Yesterday I was lucky enough to have the day off with my sister who was in town. We both love Studio Ghibli so we took the opportunity to see "The Boy and the Heron" by Studio Ghibli at the Alamo Draft House in Austin. If you have yet to see it, go!

The Story:

Young Mahito grapples with grief and loneliness after losing his mother during the war. He moves to his family's rural estate, where he encounters a mischievous gray heron and stumbles upon a mysterious ancient tower. Drawn by the heron, Mahito enters the tower, finding himself transported to a fantastical world where the living and the dead coexist. Here, he embarks on a magical adventure filled with talking animals, quirky spirits, and hidden dangers.

My Take:

It's true that the film starts off at a slower pace, setting the scene and introducing Mahito's world. But around the twenty-minute mark, buckle up! The heron leads Mahito to the tower, and things quickly take a fantastical turn. We enter the spirit world, a vibrant and bizarre realm brimming with wonder and strangeness.

What I loved about the film is its genre-bending nature. It's cute and whimsical, with adorable creatures like the fluffy Parakeets and the grumpy Kappa offering comedic relief. But it also doesn't shy away from dark and emotional themes. Mahito's grief and longing for his mother are palpable, and the film tackles challenging topics like death and loss with nuance and sensitivity.

The cute WaraWara stole the show for most adorable character! These marshmallow-like, light-emitting creatures are unborn human souls residing in the Sea World within the spirit realm. They resemble tiny, glowing jellyfish with large, curious eyes. Their primary purpose is to mature and eventually float up to the sky, where they are reborn as humans.

The animation is, of course, breathtaking. Studio Ghibli never disappoints, and "The Boy and the Heron" is no exception. The hand-drawn visuals are stunning, with lush landscapes, intricate details, and characters that come alive on screen.

Overall, I found "The Boy and the Heron" to be a delightful and thought-provoking film. It's a slow burn at first, but once it ignites, it's a captivating ride through a world of magic, sadness, and unexpected beauty. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Studio Ghibli's signature blend of wonder and melancholy.

Even though the beginning might feel slow, stick with it! You're in for a treat with "The Boy and the Heron."