The Boy and the Heron, dir. Hayao Miyazaki

Wiz HIGHLY RECOMMENDS The Boy and the Heron When I originally watched The Boy and the Heron in theaters last year, my feelings on the film were mixed and kind of muddled: The animation was absolutely gorgeous to look at, whether it was in motion or just by looking at the vivid, luscious colorwork that both the real world and the "dream world" inhabit. Also, the music is incredible when it's there, but since it's such a quiet film when it does come up it hits a lot stronger. But I definitely felt conflicted after I left the theater. It's definitely a much more thoughtful, deeper film and I just didn't feel I quite "got it". So, last year, I did a quick review and didn't really give it a rating. I just said I liked it but it definitely needed a second viewing. Well, after a second viewing, my thoughts have become more clear: The Boy and the Heron is beautiful in many ways. Yes, the visuals are fantastic, but what's also beautiful is the central story about boy who struggles to come to terms with the death of his mother and life changing. The central story is about Mahito, a young man who is told by a grey heron that his dead mother is inside a labyrinthe tower of questionable origin. The Boy and the Heron is clearly for those who are Ghibli fans already and are of a more advanced age: the film in its first hour is slower and methodical. It sits in the quiet of the scenery and feels much more thoughtful than Miyazaki's other films. But then, that's the draw when the film goes into the dream world. Fantastical elements are fascinating to look at and the world seems to have this logic and backstory that is incredibly interesting. At my first viewing of the film, the main character didn't do much for me at all. After this second viewing, Mahito is one of the deeper characters Miyazaki has crafted. Not only is his suffering and conflict displayed incredibly well, but the dream world itself acts very well as part of his character and his maturation through dealing with grief and change. The only issue with me is that some elements of the film still feel confusing: namely the Parakeets and The Granduncle and who they represent. But honestly, that just gives me another reason to experience the film yet again to gleam more from it. The Boy and the Heron is not only a beautifully made film from visuals to music, but it's also a strikingly deep and emotionally resonant film that the older set will likely adore...while a younger set might find it too daunting.