THE BOY AND THE HERON Every Detail Explained｜Hayao Miyazaki｜*Spoiler*

★Check out the revised version of this video: • THE BOY AND THE HERON ...
Correction (My apologies.)
10:23 The inscription at the entrance is in Italian.
No part of this content may be reproduced without my permission, including translation. If you cite this content, please include the channel name, Cinema Tokyo, and a link to this video ( • THE BOY AND THE HERON ... ). Thanks!
THE BOY AND THE HERON
From Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli　
Official Trailer: • THE BOY AND THE HERON ...
© 2023 Studio Ghibli
-------------------
●Reference
Studio Ghibli (2023). The Art of “The Boy and the Heron.” Tokuma Shoten.
Susan Napier (2018). Miyazaki World: A Life in Art. Yale University Press.
Hayao Miyazaki (1996). Shuppatsuten 1979~1996. Tokuma Shoten.
Hayao Miyazaki (2008). Orikaeshiten 1997~2008. Iwanami Shoten.
Children's novel "How Do You Live?" by Genzaburo Yoshino
Children's novel "The Book of Lost Things" by John Connolly
Japanese magazine SWITCH Vol.41 No.9
●Inserted Footage
Future Boy Conan (1978)
The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind © 1984 Studio Ghibli・H
Castle in the Sky © 1986 Studio Ghibli
My Neighbor Totoro © 1988 Studio Ghibli
Kiki's Delivery Service © 1989 角野栄子・Studio Ghibli・N
Porco Rosso © 1992 Studio Ghibli・NN
Pom Poko © 1994 畑事務所・Studio Ghibli・NH
Princess Mononoke © 1997 Studio Ghibli・ND
Spirited Away © 2001 Studio Ghibli・NDDTM
Howl's Moving Castle © 2004 Studio Ghibli・NDDMT
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea © 2008 Studio Ghibli・NDHDMT
The Wind Rises © 2013 Studio Ghibli・NDHDMTK
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya © 2013 畑事務所・Studio Ghibli・NDHDMTK
Documentary “The Never-Ending Man” © 2016 NHK
Paul Grimault “The King and the Mockingbird" (Le Roi et l'Oiseau) (1952)
Lev Atamanov “The Snow Queen” (1957)
Federico Fellini “8½” (1963)
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Narration generated with: www.naturalreaders.com/
#TheBoyandtheHeron #HayaoMiyazaki #Miyazaki #Ghibli #anime #manga #kimitachiwadoikiruka

[@mwillillo]

I took from it Miyazaki commenting on how unstable Ghibli is - a minor miracle that it succeeded at all, a house of cards that won't survive when he's gone.

[@MrGojira95]

The Parakeet King stacking the blocks so quickly is exactly like stacking a house of cards way too fast without any patience or the help of a master.

[@raemontargaryen3005]

but he made peace and totally fine with it.

[@arrthe3zy]

Exactly how I interpreted it as well

[@shadowmover63]

When does he comment on this?

[@madhousestudios5214]

What is this about? Studio Ghibli is unstable?

[@sofc2479]

What a useful and comprehensive explanation! Thank you for it. Only a clarification: 10:24, the sentence is not French, it’s medieval florentine Italian. It’s one of the most iconic sentences in Italian literature, definitely not French

[@maritzadavila-irizarry6267]

I notice that too! It is Italian.

[@azairvine]

That would align better with the Mussolini reference I guess

[@friendlyvimana]

Bro pls don't use this computer voice, it makes me feel absolutely nothing. You are a human, i would anyday choose a human over a computer. Pls don't be discouraged by trolls 🙏.

[@coltoneddy3169]

I agree with this comment 100% ! Your voice is much more enjoyable to listen to. This video was absolutely amazing and the most informative one me and my wife found! We were a little confused after watching the movie last night in theatre and did not fully understand. Your video helped hugely keep it up!

[@tigerstorm]

What if English is not his native language and he could struggle to speak in a cohesive manner? This doesn’t prevent the sharing of insightful information!

[@astroneural]

I must agree. At first I thought it was an AI re-rewriting of the blog post "Tips for The Boy and the Heron," but I think now that it was just a source.

[@friendlyvimana]

@@tigerstorm i saw his video on suzume, he knows enough English to speak in it with as much fluency, that me a person who speaks english as my 3rd language, can understand almost in it's entirety. I think at end it comes down to choice between a imperfect human and perfect non-human, i choose the imperfect human, anyday.

[@jenniferogrin3395]

Also agree!

