Heron' lands UK-Ireland distribution". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ Frater, Patrick (July 14, 2023). "Miyazaki Hayao's Final Film to Be Known as 'The Boy and the Heron,' Sets North America Release". Variety. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (September 6, 2023). "Boy Pursues Late Mother in Hayao Miyazaki's Animated 'The Boy and the Heron' Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (September 7, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron Film Opens in N. American Theaters/IMAX on December 8 with Preview Screenings on November 22". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』情報解禁へ 劇場パンフレット、ついに11日発売決定". ORICON NEWS. August 7, 2023. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ "宮﨑駿『君たちはどう生きるか』のパンフレット、内容未発表のまま発売へ". KAI-YOU.net (in Japanese). August 7, 2023. Archived from the original on August 7, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Travis, Emlyn (August 18, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's secretive 'The Boy and the Heron' reveals 14 photos". EW.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (July 27, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' to Open Toronto Film Festival Amid Strikes". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' Will Open the Toronto Film Festival". Vanity Fair. July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- ^ Hertz, Barry (September 8, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's dreamy The Boy and the Heron gives TIFF its strongest opening night film in decades". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Roxborough, Scott (August 17, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' to Open San Sebastian Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (August 17, 2023). "New York Film Festival Unveils Spotlight Slate With 'The Boy and the Heron' and Garth Davis' 'Foe' Starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 17, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ "The Festival's 56th Edition Kicks Off by Announcing its Complete Lineup". Sitges Film Festival. September 12, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Gregory, Allie. "Vancouver International Film Festival Announces 2023 Lineup of Films, Live Events and More". Exclaim. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ THE BOY AND THE HERON | Official Teaser Trailer. YouTube. GKIDS Films. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 8, 2023). "Guillermo Del Toro Makes Surprise Appearance At Toronto Film Festival For 'The Boy And The Heron'". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Pugh, Joseph (September 8, 2023). "Famed animator Hayao Miyazaki might not be done making films, says Studio Ghibli VP". CBC News. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ Leston, Ryan (October 3, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki Is Already Working On His Next Film". IGN. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "君たちはどう生きるか:公式ガイドブックが10月27日発売 宮崎駿監督の企画書 本田雄×山下明彦×井上俊之×安藤雅司アニメーター座談会 全キャストインタビューも". MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ) (in Japanese). October 13, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ Brzeski, Patrick (July 18, 2023). "Box Office: Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' Opens Strong in Japan (Despite No Marketing)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "「君たちはどう生きるか」興収21・4億円突破 初動4日間は「千と千尋」超え" [The box office revenue for 'How Do You Live?' surpasses 2.14 billion yen, exceeding the first four days of 'Spirited Away']. Daily Sports (in Japanese). July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』興収36億円突破 週末動員ランキングは2位に 前週比+約15億円" [Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live?" grossed over 3.6 billion yen and ranked 2nd in the weekend attendance ranking, up approximately 1.5 billion yen from the previous week]. ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). July 24, 2023. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The Boy and the Heron - Japanese Weekend". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』興収46億円突破、前週比+10億円" [Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live" grossed over 4.6 billion yen, up 1 billion yen from the previous week]. ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』興収54億円突破 前週比+8億円" [Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live?" grossed over 5.4 billion yen, up 800 million yen from the previous week]. ORICON NEWS. August 7, 2023. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』公開1ヶ月で興収62億円突破 前週比+8億円" [Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live?" grossed over 6.2 billion yen in its first month of release, up 800 million yen from the previous week]. ORICON NEWS. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ "ジブリ新作『君たちはどう生きるか』興収69億円突破 前週比+7億円" [Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live?" grossed over 6.9 billion yen, up 700 million yen from the previous week]. ORICON NEWS. August 21, 2023. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
- ^ "映画ランキング:『MEG 2』1位、『Gメン』2位初登場 『THE FIRST SLAM DUNK』が8位に" [Movie Ranking: "MEG 2" Takes 1st Place, "G Men" Debuts at 2nd Place, "THE FIRST SLAM DUNK" Ranks 8th]. ORICON NEWS. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ "映画ランキング:『ホーンテッドマンション』初登場1位 『こんにちは、母さん』『夜きみ』もランクイン" [Movie ranking: "The Haunted Mansion" debuts at No.1, "Hello, Mother" and "Night Kimi" also ranked]. ORICON NEWS. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron Film Earns Over 7.7 Billion Yen". Anime News Network. September 5, 2023. Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron Surpasses Tales From Earthsea as #20 All-Time Anime Film in Japan". Anime News Network. September 12, 2023. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ "君たちはどう生きるか:興収80億円に迫る スタジオジブリ宮崎駿監督の最新作". MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ) (in Japanese). September 11, 2023. Archived from the original on September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "映画ランキング:『劇場版シティーハンター』1位、『禁じられた遊び』5位初登場" [Movie Rankings: 'City Hunter: The Movie' at First Place, 'Forbidden Play' Debuts at Fifth Place]. ORICON NEWS. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "君たちはどう生きるか:興収81.6億円 546万人動員 スタジオジブリ宮崎駿監督最新作". MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ) (in Japanese). September 19, 2023. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron Film Earns Over 8.16 Billion Yen". Anime News Network. September 20, 2023. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ "君たちはどう生きるか:興収82.5億円 553万人動員 スタジオジブリ宮崎駿監督最新作". MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ) (in Japanese). September 25, 2023. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- ^ "Live-Action Don't Call It Mystery Film Stays at #1 for 2nd Straight Weekend". Anime News Network. September 26, 2023. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- ^ "Live-Action Silent Service Film Opens at #2". Anime News Network. October 3, 2023. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ "4th Girls & Panzer das Finale Film Opens at #4". Anime News Network. October 16, 2023. Archived from the original on October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^
