The SYMBOLISM, MEANING, and BEAUTY of The Boy and The Heron Explained | Non-Spoiler Video Essay

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  • Опубліковано 14 тра 2024
  • In this Studio Ghibli The Boy and The Heron video essay and The Boy and The Heron analysis, I take a deep dive into the new Boy and The Heron movie, starring Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Soma Santoki, and Masaki Suda. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is a perfect blend of anime, animation, adventure, and drama, exploring themes of life, morality, and art. I believe this movie is an excellent final film for Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki through great writing, voice acting, directing and filmmaking.
    Furthermore, in this The Boy & The Heron explained video (spoiler-free) and Lucas Blue The Boy and The Heron review, I'll delve into the film's symbolism and hidden meanings, uncovering The Boy and The Heron easter eggs, examining how it explores the balance of life and death, and good and evil.
    This Boy and The Heron review breaks down why The Boy and The Heron is perfect, what The Boy and The Heron means for the future of Japanese films, anime, and animated movies, why The Boy and The Heron works, and what makes The Boy and The Heron so shocking. This is why I love The Boy and The Heron. Hope you enjoy!
    Director: Hayao Miyazaki
    Cast: Luca Padovan - Robert Pattinson - Christian Bale - Gemma Chan - Mark Hamill - Karen Fukuhara - Florence Pugh - Willem Dafoe - Dave Bautista
    CHAPTERS
    00:00 Intro & Agenda
    00:59 The Inspiration
    04:05 The Symbolism
    07:20 The Message
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 234

  • @lucasblue20
    @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +59

    Another favorite film of the year, and my first anime video! What are your thoughts on the film, or do you plan to see it? Let me know below!

    • @frodotheewok
      @frodotheewok 5 місяців тому +2

      My nine year old said that Miyazaki tells better stories than Disney. She said that Disney is too predictable and boring. She found Boy and the Heron too complex at times but compelling for something different.

    • @julianneb2941
      @julianneb2941 4 місяці тому

      Excellent, thank you so much!
      I loved the movie

    • @shura4365
      @shura4365 4 місяці тому

      Where did you get the clips you used for this video? Many of them I don't remember being in any trailer I saw.

    • @marisaparr159
      @marisaparr159 4 місяці тому

      @@julianneb2941😢😊😊 7:33 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊_😢😂😊😂

  • @minhnguyen-ol6dp
    @minhnguyen-ol6dp 4 місяці тому +261

    I love how at the start of the movie Mahito was haunted by visions of his mom dying while calling out his name, but when he met is real mother she assured him that she has no regrets. He finally moved on from his guilt.

    • @aaronday7677
      @aaronday7677 4 місяці тому +1

      He never met his real mother after she died?

    • @Zeldafan1ify
      @Zeldafan1ify 4 місяці тому +17

      ​@@aaronday7677 I think that his mother's younger self retains an unchanging outlook on her future. She probably felt the same way when she died, and had no regrets.

  • @kaylaslavny6048
    @kaylaslavny6048 5 місяців тому +868

    A funny story- So my mom is japanese and my siblings and i took her to see this movie bc we all love Ghibli films. I asked my brother before it starts if its subtitles or dubbed, he says subtitles, and my sister goes “oh no mom didn’t bring her glasses! she’s not gonna be able to read!” COMPLETELY forgetting that OUR mother is fluent in japanese 😭😭😭😂😂

    • @violetstellanova4470
      @violetstellanova4470 5 місяців тому +7

      Did she like the movie?

    • @lizanaguslaeva
      @lizanaguslaeva 5 місяців тому

      lmao

    • @kendehl
      @kendehl 5 місяців тому +16

      I was the person who happened to say, "OH NO, it's dubbed..." right as it got to a quiet part in the opening 😂

    • @marie-franceFortin
      @marie-franceFortin 5 місяців тому +4

      Were the English subtitles any good? The French ones were confusing at times and downright robotics at others and I felt like a lot was lost in translation. I was wondering if the English subtitles were any better to go and rewatch the film since I am pretty fluent in English but my Japanese is non-existent.