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

Did you know that herons in Native American culture represent an ability to progress and resolve? The legs of the heron represent that you don't need giant pillars to remain stable, but must be able to stand on your own. Which relates to how Mahito must learn to stand on his own without his mom, and the Heron showed him the way. Some natives will carry around heron totems to follow their unique path of wisdom and self-determination. Which I think is interesting because there are totems in the movie, and Mahito himself carries totems around and has them protect him. I only know this information because I'm part Native myself. I think if you look closer, there are more cultural symbolisms in the movie that you wouldn't know about unless you did research. The fact that they chose Mahito's guide to be a heron and how well it fits into what herons represent for Native people feel like it just can't be a coincidence

[@indigostudio2245]

thank you for sharing that’s actually so cool

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

@@indigostudio2245 Yeah, no problem! (^^)

[@parrotbrand2782]

Humans are essentially the same all over the world except for slight differences

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

@parrotbrand2782 Uh... sorry I'm a little confused as to what that has to do with this comment

[@Bytedesigning]

@@mittenvonscrufflears7233 He is saying there are some universal ideas, and the herons here seem to keep to that truth. This movie was based on a book they reference in the movie after all.

[@queazy03]

So much stuff everywhere, but the best things I heard was that 1) Theme is moving forward, scars & all 2) Miyazaki wanted to leave life lessons to his grandchild who he will not be able to see grow up, the same way Mahito's mother is trying to impart words to him after she's gone

[@makukawakami]

Imo, this movie is the deepest Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli movie. On the surface, it's a mix of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. but to me, it's a love letter from Miyazaki to us. He's telling us to create beautiful worlds untainted by malice. That block that Mahito kept at the end is his studio and his movies, a powerful reminder to all of us

[@matthewgates4571]

It's him telling us that it's impossible to create a world without malice.

[@narakudream]

you saw a different analysis and used the lecture of that video 😅 give the man credits at least

[@makukawakami]

@@narakudream tf are you on about? which video? i came to this conclusion after watching the movie.

[@samuelegrandi4279]

Wrong conclusion because Miyazaki hates escapism LOL

[@makukawakami]

@@samuelegrandi4279 so having inspiration and creativity is escapism. Noted

[@vyse4907]

I am surprised to see, that you left the relation of Hayao Miyazaki to his son Goro. I felt like the story was also about that. Apparently he was often cold to goro or disapproved of his projects. I kind of understood the story as him trying to pass on the studio to his son who did not want to create stories like his. Yet he took a stone from his world back to his, maybe suggesting it is a small inspiration to him. In general, the whole story seemed to me like a metaphor for creative work and the challenges one faces when going on that journey, the teachers and friends you meet along the way, etc. Not sure if that read really works throughout the entire movie. I would have to watch it multiple times and think about it more.

[@young__blacksmith]

Very similar to my take as well

[@nikekid009]

Just watched the movie, thank you for this review. It explains so much but leaves it up to my own interpretation.

[@theschmidy]

Wow, this gives so much insight. I didn't know the film had so many parallels and I honestly wouldn't have been able to appreciate the intricacies without your explanation. Well done.

[@KoreyEnright]

I think many of your interpretations are spot on, and the symbolism in this movie is intense. I do think that the Parakeet Empire represents Imperial Japan rather than Fascist Italy, however, and that an alternate interpretation (but not the only, everything in this movie carries multiple meanings) of the Grand Uncle's character is representative of Japanese leadership following the Meiji restoration leading up until the collapse of the Empire of Japan - my reasoning is specifically that 1) the tower appears around the time of the Meiji restoration, and the Grand Uncle creates his magical world around this time, which mirrors Emperor Meiji leading Japan through Westernization and Industrialization with the goal of advancing Japan's interests and crafting a better world for his people. Ultimately, the mistakes made by Japan's leadership following the restoration led to the rise of fascism within the country and the exaltation of the military above all else, leading to the untold suffering both caused and experienced by Japan during WWII. In addition, the collapse of the tower and the tower's world mirrors the way Japan's government fell following WWII, to be reborn and rebuilt following WWII with an emphasis on peace. I would say that the Parakeet King explicitly saying "you risked our empire on blocks" as he destroys the tower is similar to the way the military effectively took control of the reins of government and drove Japan towards self-destruction. You've already mentioned how the parakeets represent a fascist populace, and although the Japanese people did not exalt a single individual the way European fascism manifested (e.g., il Duce), the way the military was treated as the focus of life in Imperial Japan fits well enough. In this same vein, I feel that the pelicans in some way represent Shogunate era Japan and the samurai. The pelicans were effectively waylaid by the creation of the tower world, trapped in a place where they could do nothing but consume the warawara to survive - this mirrors how the shogunate and the samurai way of life (with much of a society's resources going to a massive semi-noble military population) could not survive in a post-industrialization world. In addition, the pelican that is dying is referred to as the Noble Pelican in the credits - while this isn't necessarily that meaningful, I take it to be a reference to the nobility ascribed to the samurai, and how the ending of the samurai order represented the end of what was considered a noble way of life. I don't discount the interpretation of the Grand Uncle as Miyazaki himself, mind you, I just think that Miyazaki was layering multiple meanings, themes, and narratives onto this work. There is the autobiographical, the coming of age story, the cautionary tale of arrogance, the recognition of life as chaotic, and the celebration of youth in that youth has the power to choose the type of world they would like to build among many other themes and stories.

