The Boy and the Heron: Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Masterpiece Explores Themes of Mortality and the Afterlife

Hayao Miyazaki’s last film, ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ is a soulful exploration of mortality and the afterlife. With stunning animation and thought-provoking themes, it serves as a fitting conclusion to Miyazaki’s remarkable career.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Masterpiece Explores Themes of Mortality and the Afterlife

Renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has possibly created his final masterpiece with ‘The Boy and the Heron.’ This soulful and introspective film takes its time to unfold, delving into themes of mortality and the afterlife. As Miyazaki’s supposed last film, it serves as a fittingly solemn swan song for the 82-year-old filmmaker.

( Credit to: Theguardian )

Known for his magical and imaginative worlds, Miyazaki has captivated audiences with films like ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away.’ In ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ he once again showcases his signature hallmarks, including anthropomorphic animals and fantastical creatures. The attention to detail is evident in the animation, with scenes featuring delectable-looking animated jam that appears ready to drip off the screen.

A Gentle and Soulful Exploration

‘The Boy and the Heron,’ also known as ‘How Do You Live?’ in Japan, has already become a box office hit. Despite minimal promotion, the film’s air of secrecy and intrigue has only heightened its appeal. Drawing inspiration from Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel, the movie follows the young protagonist Mahito on a poignant journey of self-discovery.

The film opens with a haunting and dream-like sequence set during World War II. Amidst the sirens and chaos, Mahito rushes to a hospital where his mother works, only to witness a surreal vision of her engulfed in flames. Miyazaki manages to convey a sense of comfort amidst potentially horrifying imagery as Mahito’s mother becomes one with the fire.

An Emotional Journey of Grief and Healing

Years later, burdened by grief, Mahito moves to the countryside with his father and stepmother. ‘The Boy and the Heron’ takes its time to explore Mahito’s emotional journey, allowing viewers to sit with his grief. Unlike Miyazaki’s usual fiery female characters, Mahito is depicted as emotionally reserved, adding to the film’s cold and contemplative atmosphere.

As Mahito is drawn to a mysterious tower that serves as a portal to alternate worlds, he discovers a shipwrecked island overgrown with moss and inhabited by unique creatures. Miyazaki effortlessly blends grace and grotesque as the island’s inhabitants transform and transcend to another dimension.

Death as a New Beginning

Miyazaki has always been fascinated by themes of grief and the afterlife, and ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is no exception. This mature and introspective film presents death as a new beginning, a transition to another time and place where finality is merely an illusion. It is a poignant and profound exploration of death and legacy, resonating deeply with Miyazaki’s own contemplations throughout his career.

With its beautiful animation, thought-provoking themes, and compelling characters, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is a testament to Miyazaki’s mastery as a filmmaker. It serves as a reminder of his immense talent and contribution to the world of animation. While it may be his last film, it is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on cinema.