    • @maryam.m
      @maryam.m 4 місяці тому +15

      @@marie-franceFortin The English subtitles were serviceable (told you what you needed to know), but often were not exactly accurate to what the character actually said in Japanese. I'm not mad, though.

  • @GotNextVideo
    @GotNextVideo 5 місяців тому +577

    If you watch the documentary on Miyazaki Never Ending Man, he talks about how one of his great sadnesses is that, as perfectionist control freak, he never made Studio Ghibli into something that could function without him and carry his legacy without him, the way that, say, Disney did.
    You see this with the old man, looking for a successor and finding none, and then finally seeing all that he built collapse around him.
    I think the fantasy world in this movie actually represents Miyazaki's life's work, the fantastic realm of creativity that draws from the real world but transforms everything it touches, and sends inspiration back out to the real world. And this is a movie about all of that ending. It's him saying goodbye.

    • @ilkyszn
      @ilkyszn 5 місяців тому +21

      This is a brilliant. Whole-heartedly agree

    • @MsSHINeeTVXQSuju
      @MsSHINeeTVXQSuju 5 місяців тому +21

      Ngl, this movie confused the hell out of me and my brother (just got home from seeing it); I immediately started searching online for an explanation, and your comment makes the most sense to me lol

    • @bboypressure1
      @bboypressure1 4 місяці тому

      Well said! 👏🏼

    • @TheWhitePenny
      @TheWhitePenny 4 місяці тому +5

      This is the exact same conclusion I came to after walking out of the theater. It's a real swan song that I keep finding myself thinking about day after day.

    • @huntrrams
      @huntrrams 4 місяці тому

      I love that documentary. Very sad and good sequel to The Kingdom Of Dreams and Madness

  • @makukawakami
    @makukawakami 5 місяців тому +459

    Imo, this movie is the deepest Miyazaki movie. On the surface, it's a mix of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. but to me, it's a love letter from Miyazaki to us and the future generations. He's telling us to create beautiful worlds untainted by malice. That block that Mahito kept at the end symbolizes the movie itself, a powerful reminder that we have the power to create something beautiful.

    • @acidrain92
      @acidrain92 4 місяці тому +8

      I'd say its more a mix of Spirited Away and The Wind Rises. A grounded, WW2 set film about finding reasons to live in an imperfect world (The Wind Rises) masquerading as an Alice in Wonderland style fantasy adventure (Spirited Away).

    • @YoungM3rce
      @YoungM3rce 4 місяці тому +7

      How many reviews you gon leave this same comment on homie?

    • @makukawakami
      @makukawakami 4 місяці тому +1

      @@YoungM3rce bout a few

    • @Advancedmonke
      @Advancedmonke 4 місяці тому

      I think you should quote the persons video you obviously took inspiration from

    • @makukawakami
      @makukawakami 4 місяці тому

      @@Advancedmonke I watched the movie twice and formulated this opinion on my drive home

  • @deliv46
    @deliv46 4 місяці тому +69

    I watched it a few days ago and it was so chaotic and confusing. I was frustrated because I couldn’t quite follow. But towards the end I realised that life itself can sometimes exactly be like that.
    Mahito must have felt those feelings as well, living during war, loosing his mother and being in such a new and strange situation/environment. But he keeps going, trying his best to save a person he doesn’t know how to feel about yet, knowing it will leads to a future he’s not very fond of (yet).
    I have to disagree with a lot of people here and have to say it was a great movie, not only because of the symbolism and the messages but also because I’m still thinking of this movie every day and every time I do, I discover something new.

  • @jgdacashman
    @jgdacashman 5 місяців тому +124

    I just realized at the end, Mahito (?) says that he can’t stack the stones because he has malice. And the woman that guides him in the sea world also has the same scar.
    I think Miyazaki wanted this character to represent him. In interviews and documentaries he has always come across as burdened and upset. Maybe as he’s getting closer to death he wants others to not feel burdened by their struggles and trauma and to make the world a better place regardless of it.

