The Boy and the Heron - Review

[@jonathanchen1026]

I just watched the movie and I have mixed feelings about it. The art and animation looked great, but story wise I was left confused and just was wondering what was going on the entire movie. I was questioning why did this happen? Why did that happen? Why are they showing this? And in the end the payoff wasn’t satisfying as I hoped. I hoped all my questions would just be answered, but realized I need to research and watch reviews to understand what happened.

[@donniesizemore9272]

So basically the plot is kinda in pieces because The Main 3 characters Mahito, Heron, Great Uncle are based off of the main 3 Stufio Gibili people. Unfortunately while writing the story boards for it the person the Great Uncle was based off of died and it left Miyazaki (Mahito) unable to fully write that character. So thats partially why its left opened up like it is

[@fredferd965]

There IS a lot of history in this film, and the movie is a kind of reaction to what happened. The fire depicted in the movie was probably the hideous Tokyo Incendiary Raid of March 9 and March 10, 1945. That blaze killed more people than the two atomic bombs combined. After something like that happens to you, you will try to make sense out of a world gone mad. There was another author that did almost the same thing in his own way - Kurt Vonnegut in Slaughterhouse Five.

[@matten_zero]

That's how I felt. I've been watching his films since the 90s and anime fan just as long as that. But I will be honest and say It's one of his weaker works. Still a better family film than most of modern Disney as it approaches mature topics in a wholesome way. And the voice acting really wasn't there. The performances really fell flat. I'd rather have had actors who aren't "too big for the moment" to put on a performance. Will DeFoe and Pattinson were decent, but the rest of it was kinda meh.

[@johncra8982]

I suggest avoiding reviews, explainer videos, and other forms of digestive content when it comes to this film. You're really just robbing yourself if you do that. Give it some time, think about the characters and their journey on your own, listen to the soundtrack on youtube, if you can afford it watch the film again. But please don't get some youtuber to slopify a nearly decade-long work rife with meditations on mortality and eternity, death and life, loss and love for you. I watched this film many many weeks ago at a special screening, came away confused. Then it began to wash over me slowly, and now when I attended the IMAX previews that started happening recently, the dam broke and I finally get it and connect with it so strongly on an emotional level that it's going to sit comfortably near the top of my list of my favorite ghibli films. I strongly urge anyone reading this to have some faith in yourself, give the film and ghibli the benefit of the doubt here (they've earned it more than any other studio in existence) and give yourself time to contemplate the film on your own. There's a huge difference between simply being told something and arriving at a deep understanding yourself. Don't rob yourselves of that impact.

[@oliviae6423]

Everyone will have a different opinion, but I personally didn't have trouble following it at all. True not all of the rules of the worlds are explained and many things are left ambiguous, but I think that's intentional. We the audience are experiencing this strange, brand new world alongside Mahito, and so those moments of confusion are natural because it is what we would feel in Mahito's shoes. Best way to experience Ghibli is to just go with the flow, absorb it, think about it, and ask questions after sitting with them for a while. Miyazaki seems to really like challenging his audience, and myself and my friends really benefit from rewatching his movies. I know I'm definitely buying a second ticket lol

[@makukawakami]

Imo, this movie is the deepest Miyazaki 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 a symbol of the movie itself, a powerful reminder that we have the power to create something beautiful.

[@alexedi]

also, the original japanese title is ”how will you live?”. or ”how do”, i forgot :)). but it`s much more telling than the english title. this movie is a wonder, i just saw it yesterday. and apart from the imagery (kind of ”a best of miyazaki”, with the clouds, the pastures, the signature little creatures), oh my god, the sound design is just spectacular. will go back this evening (i have a multiplex nearby, 15 min walk). and tiny visual details that only he does! i can only describe his films as grace.

[@makukawakami]

@@alexedi How do you live is more fitting but it might not catch on/confuse the layman.

[@tinag7506]

Except Princess Mononoke actually had a coherent plot

[@makukawakami]

@@tinag7506 definitely the middle part feels rushed but it's cohesive for me

[@chrisjovanovic2321]

Saw this today with my son and we loved it! Weird, beautiful, still stuck in my brain, all the things you would come to expect with Ghibli/Miyazaki. So far, nothing has bumped Princess Mononoke out of my number one slot, but I would still highly recommend Boy and the Heron 👍

[@MrQuotes]

Just here to permanently petition for everyone to watch Porco Rosso, my personal favorite Miyazaki movie.

[@DaveRoman]

It's definitely an underrated one! But so great in its own right.

[@kairoskonquest1164]

Literally my favorite studio Ghibli film other than Kiki’s delivery service!

[@monmothma3358]

It has a bit of an abrupt ending (you're like "What? It's over?"") but is sooo beautiful. Totally worth it.

[@erikstevenson8508]

I wasn't a fan of The Boy and the Heron. Maybe I'll like it more after I sit with it for a while, think about some of the themes and metaphors, and maybe rewatch a time or two once it's on streaming. I just didn't feel particularly invested in any of the characters in this movie in a way that I am for every other Ghibli movie I've seen, and it just got too surreal for me (something I would never have thought I'd say for Ghibli).

