The Boy and the Heron is not just an animated film but a masterpiece that fans of the seventh art cannot afford to miss when it hits theaters this December.
First Ghibli Film Released in Vietnam
Many generations of global audiences have grown up with the works of Studio Ghibli. In the 1980s, Studio Ghibli released its first film, Castle in the Sky, and since then, it has created unforgettable classics for viewers such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke, to name a few.
Despite the profound impact of Ghibli’s films, in Vietnam, audiences have previously only had limited exposure to just a few titles through local screenings. Only two Ghibli films, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, have been released in Vietnam, and those were during film festivals with significantly limited screenings.
Therefore, the announcement of the theatrical release of The Boy and the Heron has generated excitement among Ghibli fans in Vietnam. This indicates that the beloved works of this studio will finally be shown on the big screen across the country.
Celebrating Ghibli Heritage with Stunning Visuals and Music
From its very first works, Studio Ghibli has established a unique mark with its animation style and distinctive musical compositions that are unmatched in any other films or soundtracks. The essence of Ghibli has even evolved into a unique artistic style, influencing many subsequent works. The music in Ghibli films continues to have a life of its own, with many musicians covering Ghibli themes and dedicated concerts showcasing these iconic melodies.
Cultural and artistic events centered around Ghibli have taken place in many locations worldwide. Besides the famous Ghibli Park, numerous cultural events celebrating Ghibli are organized throughout Japan. In Thailand, a Ghibli-themed exhibition at Central World in Bangkok has drawn large crowds, prompting the event’s extension into late 2024 due to high demand. The visuals, music, and overall “Ghibli atmosphere” have become significant elements of contemporary culture.
With The Boy and the Heron, audiences will experience all the unique characteristics of Ghibli, but with a completely different narrative that will captivate viewers. The film is still helmed by renowned director Hayao Miyazaki and composed by Joe Hisaishi, who have both been integral to Ghibli’s most iconic works. The combination of these two creative minds will beautifully represent the unique essence of Ghibli in an original and emotionally resonant manner.
Following the journey of The Boy and the Heron, audiences will step into a realm of imagination filled with fantastical adventures, magical creatures, and surreal phenomena. The marks left by famous works such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle are clearly present in this film.
With stunning visuals and captivating music, experiencing this film on the big screen will provide audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience that is entirely different from previous viewings on smaller screens. Therefore, Ghibli fans will not want to miss this opportunity, as it will be a long time before they can enjoy Ghibli films in such a grand format again.
Embodying Surrealism with Deep Symbolism
Like many other Ghibli films, The Boy and the Heron embodies a surreal quality, blending fantasy with reality, allowing viewers to float freely in a creative atmosphere that encourages deep contemplation. The film explores profound themes of life and death, personal loss, and the legacy of the creator with Studio Ghibli, all while reflecting on the shadows of the past and the future of the “Ghibli spirit” as the creator has expressed.
As a film by director Hayao Miyazaki that emerged from the “golden age,” The Boy and the Heron presents numerous eye-catching visuals alongside profound reflections on existence, personal trauma, and the emotional scars left by war, shaping the creator’s perception and the future of the “Ghibli spirit” as he continues to create with love and care. The Boy and the Heron is not merely a conventional narrative but a film that invites viewers to return repeatedly to immerse themselves in the artistic intricacies of Ghibli, discovering new layers of meaning with every viewing, especially when connected to the creator’s own life experiences.
As of December 11 (Vietnam time), at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, The Boy and the Heron was nominated in two categories: Best Animated Feature and Best Music.
The Boy and the Heron is currently being released in theaters.