    • @princessthyemis
      @princessthyemis 5 місяців тому

      Hmmm...that's really beautiful 🥺

    • @hanswissmeyer9950
      @hanswissmeyer9950 4 місяці тому +2

      I think you are very close. The boy refuses to be the successor because his malice prevents him to built a better world in peace & harmony. Also the stones seem to represent black magic that he does not want to use.

  • @TK-px9ur
    @TK-px9ur 4 місяці тому +29

    I agree with the explanation. This film is an artistic expression of director Miyazaki's whole life. The boy, Mahito, of course, is Hayao Miyazaki himself. The mysterious tower symbolizes Studio Ghibli. In that tower, magical stories are created. The heron who guides us to that mysterious world is the producer Suzuki. The 13 stones represent the number of films directed by Miyazaki so far. His granduncle is the late director Isao Takahata. The director Miyazaki has great respect for Director Takahata. The director Miyazaki still cannot accept the fact that Takahata has gone in his real life. In this film, the director Miyazaki looks back on his life, goes to see Isao Takahata, refuses to inherit Studio Ghibli, and departs for a new world. This film is a farewell to Isao Takahata. Very artistic animation. Impressed.

  • @JoshLeitzel
    @JoshLeitzel 4 місяці тому +23

    The lack of promotion was actually Ghibli’s producer Toshio Suzuki’s decision for the project. He said that he wanted the experience of seeing it to be like when they were children and only saw a single poster and maybe an advert.

  • @Lilyium
    @Lilyium 5 місяців тому +118

    Hayao Miyazaki created The Boy and The Heron as a bid farewell to something he created, his own legacy through art, cinema and storytelling, no matter how beautiful or comforting it is, all things must come to an end. It’s a movie about choosing to live with hurt and suffering rather than pursuing only power and comfort. It felt much like a personal statement for the creator, and a kind of profound destruction of all that came before and how it all began. His life, his creations and his journey. You can see Easter eggs of past movies cleverly intertwined into this movie. They appear in chronical order of release too, I guess in a sense this is what Miyazaki's journey looked like, he wanted us to see what he saw. His visions for a world created through the magic of art. In the end, we get closure for Mahito and Miyazaki. He's able to pass down a story to all generations after him. A parting gift if you will, one of the most fitting way to end to his career. While Miyazaki's chapter closes here, all his masterpieces will transcend the times and live on. ❤

  • @HasselsHustlerDada
    @HasselsHustlerDada 4 місяці тому +61

    I thought about his distant relationship with his son and how he reacted to his first movie (which was rather disappointing).
    Sure, he may be saying goodbye with this movie, but the message I interpreted from it is that he also understood for himself that there is a world outside of his work, things that are more important to others (and also his son) and it's perfectly okay to pursue them.
    Maybe it's a long shot, but maybe it's also a personal message to his son.
    An old man who has spent his whole life creating a world far away and distant from the real people who care about him. And in the end, he lets his intended successor go, instead of continuing to force him to take over his world, to do what he himself had not accomplished, something more important - to live his life and be with his family.

  • @pruthvi2304
    @pruthvi2304 4 місяці тому +19

    I cried at the end after the song Spinning globe started. Crying how can such a brilliant work be someone's last work.

  • @EzreinlightwithinMyguidi-ct4lk
    @EzreinlightwithinMyguidi-ct4lk 4 місяці тому +21

    I just I don't know how to word the emotions I felt after I walked out if the theater, it was like miyazaki spoke directly to me.....i spent the next morning crying. And this masterpiece from the best filmmaker of our times, love love love

  • @justlilly7653
    @justlilly7653 4 місяці тому +18

    Just saw this movie in theaters last night, was confused on about 40% of it.
    Can't wait to watch more videos delving into this

  • @beaumac
    @beaumac 5 місяців тому +21

    Ha! I went in totally blind to this movie. I just loved it because I was left with so many questions and inspiration. I enjoy hearing the different interpretations people have.