[@kiwii5463]

this is exactly how i feel. im sure i will like it more as it sits with me. i didnt dislike it though! i liked it for sure. it just didnt hit me as much as i hoped it would. what i think is perhaps im not at the right point in my life for it. im sure as i grow a little more perhaps the movie will click in place for me. for now, i enjoy the visuals and the environment

[@MrRobertGillan]

I feel the same way. I’m still processing everything that happened. I think it requires a second viewing but I just didn’t get that Ghibli feeling that I get from his previous films.

[@cvnavalew3]

It’s trash. Not much to process.

[@lucasblue4548]

Same! I didn't dislike it at all but it just felt so long and really unlike everything else he's done. It was visually awesome but just didn't suck me in like the rest.

[@LindaTran88]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[@SakugaObscurious]

3:33 "Not many animators working in the hand-drawn medium." - I'm sorry, I have to heavily disagree on that statement. Maybe in the US, but hand drawn animation very much alive in other countries. Japan obviously leads the pack. I'm not just talking about Miyazaki, there are other talented animators and directors who have also made a name for themselves in the hand-drawn medium. I recommend you check out the works of Mamoru Hosoda, Mamoru Ooshii, Makoto Shinkai, Masaaki Yuasa, Satoshi Kon, Takeshi Koike, Hideaki Anno etc.

[@JustJay888]

I just got back from watching this movie. Without watching a single trailer I still held the movie to high standards and it met every single one of them. Though it isn't my favorite out of the studio Ghibli movies it's still up there with the ones before it. I loved this movie and I couldn't stress it enough to check it out especially if you're a fan of the studio or Miyazaki.

[@bradzillabrave6856]

I'm seeing this with my parents this afternoon. Can't wait to enjoy the world of Miyazaki again.

[@Dimension2364]

I‘m a huge fan of all the Miyazaki movies - but I’m also living under a rock. So, before watching this video I had no idea that this movie was coming and now I’m very excited. I‘m so grateful that you exist as my reliable source to good movies. Because of you I‘m not only going to the cinema much more often - I’m also having a much better time doing so because I almost never get disappointed. Thank you so much Dan! Greetings from Germany

[@jackieclan815]

Same

[@ektran4205]

he also did tv series

[@jackieclan815]

@@ektran4205 what series?

[@ektran4205]

@@jackieclan815 his pre gibili stuff

[@monmothma3358]

As a huge fan who'll never forget the first time I saw a Miyazaki film (Princess Mononoke, blew my mind) - I think this one's storytelling is flawed. The animation isn't - the animation really is spectacular and utterly gorgeous - but the storytelling is. And I don't think it was all intentional. It was not just about subtext and "feeling it vs understanding it" because it wasn't all that evocative of feeling all the time either. Like I'm easily moved, takes nothing for me to cry. I've cried heaps at other Ghibli movies, but even the ending of this one didn't make me feel much. Mostly it was confusing and too episodic, because new elements of the world was introduced all the time, while the story itself didn't progress, and we didn't get to know the characters better.

[@fredferd965]

We just saw the film a few hours ago. Everybody will have their own impression of the film, but mine is this: I had never realized how beautiful their world was, nor how much pain they endured when they burned, bled and died. We destroyed everything they had, and them as well. The Boy is the Spirit of Japan, shell shocked and numb, dazed and bewildered, facing an impossible situation. The Boy was all of that, and I am sure Miyazaki was as well (he was the Boy, after all), but the one thing he was not was defeated. He never gave up. The Spirit of Japan lives on.

[@johncra8982]

the best praise I can give this film is that I travelled to NYC to watch it weeks ago and in an hour I'm watching it a third time in IMAX. it has a lot of mature imagery and pacing but it really feels like Miyazaki is not just making a film about his own place in the world, he's also making a film to help young kids understand concepts like mortality and death in a healthy way. I know the Best Animated category is always cooked at the Oscars, bc voters just pick whatever their kids tell them to choose, but I really hope The Boy and The Heron wins this year, especially considering my actual favorite Animated film this year, Suzume, likely won't even be nominated (this is especially wild for me bc I don't even like anime 😅).

[@johncra8982]

also, Joe Hisaishi seriously deserves to be nominated for his score in this film.

[@andrewabraham7455]

Not saying the Oscars aren’t cooked or commenting on who SHOULD win,but if Spider-verse wins, I don’t think it’s unearned. Sequel to 2019’s Best Animated Feature, 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, 3rd highest grossing (US) film of the year, 6th highest grossing (global) film of the year, Best Animated Film winner at the National Board of Review, and selected for the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute is a pretty impressive resume.

[@stephenatwood241]

Suzume is (at this point) my favorite film of 2023. I can easily (and sadly) figure that it will be royally snubbed from Oscar contention this year.

