This year is highly anticipated for Ghibli lovers. The legendary animator and founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, released his new movie called The Boy and The Heron. It’s been ten years since his last work, The Wind Rises.

His new work is very meaningful to him because it’s semi-autobiographical and inspired by his favorite book, How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino. The Boy and The Heron follows a boy named Mahito who has lost his mother. During his grief, Mahito must continue life, no matter how hard the situation is.

With his father working in an aircraft factory, they move to another city. Mahito begins a new life with his step mom who is also his aunt. Mahito seems to find it hard to adapt. As time goes by, he meets a Heron. He never knew that his life could change forever ever since.

Miyazaki uses the same tone as Spirited Away where the main character embarks on an adventure to a new world. In anime, it is called isekai genre which means “other world” or “different world.” Mahito’s occurrence somehow leads to joyous, catchy, and memorable moments. Miyazaki utilizes symbolism and metaphor to explore themes of loss, grief, and birth.

He also uses animal characters here, birds. The story is magnificent, a type of semi-fable that is most liked by children. Miyazaki puts some jokes into the movie that make me giggle until I laugh hard. I love every scene of Mahito and Heron’s relationship, transforming from enemy to love friendship.

In the end, Mahito’s adventure gives him many life lessons. The most important is no matter how hard life is, you must deal with the situation and never look back at the past.

How Do You Live? and Miyazaki’s life

Before watching the movie I had already read How Do You Live?. The title is mentioned in the movie but the story of the book doesn’t appear. How Do You Live? tells you about a boy named Copper who just lost his father. He lives together with his mom. As a teenager, Chopper must face various problems.

His beloved uncle always be there for him, helping to solve his difficulties. Not only that, his uncle also gives Chopper ways and points of view to deal with life.

How Do You Live? is a must-read book, especially for those who like Japanese literature. As a brilliant author, Yoshino illustrates the story in understandable narration containing many philosophical aspects. I recommend you read it, at least once in your life. The story itself isn’t full of plot twists or complex plots, but it’s kind of a heartwarming novel.

Similarly, Miyazaki sets particular philosophical aspects into the movie. I also observe that he puts his life in the movie, like born in World War II with a father who worked in an aircraft factory. His dad is the owner of Miyazaki Airplane. He even experienced loss in the 1980s when his mom passed away.

The Boy and The Heron is now airing in cinemas and a must-watched movie before the end of 2023. Personal rating: 5/5.

"There is nothing more beautiful than people nurturing goodwill toward their fellow beings. And those are the human relations that humans truly deserve. Copper, don't you agree?"