  • @MrKittyhead
    @MrKittyhead 4 місяці тому +27

    I honestly just enjoyed it for what it was, because it was an absolute experience, but reading between the lines about what it’s really about is super cool too.

  • @TheBlueGoldenHawk
    @TheBlueGoldenHawk 5 місяців тому +6

    I know the popular interpretation that makes sense is that the grand uncle represents Miyazaki, but they’ve confirmed in interviews, such as with indie wire that mahito is Miyazaki, heron is Toshio Suzuki, and the grand uncle is Isao Takahata.

  • @Joecbg100
    @Joecbg100 5 місяців тому +8

    I decided to bite the bullet and see this with only name brand recognition of Mr. Miyazaki and his films and my God ,this was a beautiful, stunning experience. I think he made a masterpiece with this.

  • @twigcollins8785
    @twigcollins8785 5 місяців тому +37

    Great job, really interesting to hear your thoughts on this movie. I think 'Spirited Away' is still my favorite Miyazaki but it was interesting seeing him work in fairy tale motifs again. The idea that holding on too long to the need to control, no matter how grand the things you can build with that ambition, ultimately only ends in death and stagnation reminded me a lot of the Nausiica manga and Laputa, and the parallels between the line of distant ships and the line of ghost planes in Porco Rosso is a beautiful image in both movies.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +2

      Thank you!! And yeah, I totally see what you mean, the film almost feels like an amalgamation of all of Miyazaki’s previous work thematically and stylistically. Even many of the creatures look familiar. If this is truly the last one, it seems very appropriate. And yeah, Spirited Away is my favorite as well! I think I’ll watch it again over the holiday break. Thank you for watching!!

  • @clipmage
    @clipmage 4 місяці тому +9

    Someone really needs to make a Miyazaki film about Miyazaki, in his style. I hope it's already in the works. He deserves it for his outstanding life's work.

  • @williangarciasantos
    @williangarciasantos 5 місяців тому +2

    Spot on, mate! Loved the subtle visual references to the previous movies; felt like home :) . Another masterpiece!

  • @shawnpierre5755
    @shawnpierre5755 5 місяців тому +15

    This video is beautiful! I can really tell you truly understand the details and love the film. I’m watching it this Friday, thank you for this!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      Thank you so much! You’re right, I do truly admire it, it’s so good. And I can’t wait for you to see it!

  • @justinscott1086
    @justinscott1086 5 місяців тому +28

    You hit every single point on the head correctly. This was a great video. What is so awesome about hearing your understanding and it being completely parallel with my understanding it’s just how awesome it is to know that art like this touches people can connect people in their thoughts and purpose. Thanks for making this. You did a wonderful job. Can’t wait to show the video to my other half as I know it will help clarify questions they have. Truly a beautiful analysis!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +3

      Omg this is such a fulfilling comment to read. Just like you said, it really means the most to me when people can connect through art on text and video platforms like this, whether we learn through disagreement or relate through agreement. It’s the reason I do it. And I’m super glad we could both enjoy the movie! Thank you so much!!

    • @justinscott1086
      @justinscott1086 5 місяців тому

      @@lucasblue20 thank you as well!! I’ve seen it 3 times so far lol I loveeee it and everything Miyazaki! I’m going again in Saturday to see the English version lol first three times were in Japanese. It’s a masterpiece.

  • @razilia3424
    @razilia3424 5 місяців тому +3

    Your review made me love this film bettter!! Thank you so much!!!

  • @gtone339
    @gtone339 5 місяців тому +11

    Definitely one of my favourite traditional animated films, thank you Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli 😀

  • @Nicholasmcmath-cr1xl
    @Nicholasmcmath-cr1xl 4 місяці тому

    Great video man I enjoy listening to it i just find you channel and the boy and the Heron is my favorite film of the year

  • @plaster.art.ho3
    @plaster.art.ho3 4 місяці тому

    great review, analysis and interpretation, u have a very soothing voice. Saw this in the movies today and it was friggin great.

