Last night, I watched Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron. Damn, it’s a masterpiece. Honestly, like all of his films. Explaining who Hayao Miyazaki is might feel redundant since he’s a legendary figure worldwide. Still, for context—he’s a Japanese director and animator. His hand-drawn films are suitable for audiences of all ages. And this isn’t like Disney movies, where kids are engrossed in the fairy tale, and adults smile politely at the simple but heartwarming classic storyline. With Miyazaki, both children and adults are absolutely stunned.

The level of symbolism, realistic drama intertwined with Japanese folklore, vibrant anti-war themes—and all of it with such breathtaking animation that you literally can’t take your eyes off the screen for even three minutes to go to the bathroom. Your gaze is glued to it.

I was a bit late watching The Boy and the Heron—it came out in 2023. Honestly, I’m glad I saw it during such a peaceful time in my life, when I’m not overwhelmed by family issues or school. The film is about a boy whose mother dies during World War II. His father remarries the younger sister of his late wife, and they move to her estate in the countryside.

And you know, I don’t even want to dive into the plot or give a detailed review—I’d rather those who choose to watch it experience it with fresh eyes.

For those unfamiliar with Miyazaki’s films, it’s worth mentioning that his works are incredibly kind-hearted. There are no real villains in them. It’s fascinating because as the stories unfold, you often expect some tragedy or evil deed, but it turns out that every character has peaceful and endearing sides to their personality. The main characters are almost always children—children who are strong, mature, calm, and determined. Japanese parenting culture is far removed from my own, but as someone from Eastern Europe, they remind me a lot of Soviet children.

The music in his films is also legendary. Speaking specifically about The Boy and the Heron, I’m glad this film returned to a more visually magical theme, compared to his previous film, The Wind Rises. That film felt more realistic, focusing heavily on war, economics, and international relations. It carried a tension that didn’t allow for an escape into fantasy. Meanwhile, The Boy and the Heron is vibrant and enchanting.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this movie to anyone familiar with Miyazaki’s work. For those who aren’t, it’s better to start with Spirited Away or Howl’s Moving Castle. The Boy and the Heron might feel a bit too complex and convoluted, with everything only falling into place at the very end.

I really hope Miyazaki releases more films with this vibe and beauty. I always cry when I watch his movies. From the sheer beauty.