[@kirarax6508]

Good interpretation. I would just like to add (or slightly correct) that the Parakeet King didn't deliberately destroy the blocks after criticizing the Grand Uncle, but rather he tried to build a new tower of blocks himself but failed and the world got destroyed after that.

[@orangecat9559]

​@@kirarax6508he tried to rebuild it, and then sliced them

[@matejmatuska6700]

@@orangecat9559 yeah I think he sliced them becouse he got bored by old rules and logic which destroyed everything and maybe miyazaki is referencing russia with this by saying that it deosnt matter how much you want to build empire if you have bad intentions you cant and you only bring it to collapse and destroy it by your own hands with everyone in it but imperial japan and usa are same courtinly mayazaki wanted to coment on bad regimes and how they are stupid and brake logic to win

[@tankguy5312]

Same situation here in the Philippines I still doubt that Miyazaki can also comment on it too.

[@aSUGAaddiction]

I just saw the movie yesterday night and it appeared disjointed but i saw so much of his other works too. I wasnt aware of the other studios working on it to. I wanted to go in as blind as possible so i could experience it for what it was, a beautiful work by the best animator that has ever lived.

[@barbarasissa1062]

Thank you so much, this video was very insightful, when I first saw the movie I felt a little bit “overwhelmed” like I needed some context to fully grasp the true meaning behind this masterpiece. One little note: when you said in the video that “fecemi la divina potestate” is a french sentence my heart sank. The divine commedy is the foundation of the Italian language and culture

[@antoniogenovese4584]

Finalmente qualcuno che se n’è accorto!!

[@ruggeropablobonetti6457]

Scritto anche io lo stesso giorno. Adesso che noi italiani siamo andati a vederlo qualcuno lo scrive 😂

[@serenedaoud]

very insightful review. I just saw the film yesterday and had many similar reflections as you do here. I also felt it was far and above anything Miyazaki has ever done before, but also closest to his point of departure. I cried a lot, Miyazaki has been a part of my personal growth as artist, storyteller and animation film-maker. I chose animation as my career thanks to his work. He's been my guide, so watching this film about guides guiding guides was surreal to say the least. One critique of your video: it would be more appropriate to use a real live narrator's voice rather than AI. It made many mistakes.

[@stuartburns8657]

Just come back from watching it with my family in the UK. As ever stunning animation but quite confusing and a touch self indulgent. I can more than forgive him though

[@karlmueller1980]

I personally don’t think Miyazaki is done with making movies. I think there are more stories that he wants to tell. He just does not want to be shackled to his past films. He is always striving for greatness.

[@elleh2338]

The birth house was quite common back in the days because blood was considered to be '穢れ’（impurity) , and it was forbidden to enter during delivery. Thus breaking in there was a huge taboo. There is even a story in 古事記 where a princess locks herself in the birth house, putting fire and gives birth.

[@gabrielporto3780]

This film has been on cinemas for a few weeks where I live. I was waiting for the american release so someone would make a video explaining it and let me tell you, you did not disappoint. Thank you for helping me make sense of this masterpiece.

[@ThomasSerruques]

thank you for shedding light on the boy and the heron. the movie is divided in two parts, reality and the world of dreams or maybe the inner world. so to me this movie is very spiritual, showing us through miyazaki's imagination what the spirit world could be like. i love dreaming and it is a joy to share someone else's dreams especially someone with the imagination of our beloved filmmaker. in my life i am willing to imagine the spirit world as much as possible and this movie is great insight for me.

[@ame4734]

This is such an amazingly in-depth analysis, thank you so much!! It's so fascinating how many different places Miyazaki draws inspiration from, my mind is well blown. I can only imagine how much time it took to track all the details down and organizing them into a comprehensive video, thank you for your work!!!