[@MrJimbeezee]

My five year old daughter has seen Ponyo, Totoro, and Spirited Away without any issues. Would I be able to take her to see this film? I did notice this was rated PG-13…

[@johncra8982]

@@stephenatwood241 yeah I went into Suzume expecting nothing bc I'd only ever heard very dismissive things about Makoto Shinkai (and again, not a fan of most modern Japanese media in general). ended up going to watch it with my family and friends 7 times, and all those screenings were in quick succession too bc it was right at the end of its theatrical run. probably would've gone more times if it hadn't left theaters when it did. my other favourite films this year are things I expected would end up on my list at the start of the year, like Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, Anatomy of a Fall, etc. but Suzume came in swinging and hit me like Interstellar, unforgettable experience. in fact, the last twenty minutes or so of that film are like all of Interstellar's most emotional scenes stitched together and dialed up to 11. there's obviously better made films this year, but it's probably going to end up at the top of my personal list. very similar to Godzilla Minus One, in that way.

[@samuel.jpg.1080p]

I really agree with you that all Miyazaki's films have this magical charm that pull you into their worlds. The Boy and The Heron is undeniably his most complex film but I think that's why the surreal is so effective for me this time. It's part fantasy, part metaphor for how Mahito is feeling at that moment, how he experiences grief of losing a mother and being in a situation that life still needs to continue even if the world is messy. It's contemplative, mature and subtle work of art.

[@curlyq1305]

Hayao Miyazaki is one of my favorite directors/ animators; his worlds are so creative and surreal. I can’t wait to see this one!

[@Nicholasmcmath-cr1xl]

Same

[@shazzakip2]

It was visually beautiful but it felt like 30% of the script had been cut. The plot was meandering and things just happened because they needed to. The 'first third' was half of the movie, and the final act felt like it was given a whole 5 minutes. Visually gorgeous but the weakest Ghibli film by far when it comes to substance

[@aestheticandnostalgic4017]

Miyazaki's work will always be an inspiration 💯

[@bradenloveland8191]

Took my son to watch it today. We both had a great time. It has some Spirited Away vibes. Studio Ghibli has such a great collection of movies.

[@GoddessOfWhim2003]

Robert Pattinson deserves an Oscar for his role as The Heron

[@countgeekula9143]

Very much looking forward to this. Big Ghibli and Miyazaki fan. Love all his stuff but for whatever reason I always find myself going back to Kiki's Delivery Service as probably my fave. Just adore it.

[@seriliaykilel]

I know you are still fairly new in your anime journey Dan but strongly recommend watching any of the movies by Satoshi Kon. He died fairly young but his filmography was phenomenal.

[@recetasfaciles2816]

Satoshi Kon es un maestro. Gracias por mencionarlo.

[@nurarihion]

As with so many of Miyazaki’s movies, he is great at delivering amazing visuals, interesting characters and emotional themes, but falls flat most of the time by the time the third act comes by. My biggest complaint with the movie is the central plot of loss not being resolved (and please don’t come saying that the ending was left open because loss is never closed, that’s just a poetic way of excusing weak plotting) What I mean by this is that, by scene one we know the biggest challenge the main character Mahito is gonna face is accepting his mother’s death. So grieve and loss are placed at the center of the story at the very beginning. Then his father marries another woman Natsuko whom Mahito cannot accept because he’s still in grieve for his actual mother (represented by the continuous nightmares) So there it is challenge number two: accept this new woman in his life and open emotionally to her. So the very thing the Heron clues at is that Mahito’s mother is in this other magical world, that’s motif number one, motif number twi is that Natsuko herself is lost to this world. So the natural rythm of the story is that Mahito enters this new world to find his mother who might be alive and Natsuko who is pregnant with his future brother. But then after a long wandering in this world we are presented with a third plot, the one of the world builder being Mahito’s great great father or something and Mahito needing to become the heir to the old man’s creation. So by this time the movie was really tiresome cause there was no progress in the two first plots and there is already a new plot introduced almost in the middle of the movie. So honestly the movie feels like it drags itself for ages with no clear progress towards any of the plots it presents. The girl that appears with fire powers was clearly her mother, almost everyone got that as soon as she appeared. And Natshuko is prehnant and sick at a. nursery room Mahito cannot enter. The pieces for great story are there, a mystery girl who is Mahito’s death mother, and Natsuko in labor pain hating him and the world she left behind. But no, we are stuck with the third plot as some more wandering is made, till the movie must come to an end. The world crumbles apart, Natsuko for some reason is out of the nursing room, she no longer hates Mahito and is no longer in pain. Mahito must cross the door to his world and only then is it revealed that the girl was his mother all along, almost like “Oh, by the way I’m your mother.” He tries to stop her and warn her of her death, but she refuses, and each one goes to their respective timeline. It all happens in less than a minute, right on time for the movie to end. I really hated that the grieve for his mother plot was rushed like that, being that it was supposed to be such an important part of Mahito’s character arc. It would have been nice to see him struggle accepting his mother is death during his trip, and with the help of this girl come to terms with the loss. But no, that plot was forgotten till the very end and rushed off like it was nothing. Then with Natsuko and Mahito not being able to accept her. I mean come on, that’s golden material, there is a palpable emotional barrier that Natsuko cannot surpass. Mahito is cold to her throughout the whole of the first act, then she goes away and Mahito decides to rescue here. In the magic world she is in a nursing room and Mahito must find her. That was a beautiful scene in which we see the two of them struggling emotionally, Natsuko full of rage and despair, and in evident child pain, Mahito reliving his mother’s death in the fire through all the flying papers. They even surround the two like flames. How can we surpass these barrriers that keep them from reaching one another? The movie decides it’s not important, we go again to the plot of the great grand father, we skip to the end and Natsuko is there ready to leave with Mahito, like that previous scene never occured. That’s what enrages me about so many of Miyazaki’s films, he is great at introducing plots and themes, but not so great at developing, and definitely bad at wrapping things up. He makes a lot of promises in his movies, but barley and progress or pay off. And I repeat, the themes this movie explores are great, but from a storytelling stand point, Miyazaki has never been great at plotting and structuring plots.

