The Boy and the Heron Discussion Thread

[Edonis 28,950]

With the film officially out in the US, I wanted to open a thread to discuss the movie in more detail. Simply put: it's A LOT going on. What were your thoughts if you've seen it already? 

Trailer below:

 

[Edonis 28,950]

As expected, I think this is Miyazaki's least accessible film ever  which would explain the polarizing early reviews/audience reaction. It is now critically one of the highest rated animated films of all time, but I think a lot of that had to do with critics getting a chance to really sit with the film and explore the themes in more detail. It's rife with surrealism and symbolism, but also heavily influenced by real-life events Miyazaki experienced as a kid and adult. Controversially, I think the lack of promotional marketing harmed this film - to fully get it you have to have some background. 

[RAMROD 107,604]

It is amazing. Especially anyone who ever gone through grievances. A story about letting go and dealing with loss. 
 

Love how they depicted afterlife. 
 

 

[Borisapillar 8,902]

I didn't care for it, unfortunately.

[Edonis 28,950]

3 minutes ago, Borisapillar said:

I didn't care for it, unfortunately.

It certainly is polarizing! I really do think public perception is going to be split with some loving it and others not so much. 

[Karl 3,326]

So to people that watched it are we talking spirited away fantasy escapism or the wind rises like a personal story type of thing? 

[Edonis 28,950]

38 minutes ago, Karl said:

So to people that watched it are we talking spirited away fantasy escapism or the wind rises like a personal story type of thing? 

A bit of both lol. Starts out grounded in reality and then turns into a full-on fantasy in the last two-thirds of the film. Thematically, it's semi-autobiographical and probably Miyazaki's most personal, but I don't want to spoil too much.