A new English trailer for Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki’s new movie, The Boy and the Heron was just released. The new film is coming to theaters and IMAX in North America on December 8th.
This Studio Ghibli film made its global debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7th, the first time the festival kicked off with an animated film and the first for a Japanese flick. San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain showed it on September 22nd, honoring Hayao Miyazaki with a career achievement award. It also rocked the Animation Is Film Festival in Hollywood and shined bright at the Miami Film Festival on November 4th.
The Plot
The plot revolves around Mahito, a 12-year-old grappling with life in a new town after losing his mom. Things take a magical turn when a talking heron spills the beans that his mom is alive. Determined to find her, Mahito ventures into an abandoned tower, unlocking a doorway to another world.
The Boy and the Heron stormed into Japanese theaters on July 14, setting the box office ablaze. Within its initial three days, it drew in a whopping 1.003 million eager viewers, generating a staggering $13.2 million. The momentum didn’t wane during the Friday-Monday long weekend, where it sold 1.353 million tickets, banking an impressive 2.149 billion yen (approximately $15.53 million). Cumulatively, the film has amassed a colossal 8,333,397,800 yen, securing its place as the 74th highest-grossing film in Japan’s cinematic history.
Breaking new ground, The Boy and the Heron marks the first Studio Ghibli film to enjoy a simultaneous IMAX release, promising an immersive experience for audiences. The film also graced screens in Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, and DTS:X, ensuring a sensory feast for cinephiles.
Behind this cinematic marvel is the genius of Hayao Miyazaki, credited for the original work, direction, and script. The enchanting musical score is orchestrated by Joe Hisaishi, known for his iconic compositions in Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Adding to the sonic tapestry is Kenshi Yonezu, the voice behind the theme song “Chikyūgi” (Globe), elevating the film’s emotional resonance. The perfect symphony of talent converges in this cinematic masterpiece, inviting audiences into a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Will you be lining up to see The Boy and the Heron when it hits theaters here?