[@DrFayruj]

There's a huge mistake. The writing in the gate of the tower it's not actually french but "volgare fiorentino" or popular florence language (which was one of the protolanguage which'll bring modern italian). This is also the same language which Dante Alighieri wrote "La Divina Commedia" (The Divine Comedy)

[@louielle13]

Finallyyy someone! I was looking for a comment mentioning that mistake. When i heard "french" i was like: "did i just forget how to speak italian cause that's not french":D

[@tigerstorm]

Thank you for providing the crucial inspirations and hidden messages for this masterpiece! I will be watching again tomorrow in subtitled version after today’s English dubbed version! Such an amazing intellectual treat!!!❤

[@masamune3064]

Thank you for this breakdown!! It was well made and really helped me understand all of the complexities and thought processes. Great job!

[@anafaria7420]

Thank you so much for making these amazing detailed videos!

[@RebeccaETripp]

This was absolutely wonderful! Your video really enriched my experience of this film, thanks!

[@Leah_Kaizen]

Very great explanation of all the references and hidden messages in the movie. Would love to know your thoughts on the purpose/concept of the birthing room, why it is taboo for anyone to enter it, and why Natsuko was so angry to see Mahito (I also was really confused why she yelled "I hate you!" to him, where in the human world she seems to be very fond of him). I also didn't understand why Natsuko deliberately went into the dream world to be in the birthing room, and yet she didn't end up giving birth?

[@CinemaTokyo]

Thanks for your comment! Here's my interpretation. The prohibition of entering the birthing room is based on Japanese folk tradition. In ancient times, the Japanese abhorred blood, including childbirth, as "kegare" (=things being dirty and not in their ideal state). For this reason, pregnant women were isolated in a birthing house before and/or after childbirth. Natsuko's birthing room is decorated with bundles of paper, meaning that that place is a sanctuary. The stone that created that world was trying to drive away Mahito and Himi by radiating light. I don't know why but the stone was trying to protect Natsuko and make her give birth in that world. I believe that Natsuko was also called to that tower by the power of the stone like the grey heron was trying to get Mahito into the other world. Although she seems calm on the surface, Natsuko must have been very stressed out. Her sister passed away, and in order to protect her family, she marries her sister's husband. She suddenly has the responsibility of taking care of Mahito. She is the same as Mahito in that an important part of her life was decided outside of her will. Mahito is a good boy on the surface, but it's clear that he has not opened up to Natsuko. (His attitude toward Natsuko differs from that toward the old maids, such as when he abruptly tells the old maids that the food isn't good.) When Natsuko said "I hate you" to Mahito, I believe that stone made Natsuko say it so that Mahito would give up trying to rescue Natsuko. Yet, I believe that the stone amplified Natsuko's negative feelings toward Mahito rather than forcing her to say something she didn't mean. (It's similar to how Sadaijin amplified Tamaki's negative feelings and made her tell Suzume to get out of her house in "Suzume." In both movies, the relationship between the two characters improves after one opens up about her negative feelings, like Mahito calling Natsuko mother for the first time.)

[@awesomestuffies]

I wonder if Natsuko initially stayed to give birth in the other world to give grand uncle an heir of sorts that can remain in his world...

[@melinaanibarro7324]

I really really liked it. I have to watch is a second time to really "get it" but on first watch i really like it. This helps a lot and the way i interpreted the message of the movie was learning to live in a malicious world (war, people, etc) and accepting that. Another thing i noticed was it did feel like "the end". Which was bittersweet. But i can't wait to see this movie again!

[@ab_stuffnart8735]

Thank you for this explanation. It was beautifully well done and well researched!! I love Miyazaki and his studios' work, and this film has left me stunned with grief, inspiration, and yearning. This video is very helpful and intuitive in this sense! Thank you again, and have a lovely day!

[@theoneandonly3578]

Even before watching this video and learning how everything connects to Miyazaki’s life, I appreciated the movie and came to my own conclusion about the meaning of the movie that actually ended up reflecting my own life. But after watching this video, I appreciate the film and Miyazaki way more! Thank you so much for the detailed video, it was very eye-opening! ☺️

[@jonathansautron9923]

Great video I appreciate the movie even more Just a little mistake, the inscription at 10:23 is in Italian, not in french

[@raemontargaryen3005]

people focused on Mahito and the old guy while forgeting the sisters when it come to the theme of “succession” . Mahitos mother was good at controling fire yet she dies from it. its almost like a poetic touch of a incredible talent thats consuming life for a price. (just like miyazaki’s life). her aunt is her replacement of a mother figure for Mahito. it might not be the same, but with the same intention of caring for him, things wont be as bad as Mahito think it would be. its like a way of saying “its ok if i will be replaced by someone not as similar ad me” . cuz it still will be fine .