  • @munchkin335413
    @munchkin335413 5 місяців тому +1

    This was so wonderfully well said, and definitely changed my perspective on the movie. While i do think some of my initial criticisms hold up i think rewatching with this video in mind might give me a new appreciation for it. so thanks! :)

  • @vando369
    @vando369 3 місяці тому

    Well research, good writing and adequate voicing, logical order of arguments for an interesting interpretation, thank you very much!
    Keep it up!

  • @hollyhughesintuitive
    @hollyhughesintuitive 5 місяців тому +24

    I love the analysis and agree with it all, however, the basic plot issues left me feeling like the symbolism took over and the simple story was left incomplete. I'm a huge fan of Miyazaki, and wish the Grand Uncle and his 4 potential replacements had more explanation. I'm not being specific because this is a no spoiler clip. :)

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +3

      I totally understand that. While I loved the movie for what it represents and all of the technical skill on display, I still have a few other Ghibli favorites that I enjoy more. It was also the most hands-off project for Miyazaki in his career, so that could be part of the reason. But ultimately, I'm really glad we both enjoyed the film, and it's wonderful to hear you loved the analysis, thank you so much!!

  • @crimsonraen
    @crimsonraen 4 місяці тому

    This is great, thanks for the breakdown!

  • @Rachel-tr8mg
    @Rachel-tr8mg 3 місяці тому

    This is such an illuminating video. I loved the film but watching this has helped me to love it more.
    Thank you.

  • @nicoleann0703
    @nicoleann0703 5 місяців тому +10

    I really enjoyed this masterpiece and have also enjoyed watching all of these analysis videos on the film. I've seen some say that not only are the characters representing different facets of Miyazaki, but there are undertones of mysticism and Japanese folklore as well that explain different "levels" of the world that the grand uncle created, and why the birth room is so taboo could be from the folklore about goddess Toyotama-hime.

    • @HarmonyWheeler
      @HarmonyWheeler 5 місяців тому +1

      I didn’t understand the whole birthing room thing. Why did she go there? Why wouldn’t she leave? Why was it taboo for them to enter?

    • @nicoleann0703
      @nicoleann0703 5 місяців тому +3

      @@HarmonyWheeler So the "taboo" part is probably from (and this was just something that someone else guessed)- a Japanese myth where a husband peeped into the birth room and then the wife turned into a shark and left him behind.. so that's the taboo part, because it's from a Japanese myth. But I don't understand why she went there and why she didn't want to leave. 🤔 My question was more why she told Mahito that she hated him- some sources are guessing that it's because he wasn't as accepting of her in the real world and that it also reflects the relationship that Miyazaki had with his own mother. But of course this is all just speculation, and like you, I have tons of questions. 😄

  • @supaspydamn
    @supaspydamn 3 місяці тому

    Great video. I really needed to hear that message ❤

  • @sassycaterpillar6631
    @sassycaterpillar6631 5 місяців тому +3

    Extremely well done! Great analysis

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you!! It was so much fun to make so I’m really glad you enjoyed!!

  • @a17yearoldonyoutubeluigi
    @a17yearoldonyoutubeluigi 5 місяців тому

    Yeah I needed this. Tks for the help.

  • @UARELOVE1010
    @UARELOVE1010 5 місяців тому +2

    Beautiful movie and review. Thanks for making this, it helped me understand the movie more deeply.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +2

      My pleasure, thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

  • @stevoofd
    @stevoofd Місяць тому

    Exactly the kind of analysis I was looking for after seeing the film. It left a deep impact on me!

  • @yoallmorales3838
    @yoallmorales3838 4 місяці тому +1

    Just saw the film this tuesday. Amazing and profound essay on the film and Miyazaki's work. Looking forward for other videos. New subscriber. Happy new year from Mexico.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  4 місяці тому

      Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed and Happy New Year!!

  • @thealvinvodcast2029
    @thealvinvodcast2029 4 місяці тому

    Probably the best video explanation of the movie. Thank you so much for this.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  4 місяці тому +1

      Thank you so much my friend!! Means so much!