[@potatorae8624]

I'm happy to see people enjoying it so much! I saw it and thought it was a mixed bag compared to his other films. It just did not resonate with me. However, this is just in comparison to his other work. All of his work is majesty and beauty in so many different ways. And seeing Miyazaki smash a box office and get so much love and recognition always brings a huge smile to my face.

[@123rockfan]

I’m a HUGE fan of Studio Ghibli but I was disappointed with Boy and the Heron. Miyazaki’s movies have always been confounding, but this took it to the next level. There were narrative aspects that left me thinking I had fallen asleep for ten minutes and missed something, especially with the random Parakeet King character at the end.

[@eastmanholloway6346]

I saw the parakeet king as a symbolism of the state of mind in Japan during WII and grand uncle kind of the spirit of Japan. He’s old tired and wanting change to happen. I think that was the reason to put the parakeet king at the end just to show how chaotic and frantic the empire was at the end of the war. But it’s just a theory…

[@MrRobertGillan]

Yeah.. I think my main problem with the film would be the story. Scenes would happen out of nowhere leaving you confused on when/where they take place. Overall I enjoyed it but it just felt a little too all over the place at times

[@Spratt_catcher]

Within 30 minutes of the film, I felt it was personal to Miyazaki. The first memory he had as a child was his village burning. He lost his mother at a young age and his father was a working machine. I saw the boy as a young Miyazaki, the heron as the cranky, uncooperative but good at heart artist and the great uncle as Miyazaki now, readying for someone to step into his world and preside over it. I also felt he was asking us to question our perceptions of good and bad. We are shocked when we see the new souls on their journey to the surface, eaten by the pelicans. We instantly put them in the 'baddy' category. Then we learn the pelicans are suffering and starving. The same applies for the heron, he's obnoxious and seems hateful, but in the end he saves Mahito. Miyazaki did the same with No Face. He wants us to see that good people can behave badly if they are isolated. I also feel he was conveying a message about the 'fairness' of life and that ultimately, its all down to chance. A roll of the dice, or a stack of stones and that ultimately, the force that controls that, does not make decisions based on our behaviour, that the wonders and horrors of life happen, just by chance.

[@benoitcecyre7081]

Studio heads : Mr Mayazaki, how crazy do you want to go? Miyazaki: Yes. It was a wild ride, and I loved it.

[@jedisid]

Just watched it and it really blew me away. Excellent film.

[@tronam]

Miyazaki is not anime. He’s basically his own genre.

[@namecomingsoon9517]

Can someone explain what this movie was? I saw it just today. Watching it is was feeling 3 things. Confusion. Boredom. Frustration. At one point in the movie i thought “huh this has been going on for awhile. Must be ending soon” then looked at my phone and it had only been 40 minutes of this 2 hour movie

[@supreme_buildsyt6846]

im so glad you could tell me about the film without spoiling it so i can watch it my self in the cinema my self

[@fleabicscuit]

I dove right into this animated film which began in a series of touching scenes. As much as I admired the movie's originality, its incredible technology and its unexpected and odd twists and turns, I was disappointed in the meandering offbeat story line. It was overlong, I grew impatient and realized the flaws were in the development of the story, the script and the irrationality of the denouement. The villains turned into friends and vice versa, totally confusing to me, and surely to kids, who might think this movie was intended for them.

[@jonathanortega753]

My first Studio Ghibli film is Howl's Moving Castle dub version and I was really blown away of the animation and outstanding performances including Christian Bale and Billy Crystal but I already bought tickets for the dub version of the boy and the heron on Tuesday because later today I'm excited to see Godzilla Minus One on AMC theater.