[@sirrenakern7888]

You did so well with this video thank you so much🎉new subscriber😮😊

[@BryanMiraflor]

this makes the movie make much more sense, thank you. watching the movie in theaters was like watching a fever dream lmao

[@The_Gake]

I wasn't expecting to find a video this well made about the movie already considering the release date, i felt like i learned alot about this fantastic film

[@Miishachan]

Thanks for adding all these details ❤ it’s interesting to know the process and back story ! It’s a movie that makes you wonder a lot about it’s meaning. Friends in japan told me there isn’t any advertising for his movie there … Im sure there is a reason for that too (Also it’s not French but Italian on the gate 😊)

[@beamantel1926]

Just awesome...the movie and your video too! Thanks so much😊✨👍

[@smh_6421]

great video. thanks for all the great work

[@duonguc5566]

Love your video, I also think the film incorporates many personal aspects of the director, but the spiritual aspects of it are more significant, too. "サギ" with the kanji "鷺," it means a heron (bird), but if written as "サギ" with the kanji "詐欺," it means fraud, deception. Therefore, Kiriko asserted that the heron is a deceitful creature, and Mahito did not believe in it during the first half of the movie. The heron is a sacred bird in the beliefs of ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Celtic culture. It serves as a connection between humans and divine entities, symbolizing the rebirth of the soul. According to legend, Athena sent a heron to accompany Odysseus so that he would be aware of the goddess's constant watch and guidance. Similarly, Mahito was guided by a heron throughout his spiritual journey within the tower. In the film, the heron also plays the role of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus became conscious of his mission to bear the sins of humanity and undergo baptism, this act pleased God the Father. God the Father then sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, openly confirming Jesus as the Son. The blue heron remarked, "It seems the long-awaited one has appeared." Subsequently, there is a scene where Mahito is immersed in water, symbolizing a baptism. Heron's accomplices are carp and frogs. The carp will eventually transform into dragons. As for the frogs, in Japanese, they are called kaeru カエル, which means to return. They want to convey to Mahito to return inside and remember who he truly is, then ascend (transform into dragon) and become the lord of the tower. This is the message from the God/ The grand uncle. The heron is a devious one. It falsely claimed Mahito's mother was still alive to lure him into the tower to save her. It spoke deceitfully, yet it spoke the truth. A younger version of Mahito's biological mother IS inside the tower - Himi. And he need to free the person he would call "mother" - Natsuko. Mahito attempted to engage it in combat with a sword, but it effortlessly broke his blade as if it were a toy. The sword symbolized human reason (cutting, distinguishing between white/black, right/wrong). When humans are in pain, no matter how hard they tried, they could not resolve the suffering by rational thoughts. The sword broke twice to emphasize this. Mahito was forced to understand the heart. Mahito's arrows were self-propelled thanks to the feathers made from the seventh feather he obtained from the heron. This detail is related to the feather of Ma’at. The feathers of the goddess of justice, Ma’at, have seven attributes: Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Righteousness, and Compassion. These are the qualities of spiritual practitioners. When hit by an arrow with the seventh feather, the heron was tamed by Mahito's focused meditation. It no longer resisted but transformed into its true form, an "angel" (a being with wings), guiding Mahito on his path. So in short, this is a journey of enlightenment. As your heart opens wide and your eyes remain clear, you will ascend higher. You will see endless possibilities, and you will be given the pieces to create the reality you desire. How do you live?

[@annaf.1109]

Wooow thank you ❤️🙌

[@pagandakali260]

This is so insightful, the detail about the carp and frogs especially makes perfect sense to me! I hope that was really the intended symbolism behind it, but even if not, I'm integrating it into my interpretation now :D The heron being true to its name and giving Mahito a half-truth in regard to his mother is also a puzzle piece that fits so perfectly Thank you for sharing!!

[@alessandrogallo281]

Dante is Italian. 'Fecemi la divina potestate' is not French. It's Italian. It is part of the inscription on the door to Hell in the Divine Comedy. “Per me si va ne la città dolente, per me si va ne l’etterno dolore, per me si va tra la perduta gente. Giustizia mosse il mio alto fattore: fecemi la divina podestate, la somma sapienza e ’l primo amore. Dinanzi a me non fuor cose create se non etterne, e io etterno duro. Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate”. Through me you pass into the suffering city; through me you pass into eternal pain; through me you pass among the forsaken people. Justice moved my Maker; I was created by divine Power, supreme Wisdom and highest Love. All that came before me was eternal, and I last eternally. Abandon all hope, you who enter.

[@tjjordan4207]

I’ve always believed that all of the Ghibli films are set in the same universe, just across different time periods.

[@Mute-chan420]

Stop making everything into the MCU

[@house0paine535]

@@Mute-chan420lmao

[@house0paine535]

@@Mute-chan420Bluds tryna make the Miyazaki Cinematic Universe.

