Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ to stream on Max in September
A new chapter for Studio Ghibli fans
Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator and storyteller, is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest masterpiece, “The Boy and the Heron”. This Oscar-winning film will make its U.S. streaming debut on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max on September 6th. For those who have been eagerly awaiting Miyazaki’s return, this is a momentous occasion, marking his first feature film in a decade that he both wrote and directed.
A blend of personal and fantastical
“The Boy and the Heron” is a hand-drawn, semi-autobiographical animated movie that delves deep into themes of loss, discovery, and the intertwining of the real and the fantastical. The film joins the rest of the Studio Ghibli library on Max, thanks to an exclusive multiyear U.S. deal extension announced earlier this year. This means that fans can immerse themselves in the entire Ghibli universe, from “My Neighbor Totoro” to “Spirited Away”, all in one place.
Global availability and Netflix partnership
While U.S. audiences can enjoy the film on Max, viewers outside the U.S. and Japan will have access to “The Boy and the Heron” on Netflix. This is part of a renewal deal inked this spring, which includes the entire Studio Ghibli film catalog. Although Netflix has not yet set a premiere date for the film, the anticipation is palpable.
Star-studded English voice cast
The English-language version of “The Boy and the Heron” boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors, including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. This stellar cast brings Miyazaki’s characters to life, adding depth and nuance to the already rich narrative.
A journey through loss and discovery
The official synopsis of the film provides a glimpse into its enchanting storyline: “After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito moves to his family’s estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous gray heron. When Mahito’s new stepmother disappears, he follows the gray heron into the tower and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world and the truth about himself.”
A legacy of excellence
“The Boy and the Heron” has already made waves, winning the prize for animated feature film at this year’s Academy Awards. This marks Miyazaki’s second Oscar, following his win for “Spirited Away”. Additionally, Miyazaki was honored with an honorary Academy Award in 2014 for his exceptional contributions to cinema.
The enduring appeal of Studio Ghibli
Since 2020, Max has been the U.S. home to Studio Ghibli’s catalog, originally launching as HBO Max. The deal extension with GKids ensures that nearly two dozen Studio Ghibli films, including “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, “Ponyo”, and “Howl’s Moving Castle”, will remain exclusively on Max in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. This partnership underscores the enduring appeal and timeless quality of Ghibli’s films.
Watch the trailer
For those eager to get a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer for The Boy and the Heron.
Personal reflections
As a long-time admirer of Miyazaki’s work, I find “The Boy and the Heron” to be a testament to his unparalleled ability to weave intricate tales that resonate on both personal and universal levels. The film’s exploration of grief, identity, and the supernatural is both poignant and mesmerizing. Miyazaki’s collaboration with composer Joe Hisaishi once again results in a musical score that elevates the narrative, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
For cinema and animation enthusiasts, “The Boy and the Heron” is not just a film; it’s an event. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a seasoned Ghibli fan or new to Miyazaki’s world, this film promises to be a journey worth taking.
For more information and to explore the entire Studio Ghibli catalog, visit Max and Netflix.