[@chonchoco]

5:26 I've always loved dubbed versions (over original audio) in Miyazaki films, which make the works so well-performed & perfect. There is always controversy in Japan with his films where he prefers "natural, non-"amime" voices (of voice actors) " and/or casting "famous" actors (who may not necessarily be great at acting, especially for voice acting). As a Japanese I always go for dubbed versions ^^

[@alex64gaming]

I personally suggest taking edibles and watching this film. It makes it a completely different experience. It will make you think about what’s actually happening in the film, in a very simplistic way. Maybe not simplistic, but the whole movie is damn near a fever dream, just fall into your seat and drain inside the material for 2 hours. See it more than once, it will make sense your second time. Just watch it high!

[@owenrohm2157]

It’s weird. I really admired it but for some reason it left me at a bit of a distance. Maybe the structure of it just wasn’t my wavelength?

[@LilBurdJJ]

As a Ghibli fan, I was utterly disappointed. I get the message that Miyazaki wanted to convey to us audience. to let go, to move on, acceptances, etc. but man. The writing and pacing are all over the place, The built-up was so damn sluggish and the climax was such a lackluster with little to none emotional impact whatsoever. It's overall an OK film, but wayyyy far to consider it as a masterpiece like all them Ghibli fanboys claimed of it to be.

[@Dakotarunner2013]

We adored this movie. So very much to think about--and so beautifully drawn. (Go for the subbed version.)

[@captainwumbo7629]

Saw this and Godzilla Minus One in the past week. Thanks Japan 🇯🇵

[@skie6282]

Beautiful film, however i didnt really understand why create a whole alternate world of importance if it can apparently fall down without any reprecussion. And why the master was focused on buulding a stable world but sorta imprissioned those birds and forced them to starve... why, why the birds??

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

Appreciate you going to bat for animation in all its forms, Dan. I work in the animation industry and while most of my peers are big Disney/Pixar nuts, I'm more of a '86 Transformers, Song of the Sea, Summit of the Gods guy. The one thing we can all agree on though, is Ghibli movies. I live in a town with a disproportionate number of animators and when The Boy and the Heron eventually comes here, it's gonna be an event, I guarantee it.

[@adhds69]

I was lucky enough to see it on the 2nd last week in IMAX. Absolutely incredible, a lot going on with the sub stories so it's definitely worth a rewatch

[@kevintrjohnson]

I'm seeing it either this weekend or next week. I've seen every Miyazaki film since Princess Mononoke on their first run in US theaters (I missed some of the other Ghibli movies like Princess Kagura, which weren't given the same theatrical push and never played in my area), so I've been waiting for this movie since it was announced Miyazaki had yet again reversed his retirement from feature films in 2016.

[@rebel_at_stagnation]

Happy to see a Ghibli/Miyazaki fan in the making. Great review, thank you!

[@rickygarza2643]

One of the rare times im gonna watch the dub over the sub title

[@sundawg911]

I liked it but didn't love it. It might be one that I need some additional viewings to fall completely in love with. It also doesn't help that expectations are higher but found that it is one that builds up and you start to enjoy it more. It was a slow beginning for me, even though you sort dive into things. As the film progresses I found myself really becoming more absorbed and questioning things about 'how do you live' essentially. Definitely mature themes and concept that not everyone will appreciate right away. There were two highschoolers sat near me and they were confused (as per their whispers). So I think themes and such will go over some ppl especially after 1 viewing. Art/animation beauitful as always though. I wanted to add that the dub was a bit hit and miss. Usually dubs for his films are on point but I think I'd prefer this in Japanese. I was thrown off by Christian Bales sort of American accent making Miyato's dad sound as if he come from New York or something. It was a odd choice since the setting and all.

[@Silentkittey]

My two year old and i watched it together. He was entranced. He laughed, looked at me with a big smile when he really enjoyed a part and when the movie wanted to make you feel i would feel his little hand grab my hand and squeeze it. I'm really glad it did so well but i found a lot of people not really caring for it. Hopefully people can appreciate cinema again someday. It's nearly gone. I don't see that happening anytime soon but human nature is that we don't truly appreciate what we have until it's gone. Well now that's over let's bring out what the people really want more Marvel and Star Wars movies so everyone can be brain dead happy again.

[@kozebear8337]

Get ready to be blown away. This movie is a Masterpiece. The music, the story, the characters are unforgettable. If you’re are a fan of Miyazaki you’re going to like this one.

[@spectralmuffin6487]

I could not disagree more. The animations are great. The story is kind of too convoluted for it's own good

[@sticki8862]

The music and animation was great but the story was very slow and had uninteresting characters. It didn’t have that spark that the rest of the Studio Ghibli movies had.

[@kozebear8337]

@@sticki8862 sorry but i have to disagree. It’s called world building.

[@matten_zero]

The music is standard orchestral. I wouldn't say it's reinventing the wheel there persey. The animation isn't even quite up to par with his older works.

[@matten_zero]

​@@sticki8862i think the VAs here didn't do a great job. I think when you get A-Listers to do VA work they don't put their all. That or the localization was really off.