[@graceyyun2745]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I loved learning about the possible connections between themes and scenes from the movie and Mr. Miyazaki’s real life.

[@jambudvipi]

Thanks It was very detailed 😊

[@Spiritryptamine]

The Boy and the Heron was an absoluty incredible watch. The symbolism in it hit me so hard. As soon as Mahito first arrived in the underworld, on the island with the golden gates, I immediately thought of the painting "The Isle of the Dead". Hearing Kiriko confirm that, indeed, most are dead down there, everything just made sense. There comes a time in childhood when you realize you cannot go back in time and go back to how things were, that death is inevitable. Life suddenly takes another meaning. You have to deal with it being seemingly ruthless and ugly. In my opinion, Mahito's journey was about confronting those aspects of life. In the end, it was up to him to find beauty in life, just like his greatuncle suggested. Which is more, Mahito decided not to stay in the underworld, in his own imagination, but instead live life with the cards he's been dealt. In some way, I'm sure it was also a way for Miyazaki to say goodbye to all the children memories he's brought to us. We're maybe not children anymore, but our inner children always resonated with his movies. He tells us, in the most beautiful way that, even though life can be one hell of a mess, it still holds beauty.

[@richi1790]

You couldn't describe this movie better, but I have a doubt, were the Warawara the souls of children? Well, I have heard that it is mentioned that children, since they do not sin, do not perish after death, it will be that the reason why they are granted 'reincarnation'? the shadow men they have been then? I wait your answer thank you.

[@Spiritryptamine]

@@richi1790 @richi1790 Thanks for your comment and appreciation ! Unfortunately, the Warawara was the one piece of symbolism that didn't speak that much to me. While watching the film, I felt that their elevation to the real world looked a bit like DNA strings, but I watched it again and had to admit that it wasn't the case, or that it isn't made that clear. However, I felt that they were useful to show that life is sometimes ruthless by nature, since the wounded pelican explains that his species eat the Warawara by necessity, as they can't find sufficient food in the underworld. What you're talking about specifically, I believe, is "Limbo". It's a Christian belief that goes as follow : children who die before being baptized don't go to heaven, because they haven't been freed from the original sin, nor do they go to hell as they are too young to have sinned. It is unclear if these children may eventually access heaven. This could be an interesting theory regarding the Warawara and their reincarnation. What's for sure is that they loosely represent the soul, or life, since they are destined to be born in the real world. I would need to rewatch the film to gain a greater undertanding of their symbolism !

[@deborahkogan8742]

Thank you so much for explaing things, and giving the references in the movie. I would like to check out these influences some time.

[@Jdshald]

Great video. Thank you

[@oldrichpriklenk5089]

inexhaustible review with many actually cool references, great job 👍

[@ethnicwire]

Super thanks I loved the video🎉🎉❤

[@Acqua99]

Great great work! Thank you!!!!

[@patrick924]

Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki is one of the greatest artist. Since he didn't even promote this movie and it is one of the greatest hits.

[@chrisnawara1363]

great analysis! i thought the movie was beautiful, and very dense - i didn't understand everything and i feel like you answered so many of the questions I had. I don't mind art being dense or vague, I enjoy things that are open to interpretation and reading various theories other people have

[@TheGabe473]

Super thanks!

[@agusterodin]

The movie was amazing. Super dense and layered. A lot to take in. Can't stop thinking about it. Planning on going out and seeing it again.

[@TheGirthFactor]

Great insights, thank you!

[@TheBlaBla339]

Will definitely go back and watch it again after this video!

[@user-sh6tt2xx2h]

i learnt a lot, so thanks !

[@ruggeropablobonetti6457]

Nice video and explanation! It answered many of my questions about the film and I really enjoyed the links with Miyazaki's life and other works. I don't know if you can modify it, but the inscription in the portal "Fecemi la divina potestate" isn't in French, but in the first form of Italian, from the XIII century. Again, great video!

[@bobechi]

Finally some educated observations about the symbolism of the gate, cyprus trees, hungry pelican spirits, parakeets… wow thank you! I think it’s the best explanation I’ve ever heard.

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

Very nice thanks for the video

[@themanicorn]

What a great Explained video! How else I would know?! I would never know!

[@blazenkatkalcevic6374]

I just saw the movie with my sister and my little girls. Thank you for making this review and explanations. As non-Japanese we felt that there were a lot of meanings in the film that needed to be explained to us. Despite the huge number of ambiguities, two hours in the film were perfect! The calmness of the film was spilled over to my daughters and my sister and me. Thank you!

