The Boy and the Heron is Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning, deeply personal fantasy — a dreamlike journey about grief and growing up.
Quick Info
- Japanese title: Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka
- Release: 2023
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- Our rating: 8.7 / 10
The Boy and the Heron — Official Trailer
Story (Spoiler-Free)
During World War II, young Mahito loses his mother and moves to the countryside. A strange talking grey heron leads him into a mysterious world where the living and the dead meet.
Main Characters
- Mahito Maki — a grieving boy
- The Grey Heron — a tricky, talking bird
- Natsuko — Mahito’s stepmother
- Himi — a girl with fire powers
Why You Should Watch It
- Miyazaki’s most personal film
- Beautiful, strange imagery
- Deep themes about loss
Fun Facts
- Won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2024)
- Japanese title means “How Do You Live?”
- Released in Japan with almost no marketing
8.7
Mysterious and moving. A film to think about long after it ends.
Where to Watch The Boy and the Heron Legally
The Boy and the Heron is on Netflix in many countries and on Max in the US. Streaming catalogs change by country, so check your local services. Watching legally supports the artists behind these films.
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