- ¥8.44 billion on October 15: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ¥8.47 billion on October 22: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
- ¥8.5 billion on October 29: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ¥8.52 billion on November 5: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ¥8.54 billion on November 12: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ¥8.56 billion on November 19: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ¥8.58 billion on November 26: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ¥8.6 billion on December 3: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ¥8.61 billion on December 10: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ¥8.64 billion on December 17: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ¥8.66 billion on December 24: "歴代ランキング" [Successive Rankings]. CINEMAランキング通信 (CINEMA Ranking Tsūshin) (in Japanese). 興行通信社 (Kogyo Tsūshinsha). Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ 大高宏雄; 杉本健太郎 (July 21, 2023). "『君たちはどう生きるか』ヒットに映画関係者も驚く3つの"異変"" [Three "anomalies" in the success of How Do You Live?]. BUSINESS INSIDER JAPAN (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron". The Numbers. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ The Associated Press (December 10, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki tops North American box office for the first time with The Boy and the Heron". CBC News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ Murphy, J. Kim (December 9, 2023). "Box Office: 'The Boy and the Heron' Rises to No. 1 in North America With Projected $10 Million Debut". Variety. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ Shackleton, Liz (July 17, 2023). "Critics React To Studio Ghibli's 'The Boy And The Heron'; Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film Described As Mature, Complex & Visually Stunning". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ "First reviews for Studio Ghibli's mysterious new movie The Boy and the Heron". Digital Spy. July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ a b Steen, Emma (July 14, 2023). "First look review: Hayao Miyazaki's 'How Do You Live?'". Time Out. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Watzky, Matteo (July 14, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's How Do You Live?". Full Frontal. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ Lang, Jamie (September 11, 2023). "'The Boy And The Heron' Reviews Roundup: Hayao Miyazaki's Latest Gets Unanimous Praise After International Premiere". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ "'The Boy and The Heron' Review: Miyazaki's Confounding, Cosmic Masterpiece". Inverse. September 11, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron". Toronto International Film Festival. Archived from the original on September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Steen, Emma (September 11, 2023). "Studio Ghibli's latest film 'The Boy and the Heron' finally gets a trailer". Time Out Tokyo. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ McCall, Kevin (August 14, 2023). "First 'The Boy and The Heron' Images Set Up New Studio Ghibli Masterpiece". Collider. Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ "Critics praise Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron' as a triumph of animation". The News International. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ "Hayao Miyazaki's "The Boy and the Heron" finally gets its U.S. premiere". Hindustan Times. August 18, 2023. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ Fuge, Jonathan (October 3, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron Trailer & Posters Tease Studio Ghibli's Acclaimed Fantasy Film". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on December 21, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
- ^ "「モヤモヤと困惑、そして圧倒感…」その物語とは? 宮崎駿『君たちはどう生きるか』速報レビュー。演じる声優など徹底考察". 映画チャンネル (in Japanese). July 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "【最速レビュー】『君たちはどう生きるか』史上もっとも難解な、宮﨑駿監督の集大成". CINEMAS+ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ Strusiewicz, Cezary Jan (July 17, 2023). "Hayao Miyazaki's How Do You Live? is a gloriously demented farewell". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "The Boy and the Heron First Reviews: Masterfully Animated Fantasy on Par with Miyazaki's Best". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ James, Caryn. "The Boy and the Heron review: Miyazaki's 'last' film is a masterpiece". BBC. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ Laffly, Tomris (September 8, 2023). "The Boy and The Heron: Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film Is Among His Deepest, Darkest". TheWrap. Archived from the original on September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Ehrlich, David (September 8, 2023). "'The Boy and the Heron' Review: Hayao Miyazaki's Final Masterpiece Is the Dream-Like Farewell of an Immortal Man Preparing for His Own Death". IndieWire. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
- ^ Motamayor, Rafael (September 8, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron Review". IGN. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ Simonpillai, Radheyan (September 8, 2023). "The Boy and the Heron review – Miyazaki's last movie is a fitting swan song". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ Lang, Brent (September 17, 2023). "Cord Jefferson's 'American Fiction' Wins Toronto Film Festival Audience Award". Variety. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ Rabia (November 4, 2023). "The winners and the BEST OF Imagine". Imagine Filmfestival Amsterdam. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