[@Michaelthekiwi]

Been a fan of Ghibli for a long time so I saw the first screening available in an IMAX theatre. Go see it, it's visually stunning and worth the effort. This might be a minor spoiler, but I know enough Latin to say the script over the portal tunnel entrance is, "I was made by the divine."

[@bernadmanny]

I watched the film and came to the conclusion that big chunks of the script were left out, it really falls apart in the third act. The animation was beautiful, it was a bit jarring how he used the computer animation in the opening, untill I realised it was deliberate.

[@whatanonsense856]

Wait, isn't the whole film done digitally? You're not telling me that they went back to physical cels for this, do you?

[@bernadmanny]

@@whatanonsense856 It was probably drawn digitally, but the opening scene is done in a deliberately dissonant style that would only be achievable with computer animation.

[@whatanonsense856]

@@bernadmanny Ah, I see. Yes, I agree that the style there was highly unusual for a Ghibli movie. I'm just not sure if achieving this kind of style is impossible through more traditional means. Maybe very experimental, maybe very expensive - but outright impossible? Can you tell me why you think so?

[@bernadmanny]

@@whatanonsense856 Aside from the time and cost, it's the way the image moves, the lighting and the colouration.

[@whatanonsense856]

@@bernadmanny I just looked at a trailer that contained a snippet of the intro scene. And I must say that I tend to agree with you. If I picture that I was tasked to do something like this scene with traditional tools, I would be pretty dumbfounded. Thanks for your patience!

[@Juan-Luna]

I'm hoping Dan will make his way through the Ghibli filmography and make a video on The Grave of the Fireflies. I watched that movie once 20 years ago and was absolutely devastated by it. Haven't had the strength to ever watch it again, but man is it incredible...

[@donniesizemore9272]

Grave of the Fireflies is just….depressing, but its so good

[@miguel07745]

Wondering if you will a Past Lives review? It recently had a digital release (U.S.), and for me its one the best movies to come out this year.

[@jessrl8025]

I'm like you, my journey with Anime is still ongoing, but Miyazaki transcends the genre

[@MahoganyBlack]

It was a visual tour de force! That ending was super abrupt though 😅

[@RWM07001]

Absolutely loved it. Gorgeous on the big screen.

[@marcochen9117]

IMO not the biggest fan, the themes and messages aren't explored particularly strongly and doesn't feel like it stands out compared to his other films (high bar but still). The score is good and visuals are great as usual, but it still suffers from main characters that are hard to connect to. For a movie that was renamed from "How can you live" to "boy and the heron", the heron plays a very forgettable role (apparently its a symbol for miyazakis producers or something). The previous title also feels more profound and matching with the film. I just find it hard to connect with this more "biographical" film of his, when I don't really feel what he is trying to convey like his other films.

[@jacobj829]

The movie was awsome. For anyone that was confused its a very symbolic movie but most of his films are you must put much thought into the meanings.

[@kadosho02]

Miyazaki films are: magical, amazing, dark, fun, and imaginative. Taking you to places that feel like a dream, but also have many layers. Each film Studio Ghibli has released, is made with heart, and soul. That is the amazing part about anime. It is an experience, that is art, and something you can share with others

[@michaeldonaldson6923]

My theatre has Godzilla on the IMAX and The Boy and The Heron on the XD screen. Complete Japan takeover.

[@530REDJ]

Fuck it I’ll say it! me and my fiancé went to go watch it and we both didn’t enjoy it at all. I was so close of walking out but didn’t really want to judge before watching it til the end so we forced ourselves to finish it. I don’t recommend it at all.

[@pookyuni]

I totally agree. I brought my partner and his family to go watch it and I looked over and everyone was asleep. I wanted to be so so patient with the film and like it but it just didn't move me. Maybe I'll grow to appreciate it in the future

[@530REDJ]

@@pookyuni my fiancé passed out like 3 times so I don’t blame them for falling asleep 😂🤣. Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way about the movie

[@EchodaGhost98]

Watched it with my partner this past Valentine’s Day and really enjoyed it, I can understand why some people would be a bit disappointed with the pacing of the film and I definitely feel like it needed a few more minutes to add in some narration Exposition during the first half of the film as well as the epilogue but besides that the rest of the film was absolutely fantastic from narrative, VA and animation. For anyone who has ever been a fan of the older Ghibli movies your in for a treat

[@jscott4reel]

The narrative reminded me a lot of some of The Chronicles of Narnia. The Magicians Nephew and The Silver Chair particularly

[@aliali-ce3yf]

IMO, Hand drawn will always be better than computer animated. there is some connotation of innocence and joy that hand drawn has that computer animation will never achieve. I hope Disney goes back to hand drawn for their movies, or at least some of them

[@ohdaUtube]

Must watch "grave of the fireflies" if you've watched the other miyazaki films.

