“I noticed that with this film, where he portrayed himself as a protagonist, he included a lot of humorous moments in order to cover up that the boy, based on himself, is very sensitive and pessimistic,” Suzuki said. “That was interesting to see.”

The protagonist of the film represents Miyazaki himself, and, as Suzuki further explained, the heron also symbolizes the director in another form. While the heron may appear mischievous and mysterious, its role is to guide and push the boy forward on his journey, mirroring Miyazaki’s own personal development and the forces that shaped him. The relationship between the boy and the heron highlights how Miyazaki views the complexities of personal growth, with the heron acting as both a helper and a symbol of the challenges one faces in life.

The Anticipating and Praise  

During the production of the film, Studio Ghibli took an unusually secretive approach in terms of marketing and promotion. While they did confirm that a new project was in development, the studio deliberately withheld almost all information from the public. Unlike the typical promotional campaign that includes trailers, behind-the-scenes images, and detailed synopsis, Studio Ghibli refrained from releasing any of these. Even when the film premiered in Japan, no casting details or footage were made available to audiences. The sole piece of promotional material released was a minimalist poster featuring an image of a heron, leaving fans and critics alike in the dark about the film’s plot and characters.

After the film’s release, it garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with many hailing it as one of Hayao Miyazaki’s finest works to date. The Boy and the Heron not only resonated with viewers on an emotional and visual level, but it also cemented itself as a box office success, grossing an impressive $294.2 million worldwide. This financial triumph made it the fifth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. In addition to its commercial success, the film received numerous prestigious accolades. It was recognized with the Best Animated Feature Film award at the Academy Awards. It also won the same category at the BAFTA Awards, Golden Globes, and the Japanese Film Academy. The Boy and the Heron became Studio Ghibli’s most successful opening to date, surpassing the debut of Howl’s Moving Castle, which had previously held the record for the studio. 

The Meaning 

The Boy and the Heron has left a strong impact on both fans and the Studio Ghibli team, which spent years bringing it to life. Despite the lack of typical promotions—no trailers, images, or plot details—audiences eagerly filled theaters, excited to see the film. Viewers walked away feeling happy and deeply moved by its emotional storytelling and breathtaking visuals. This movie holds special meaning for Hayao Miyazaki, as it draws from his own childhood experiences. While it may not be considered one of Studio Ghibli’s top five films, it undoubtedly belongs in the top ten.

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