- ^ Davis, Clayton (November 30, 2023). "New York Film Critics Awards: 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Wins Best Film, Christopher Nolan Takes Director (Full List)". Variety. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ Davis, Clayton (November 6, 2023). "'Killers of the Flower Moon' Named Best Picture by National Board of Review, Lily Gladstone and Paul Giamatti Nab Top Acting Honors". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ a b Davis, Clayton (December 11, 2023). "'The Zone of Interest' Wins Best Picture at Los Angeles Film Critics Awards, Four Women Take Acting Prizes (Full Winners List)". Variety. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 10, 2023). "2023 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) Winners: 'American Fiction' is Best Feature, 'Oppenheimer' Takes Six". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian (December 8, 2023). "Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, Poor Things Lead CFCA Nominations". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Jevens, Darel (December 13, 2023). "Chicago critics name 'Killers of the Flower Moon' the year's best film". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 18, 2023). "St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA): 'Oppenheimer' Wins 7 including Best Picture, Director, Actor". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 17, 2023). "Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards: 'The Zone of Interest' Wins Best Picture, Director". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ^ Jorgenson, Todd (December 18, 2023). "DFW Film Critics Name The Holdovers Best Picture of 2023". Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ^ "2023 San Diego Film Critics Society Award Winners". San Diego Film Critics Society. December 19, 2023. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ a b "The Boy and the Heron flies high with Florida Film Critics". Florida Film Critics Circle. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ "Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives lead pack with most nominations". Florida Film Critics Circle. December 13, 2023. Archived from the original on December 14, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz; Thompson, Jaden (January 3, 2024). "'Barbie,' 'The Zone of Interest' and More Win Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards – Film News in Brief". Variety. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ "2023 Georgia Film Critics Association Award Winners". Georgia Film Critics Association. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 7, 2023). "'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' Lead Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) Astra Awards Nominations". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ Larki, Shadan (January 7, 2024). "'Barbie' Dances the Night Away with 8 Wins at The Hollywood Creative Alliance's 2024 Astra Film Awards". Awards Daily. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
- ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (January 7, 2024). "Golden Globes: Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
- ^ ""Poor Things" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" Lead the 2023 Seattle Film Critics Society Nominations". Seattle Film Critics Society. January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ "SFBAFCC 2023 Awards". San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Whittaker, Richard (January 3, 2024). "Austin Film Critics Association Announces 2023 Award Nominees". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Rich, Katey (December 13, 2023). "Critics Choice Awards 2024: See the Full List of Nominations". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ Darling, Cary (January 9, 2024). "'Barbie,' 'Oppenheimer' lead Houston Film Critics Society's nominations". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (December 20, 2023). "All of Us Strangers, 'Oppenheimer' Lead London Critics' Circle Awards Nominations". Variety. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (January 9, 2024). "Saltburn, Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon Lead Art Directors Guild 2024 Nominations". Variety. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Haring, Bruce (December 21, 2023). "Society of Composers And Lyricists Sets SCL Nominees". Deadline. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (December 18, 2023). "AwardsWatch - International Press Academy Satellite Awards Nominations: 'Oppenheimer,' 'Succession' Lead". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ^ "Longlists, 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards". BAFTA. January 5, 2024. Archived from the original on January 7, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 9, 2024). "Cinema Audio Society Awards Nominations: Barbie, Oppenheimer, The Eras Tour & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ 英介, 浅野 (July 27, 2023). "「君たちはどう生きるか」映画効果で同名小説が再注目 フリマアプリにも大量出品" [The "How Do You Live?" film has brought renewed attention to the novel of the same title, which is now being sold in large quantities on flea market apps]. 産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
External links
- The Boy and the Heron at Toho (in Japanese)
- The Boy and the Heron at IMDb
- The Boy and the Heron at Metacritic
- The Boy and the Heron at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Boy and the Heron (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- 2023 films
- 2023 anime films
- 2023 fantasy films
- 2020s fantasy adventure films
- Animated coming-of-age films
- Animated films about birds
- Animated films about kings
- Animated films about parallel universes
- Animated films set in Japan
- Fictional parrots
- Anime with original screenplays
- Coming-of-age anime and manga
- Films about fishing
- Films about self-harm
- Films directed by Hayao Miyazaki
- Films scored by Joe Hisaishi
- Films with screenplays by Hayao Miyazaki
- Historical fantasy anime and manga
- IMAX films
- Isekai anime and manga
- Japanese fantasy adventure films
- Magic realism films
- Pacific War films
- Studio Ghibli animated films
- Toho animated films
- Best Animated Feature Film Golden Globe winners