[@Badficwriter]

I don't like crying :(

[@ohdaUtube]

@@Badficwriter it's one of those movies folks typically only watch once but it's masterfully done. Can't say they've watched the full scope of miyazaki without watching it

[@AaronHammer-w1w]

It’s hard cause all of them are good but my top 5 films by studio gibli is princess Mononoke , spirited away , the boy and heron , howls moving castle , castle in the sky! All master pieces

[@Katt1721]

I found this film so beautiful and sad in a way only a movie about the reflection and passing of one's life through the lens of his body of work can be. I do wonder how general audiences will view it though because it's hard NOT to think about autobiographical books or documentaries like "Starting Point," "Turning Point," or "Never-Ending Man" if you've seen them vs going in blind. But at the same time even having that supplementary material doesn't make the film any less contemplative or open to interpretation, which was a joy. I don't even want to get into too much to avoid spoiling anything in the comments, but it was really interesting how my initial thoughts on certain story elements (particularly the character of the Grand Uncle) completely differed from what producer Toshio Suzuki talked about in interviews. This is also the first Ghibli dub from NYAV Post and ADR director Michael Sinterniklaas, and they have a terrific track record in recent years for anime dubs in my book across genres (see Promare, A Silent Voice, BELLE, Pompo the Cinephile, Great Pretender, etc...). I think the intent will be present no matter what language you watch while also getting something unique out of each viewing experience.

[@Erethizon_dorsatum]

Hey Dan! (Off Topic) Did you get a chance to catch Waitress the Musical in theaters? It was a 5 day in theaters situation, I just got back from watching it and loved it!

[@mahirrahmananan7025]

Hey I have search for your single past lives review video but I can’t find it

[@modDJ-gg7gk]

Dan do you think this film will do the same box number as other anime?? Do you think were getting Demon Slayer's number????

[@lukeluke333lukeluke]

Loved my time with the movie. Many things to think over after watching. Love the visuals and characters. Has a great themes. I take the main point is live, create, and treasure the time you have. I watched it with subs and after the credits. I saw the cast for English and want to rewatch again with dubs. Ghibli and Miyazaki are truly something spacial and try to get anyone to watch one of there films. They are amazing. Spirited Away my favorite but I love so many others. Where do I rank this one. not sure. I think pretty high. I already want to rewatch it again which is a great sign.

[@thescapegoatmechanism8704]

I feel bad for not really liking Miyazaki movies. The only one I love is Spirited Away

[@Ellipsis10]

did you finish watching Attack on Titan? Review coming??

[@elejah4011]

I just got an ad for this movie before the review and it looks right up my alley in the ghibli spear !! Family loss and witty old magical beings totally seeing this!!

[@ThatOneAccount931]

Love the sponsor of the video and loved the review. I’m going to watch the Japanese version with English subtitles tonight but will probably watch the English dub with my family cuz we love ghibli.

[@akirahojo2]

More melancholy and grieving in this one compared to Miyazaki’s other films. I also see a couple of Takahata’s influences from Pompoko and Kaguya Hime. I’m happy if this is truly Miyazaki’s swansong because The Wind Rises was a bit of anti-climax and slice of life for me. I do hope we can get one more film from the great maestro.

[@REIDiculous64]

Japan movies showing up big to end the year, can’t wait for this movie. Saw Godzilla twice and it’s one of my favourites this year.

[@aloysiusmaina2625]

I am looking forward to it.

[@brandonroy7554]

Yeah, My boyfriend and I were so pumped to see this movie, but walked away completely lost. It felt half baked and emotionless. I have usually loved his work but this was not it for me. He and I are debating going to see the dub next to see if maybe we missed something and maybe a second viewing would make it better. We were waiting for a great impact with strong emotional connection, but I couldn’t have been further from the film.

[@BrooklynAvenue]

This movie is a meandering mess, weighted down by symbolism that in no way leads to a good story.

[@luis_discovery]

Ha ha ! It must have been the first time I saw a movie before Dan did 😂 It’s been in the cinemas in Europe for a few weeks. Glad you saw the original with subs !

[@4nDi]

Let me plant a thought in your brain. Miyazaki is the character, the great uncle. Dig deep what the movie message is with that thought in your head. Think of these messages: The great uncle disappeared one day with all his book opened. Those opened books are Miyazaki masterpieces animated work. The disappearance meaning Miyazaki stay silent for years. Miyazaki trying to find a successor for his lineage/legacy. Thus, the boy is the metaphor. Could be his grand children, a successor or the viewer (us). The great uncle was building a beautiful world with the building blocks, meaning Miyazaki unique world. He is hoping to find a successor to continue his legacy but disappointed that he couldn’t. Mahito doesn’t want to continue. Maybe meaning Miyazaki cannot find a successor. The beautiful world crumbles. Metaphor Miyazaki accepting his final retirement. The end of the movie, the boy took a fragment of the world home with him. Metaphor Miyazaki want viewers to have hope, memories and maybe can one day carry on his legacy again. The movie is very deep. You have to dig deep around. Rewatching it a couple of times to understand it.

[@mrcardenas400]

I wanted to love the movie. I just felt a little underwhelmed by this film. I didn’t hate it but idk how I feel about it.

[@asura8495]

any streaming platform that shows this?