[@donshhproduction1418]

Thanks for this masterpieces summary of The Boy and The Heron. Because I heard alot people complaining about it and I just watch it yesterday. As the story goes by I did lost track on what they were really talking about and it not that I don't understand what it is but it's because of Hayao Miyazaki artwork always fantasize me so badly. I was star-struck by every single scene.The amount of artwork he put into this pieces was a simply masterpieces. I knew there's always behind meaning to it because I watch every single Studio Ghibil of Hayao Miyazaki produce, no matter what story is it there's always a reason why he choose to narrate his way. I'm so sorry if some of you guys don't like his recent film or didn't expect what you guys are looking for. But this is how Hayao Miyazaki legendary story works. When I get to know Hayao Miyazaki's every single pieces of his movie he did was related to his real life story it make me even sad and want to cry so badly. I can't imagine how did he go thru with his life it must be torturing moment for him.The amount of time to achieve his art, his idea and many other more. It took 3 years to achieve one story and every story that he produce is magnificent. I swear I can go all day and talk about this but I will stop here. I hope there's more coming from him before he really decide to step down even though he have been saying for 3 times. My dream come true is to watch Studio Ghibil in a cinema and it happen. And can we not forget about Joe Hisaishi soundtrack masterpieces guys. I swear his composer for this film is another hit of his masterpiece. I don't know how he did it but it always magical no matter what. The only person who can pull this off is just Joe Hisaishi. Both legendary for working together and coming out such an amazing storyline and soundtrack. I hats off to you both legendary master. 🙇‍♂ Thanks to whoever had read all the way till the end. 🙏🤍

[@Paulina_101]

I have watched the movie and left the theater a bit confused. It makes sense why the movie was the way it is. You did a great movie analysis.

[@ty_sylicus]

This was a hard video to enjoy due to the robot voice.

[@house0paine535]

There is something weird about an A.I video about Miyazakis works that are so full of life and intentionally anti automation 😆 There were some good references in here, but some of it was just flat out false.

[@JoeFE93]

Beautiful explanation video

[@ILLRICARDO]

I feel that miyazaki is preparing us for the end of his time as an animator and an end to studio ghibli....😭

[@BemilyAndBoomer]

Just watched this movie today and it immediately became my favorite movie. I’m thankful for this video. I love hearing the deeper meaning behind the movie. I felt a little lost afterwards but loved that it left me thinking

[@arturomartini6900]

i never comment under youtube videos usually, but omg what an insane analysis. congrats

[@Zukasaproductions]

Very informative video, gave me some insight on some design choices I found confusing and did not get a payoff during the runtime.

[@DavidWetzel]

Great summary and analysis!

[@Madigan1984]

Wow, great video

[@ejteope9322]

nice explanation!

[@nairobirivero1963]

Thanks!

[@CinemaTokyo]

Thank you!

[@Rcecio84]

I remember that when seeing the scene of Mahito landing in the Dreamworld with that shot of his foot and the sea below, I thought "this guy must have seen 8 1/2"... Glad I spotted the reference 😌

[@PsionicDude]

I appreciate that you're trying different voiceover methods, but I prefer hearing your real voice in the videos. It feels more genuine that way.

[@CelceaClip]

Thanks

[@NeverLastingLuv]

Best breakdown of the film I've seen

[@tegarhandono]

I just watched this movie a few days ago. After it ends, many of question appeared to me. and yes, your explanation really answered all of my questions, thahnks! I dont' really expect this movie is fully w/emotions, inspiration and his thoughts (Miyazaki-sensei).

[@vikirn]

Wow 🤯 it's truly a masterpiece

[@a.p.vonsauber6292]

Brilliant

[@ScoutSailor]

Thanks so much for not "explaining" the movie - it really is about interpretation.

[@ShendySubroto]

When watching the film in cinema, I noticed the shot resemblance of the scene where Mahito descending to beach of hell are very similar tothe 8 1/2 legendary shot. Your analysis just confirms it. Kudos!

[@PhantomStella]

Loved to hear all these details and parallels. This was my fiancé's first Miyazaki film and he loved it! I'm excited for when we'll go through his other movies and when this one is on DVD

[@santiwang5798]

got chills when you mention the book of the lost things as the inspiration of the movie, its my favourite book. now i can see the similarity between both of the book and movie.. was confuse when i watch the movie, but slowly as it marinates in my head it amaze me..

[@harrishartman]

a lot of symbol i didn't know. very much appreciated.

[@Dani3076]

Köszönjük!

[@CinemaTokyo]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your support.

[@Greene-Machine]

I actually really love your real voice, rather than this AI voice. The AI voice is a bit disturbing. Other than that, I enjoyed your review. Please bring back your real voice!

[@valispkd1]

I think this is my first comment on a KZbin video. But i have to thank you for this video, it’s like a map for the fantastic world of this movie

[@MarioLanzas.]

