Miyazaki The Boy and the Heron: Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” clinched the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Animated marking another triumph in its recent success streak.
In a unique twist, the film’s producers opted not to attend the LA ceremony, prompting the acceptance of the trophy on their behalf. Subsequently, Toshio Suzuki, the producer and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, conveyed a message on X (formerly Twitter). Suzuki acknowledged the string of tragic earthquakes and accidents that Japan has faced in the early part of the year, expressing a sense of despair for those still awaiting rescue in the disaster-stricken areas. He hoped that the uplifting news of the award victory could bring a momentary smile to everyone affected.
This Golden Globe win solidifies “The Boy and the Heron” as the frontrunner for the Oscars in the feature animation category. The film also garnered a nomination at the Globes for the score by composer Joe Hisaishi, raising the prospect of multiple Oscar nods for the GKIDs and Studio Ghibli collaboration.
Achieving box office success across various territories, the film set a North American record for Miyazaki, GKIDS, and Studio Ghibli with an impressive opening of $12.8 million in December. Its global earnings have surpassed $136 million. The movie’s domestic acclaim, coupled with its financial triumph, positions it as a formidable contender in the awards season, particularly in a year where some perennial animation giants faced challenges. While Disney’s “Wish” and Pixar’s “Elemental” secured Globe nominations, the former struggled with critics and box office performance, and the latter, though earning admiration, did not match the cultural or commercial impact of previous Pixar titles.
Known for his enchanting fables featuring fantastical characters, Miyazaki took a more personal approach with “The Boy and the Heron,” closely aligning it with his own life story. The film revolves around Mahito, a young boy grappling with the recent loss of his mother. Accompanied by a cunning gray heron, Mahito embarks on a journey to a mysterious realm outside of time, where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. Suzuki revealed that the narrative underwent significant changes following the death of Miyazaki’s mentor and friend, Isao Takahata. This shift led to a focus on the peculiar yet captivating friendship between Mahito and the heron.
Notably, in the Golden Globe category for Best Motion Picture Animated, “The Boy and the Heron” faced competition from fellow anime title “Suzume,” along with “Elemental,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” and “Wish.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the meaning behind The Boy and the Heron?
The anime “The Boy and the Heron” delves into the themes of sorrow, family, and duties as a young boy embarks on a remarkable adventure into an alternate universe. Miyazaki’s storytelling method of creating a world within a world is evident in the film’s intricate cosmology.
Is The Boy and the Heron The Last Ghibli movie?
During the global debut, director Guillermo del Toro presented the film at its grand presentation, and Studio Ghibli’s Vice President Junichi Nishioka clarified that despite retirement rumors, Ghibli does not view The Boy and the Heron as Miyazaki’s last film. Nishioka also mentioned that Miyazaki is currently working on new ideas, debunking the notion of his retirement.
Where can I watch the boy and his heron?
Experience the exhilarating The Boy and the Heron in theaters for a classic cinematic journey. Alternatively, catch the film from the comfort of your own home – now streaming on HBO Max as of November 25, 2023.
Which Miyazaki to watch first?
If you’re a newcomer to Studio Ghibli films, here are some top picks to get you started: Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1990), Grave of the Fireflies (1989), Ponyo (2008), and The Secret World of Arrietty (2010). These movies offer a diverse range of captivating storytelling and beautiful animation that will surely leave a lasting impression. Dive into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli and discover the magic for yourself.