[@elmaton04]

No, go watch the movie in theaters like a normal person. Steaming sucks.

[@loope9421]

No but HBO has many of their films, so eventually it’ll show up there😊

[@aaronvalerio3976]

Imax/Dolby is totally worth it! I'm stunned by how visually captivating it is!

[@Vulcanerd]

Miyazaki may be my favorite single creator and director. Btw, if you have the chance, maybe read the original Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind manga. I’m positive Viz or someone has translated it into English. The Japanese version is available in 7 large volumes, not sure what the English version is.

[@millertimeast]

I’m very shocked people didn’t like this movie, in my opinion it was one of the best sturdy ghibli movies I’ve seen, then people who thought it was eh, I can see why you say that atleast for the beginning because it was to fast and confusing, like way to many things happening without explanation, obviously later in the movie everything starts to make sence, but yeah after the beginning I thought it was a masterpiece

[@Vandalae]

Yeah same I see people saying it’s ass, garbage or trash and honestly it surprises me that people dislike it that much

[@lydia1634]

I want to see this movie so bad! It's just a terrible time for me to get to the theater. To Dan's point regarding animation. I would highly recommend tracking down the films by Cartoon Saloon. They've picked up the 2-D mantle in the last 15 years, and they deserve way more attention from the broader public. I highly recommend all three of their Irish Trilogy (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers). And I think they just won an Emmy for their segment of Star Wars Visions Season 2 (which I also highly, highly recommend).

[@luvhandles90210]

I personally felt like this movie didn't have that Ghibli feel until the giant parakeets started showing up. Until then the film dragged a little bit and we spend 30 minutes seeing the character fish and cut/clean his catch For me wasted time, could've been used to spend more time in the parakeet world which I loved the most of the whole film. It's like a c+ for me

[@yazanasad7811]

It really doesnt help that the Japanese movie title is called 'how do you live'. I was thinking why the heron isn't in the movie as much as i thought😅

[@jared.11]

I'm confused. His assessment of the film here is pretty positive but on Letterboxd, he gave it 2 stars out of 5. I'm not even mad, just curious as to what changed.

[@adhds69]

It feels like a Japanese Alice in Wonderland

[@daphne8406]

I really liked the movie. But I like most Ghibli and Miyazaki movies and I am a big Satoshi Kon fan (meaning I can tolerate some trippy story telling 😝) If you just go with the flow and let the movie tell its story with its dream logic, you will like it. If you have never watched a Ghibli or Miyazaki movie before, this is not the most accessible to start with. If you only like clear stories with a start/beginning/end and explanations about what is going on, this may also not be the film for you. I found the animation beautiful to watch and the story to me was touching/confusing/strange/lovely/trippy like a dream. Just don’t expect the movie to explain itself or the story very clearly, it doesn’t. There is no handholding on this one and a lot will be up to your own interpretation 😝

[@kingofcarrotflowersz]

Danny, did you see with subs or dubs????

[@andrewwalsh2755]

Like living in somebody elses dream for a couple of hours... Stunning.

[@devanmoran]

All of his work is beautiful this is one of his best beautiful (:

[@GTTMH]

Going to see it again this Sunday! I loved it

[@ty_sylicus]

This film is very slow, much like older Ghibli films. It feels like it's building towards a payoff that doesn't land for me, as the film lacks any real epic finally to speak of. The film rather takes us on a short journey filled with interesting characters, and doesn't feel the need to explain all of it. The animation is absolutely gorgeous. The music is minmum but effective. (Sadly the XD theater we watched it in had booming base bleeding in from the room adjacent which disrupted some of the quieter scenes early in the film. I was pissed!) Unlike many of Miyazaki san's films, this one isn't as easy to follow. There are at least two pieces of the narrative that didn't immediately make sense to my wife and I. The film Perhaps it will be better upon a second viewing on Blu-Ray later. A charming film but not one of his best.

[@Huddy40]

Absolute masterpiece, favorite movie of the year.

[@davidhumphrey2593]

Hayao Miyazaki, again the 35th anniversary refuses to have him rebuke his filming industry, all the way from My Neighbor Totoro (1988) to The Boy and the Heron (2023). And even in the 82 year year period, Hayao Miyazaki wants a film film there too!! 😰

[@JetSetTim]

Studio Ghibli is a mixed bag for me. I love certain films and think others are slow and boring. Unfortunately I thought the boy and the heron was slow and boring due to its bad pacing and buildup that didn’t really lead to anything.

[@om8652]

“I think I might need to watch the undubbed version of the movie. The version I watched had poor character development, other than the main character. The film was too convoluted, and disconnected to just take the motivations as is without any build up for pay off. I found it to be more pretentious than an esoteric masterpiece. Although it was visually stunning, the story was too messy to hold the film together. I was disappointed that I couldn’t enjoy it, especially since I love esoteric and surreal films. But, to each their own.”

[@signaturefloors4288]

Perhaps I’m not as smart as everyone else, but unfortunately, this movie was completely unwatchable.