After its recent theatrical re-release Nov. 15-19, “The Boy and the Heron” continues to dazzle audiences with its fantastical plotline and soft pastel art style. Written and directed by Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki, this Academy Award-winning animated film is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, Hulu and Amazon Prime. 

In the midst of World War II in Japan, a young boy, Mahito Maki, loses his mother in a fire. Later, his father, Shoichi, moves him to a rural estate, where it is revealed that Shoichi married Mahito’s aunt, Natsuko, who is pregnant.

Rejecting the idea of a new mother and younger sibling, Mahito struggles to adjust to life in a new place and navigate his grief, all while a magical gray heron attempts to lure Mahito to an old, lone tower on the estate — a place he is forbidden from going by his family. Mahito, once learning Natsuko has wandered off into the tower, follows her into a magical world, where he meets figures from his past and his present. 

The storyline of “The Boy and the Heron,” while poignant and deep, sometimes becomes secondary to world-building. At times, it’s difficult to focus on the main plot when the setting itself is so powerful. Despite this, the film tastefully combines political themes of nationalism and navigating and accepting one’s grief. 

Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are renowned for their art style, and this film is no exception. Soft pastel colors often fill the screen, and fantastical birds and landscapes dazzle the eye. The magical elements in the film are incredibly well-animated and lend themselves to a comprehensive and visually stunning representation of fantasy.

The character development of the film is also noteworthy, as the animation of each character assists in the emotional arc of the main characters. The emotional depth of each character and the struggles they face make for a moving story. 

Additionally, the star-studded voice acting in the English dub, including performances by Robert Pattinson (gray heron), Gemma Chan (Natsuko), Mark Hamill (Granduncle) and Karen Fukuhara (Lady Himi), creates an expressive and immersive experience. The film also has stellar performances from its Japanese voice actors, like Soma Santoki (Mahito), Masaki Suda (gray heron), Aimyon (Lady Himi) and Yoshino Kimura (Natsuko).

The film’s score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, also makes a unique aura. Moving and refined, the soundtrack complements the film’s structure well and plays a big role in telling its story.

Supplemented by underlying themes of nationalism, “The Boy and the Heron” is, at its core, a deeply moving film about grief and the guilt associated with it and how families can come together, even in the darkest of times.   

Rating: 9.75/10