10:23 Italian*

[@diegoparedes1097]

Latin*

[@Pangjunmin]

I thought the parakeet king was a representation of miazaki's son, you could see the gramd unkle/miasakinhad a relationship with the bird king, and the world didn't really collapse until he tried to rush out his own tower which she also destroyed, that monstrosity of a tower represents "earwig and the witch" which initiated the destruction of the world , which i interpreted as studio ghibli, Miyazaki's world

[@hatesBarney4life]

What is "Earwig and the Witch"?

[@house0paine535]

@@hatesBarney4lifea cgi “Ghibli” movie made by his son that is barely worth looking at the cover photo. I’ve watched most of it, it is awful and ugly.

[@ValKob]

I feel bad but Earwig and the witch is a guilty pleasure of mine lol 😆

[@vyse4907]

Interesting and interpretation and also somewhat cruel. It matches their relationship however. I hoped he was seeing Goro in Mahiko, who „refused“ to carry on his legacy. Your interpretation seems more accurate to their actual relationship however…

[@swampselkie]

You mentioned Dante's 'Divine Comedy', but I suspect there may be a wider debt to the genre of medieval dream vision as a whole, in particular Chaucer's 'Parlement of Fowles', 'House of Fame', and 'Book of the Duchess'. All three of these poems explore the connection between dreams and artistic creation, and 'Book of the Duchess' and 'Parlement of Fowles' both see their narrator reading books before they enter their respective dream realms. 'Parlement of Fowles' centres around a hierarchy of anthoropomorphic birds, while the dream guide of 'House of Fame' is an eagle who flies the narrator between fantasy landscapes, including two unstable houses/palaces. Truth and lies are a major concern within 'House of Fame', while the narrator of 'Parlement of Fowles' passes through a gate whose inscription seems to promise both knowledge and death. 'The Book of the Duchess', meanwhile, prominently points to the images of the earlier fictions from which it is constructed (here shown as stained glass and fresco on the walls of a room), and the dream is instigated by the death of a woman (the Duchess); while the dream allows her husband to come to terms with her death, the narrator is able to use this process to create art. I'm not sure what the Isle of Grave is - did I hear that part correctly? Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain on the English mainland, and I haven't seen anyone draw a connection between its location and the landscape of Böcklin's 'Isle of the Dead' before now.

[@user-xn7jc4ve7g]

Thank you for the enlightenment that I just watched the movie yesterday. I was full of confusion but inside I felt that the animation is really beautiful. However, coming with confusing story, it is also full of meaning which I could not figure out by myself. It is proven that from your explanation, it is really deep and involve so many source and interpretation. YOu have to label this into 13++ actually since it is a bit 'heavy'..

[@seoyyoon]

actually in an interview it was said the heron was inspired by his own experience of a heron frequently flying around his porch

[@TheBlueGoldenHawk]

12:20 wow I didn't realize that Japanese was written right to left because of the weird katakana used instead of hiragana plus it doesn't make sense left to right, but it makes sense now since the title on Mahito's book of "How Do You Live" is also written horizontally right to left, which tricked my brain at first and I thought it was mirrored lol.

[@yourneighbourtotoro3644]

thanks for this video! Just one note: the inscription at the entrance to the tower is in Italian and not in French. Dante was an Italian writer and poet of the 13th and 14th centuries. Even the pronunciation of the synth voice, being an archaic form of Italian, is not perfectly correct.

[@surrealist1976]

I cried when the trailer came out

[@kaitlinbrown8174]

I definitely caught the same vibes of The Book of Lost Things as I watched the film, it is one of my favorite books!

[@charelmeyrer9961]

Maybe it‘s important to tell you that this is not French but Italien on the entrance😅

[@abelrrant]

I interpreted the blocks being destroyed by the parakeet king would be inveitable impluse to keep Ghibli afloat by who ever tries to imiate him. That the world crumbling is Miyazaki making peace that there will not a person ever like him and its okay. That he failed to find a successor. like what's said in the video A friend died during production and there was a shift from beginning. this movie had many instances or nods to his past works. grave of the fireflies, running up and down the stairs like from spirited away.

[@smokaction]

Ok. Makes more sense now.

[@saigebergstrom4800]

This video was interesting like fr 😂 i have adhd and i was so focused

[@awesomestuffies]

Tq

[@oneflower6166]

wow pointing all the references in the movie was amazing. i loved this movie so much. it was the first Miyazaki movie i've seen in theaters, and the first one I've watched in Japanese for the first time. can't wait to go watch all these movies that inspired the making of the movie. i wonder why the English title of the movie is "the boy and the heron", why was it not directly translated to "how do you live"?