  • @nastiaj7083
    @nastiaj7083 5 місяців тому +2

    The best UA-cam review ❤

  • @ellenbrennan7021
    @ellenbrennan7021 5 місяців тому +5

    That was a beautiful essay. Thank you.

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому +1

      Totally my pleasure, thank you so much for watching!

  • @Bend818
    @Bend818 5 місяців тому +7

    I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who picked up on all this. A lot of friends I’ve spoken to haven’t liked this film saying there was no point to it. I can’t disagree more!

  • @marianacavalcante6348
    @marianacavalcante6348 2 місяці тому

    Sir I just wanna say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS REVIEW !!!!!!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  2 місяці тому +1

      Omg totally my pleasure, thank YOU for watching!!

  • @assakurayoh
    @assakurayoh 2 місяці тому +1

    I thought it was a goodbye from Miyazaki, I never felt like someone saying: "farewell, this world is yours now", like I felt with this movie. I did not enjoy it the same way I did with other movies from Miyazaki, but this one's message left me speechless, it was the artists farewell to his fans, and I felt profoundly grateful for the work he did through his life

    • @nancyveronica6851
      @nancyveronica6851 Місяць тому

      omg i felt the same like you can easily feel that sadness feeling at the core of the movie, i really impressed and it was hard for me to say goodbye to Miyazaki and my childhood at the end of the movie. You know when u realize that actually this is the last movie of him and there won't be another ones after this movie and this is truly the end.. Sometimes at the end it's hard to accept that something is going to end and it's last and there'll not be the more parts of it. Goodbye Miyazaki and Goodbye my childhood. it's time to make our own stories now.

    • @assakurayoh
      @assakurayoh Місяць тому

      @@nancyveronica6851 Agreed, really a moment of departure, reminds me of one of the saddest moments of my childhood when I going merry leaves the adventure... I cry almost every time

  • @majocorona6871
    @majocorona6871 3 місяці тому

    Amo estos videos, duran exactamente lo que tardo en desayunar

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  3 місяці тому +1

      Haha that’s actually really great to hear! It means a lot that you enjoy them, thank you!!

  • @CVsnaredevil
    @CVsnaredevil 5 місяців тому +13

    Damn good movie. So glad I got to see it on the big screen. What a blessing.

  • @kthereplicant
    @kthereplicant 5 місяців тому +4

    Great video! Idk if you saw but Indiewire did an interview and it said Great Uncle represents Isao Takahata, who was Miyazaki’s partner at Ghibli who died a few years ago.

  • @hanswissmeyer9950
    @hanswissmeyer9950 4 місяці тому +1

    What I like most of this Movie is that it leaves you with so many questionmarks & gets better & better the more you try to analyze what it is about. You are certainly right with your interpretations, but I think there is also an overarching story to it that, up to now, nobody mentioned in a review or explanation video. This surprises me because it seemed so obvious. Maybe I am just overinterpreting, but do not think so. However, it still makes me watch videos about the Film whenever youtube suggests them, to see if anybody comes up with a similar idea. No, won´t spoiler it for you, it would kill the fun finding out by yourself.

  • @lizanaguslaeva
    @lizanaguslaeva 5 місяців тому +2

    this movie is amazing! thanks for the review

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      It very much was! And thank you, thank you for watching!!

  • @tjjordan4207
    @tjjordan4207 5 місяців тому +9

    It dawned on me while on the drive home after having seen the movie that this film is Miyazaki's way of telling us that no one can replace him at Studio Ghibli because there can only be one Miyazaki. To try and be him would go against creativity. We're all meant to create our own worlds, our own stories, but also that we shouldn't allow those worlds to overtake our lives as it did with Miyazaki. His son spoke about how little Miyazaki was involved in his life growing up, and there's a possibility that the man himself regrets that.
    Personally, I have a lot of issues with the story and how it is told, but the message is there, and it's done well enough for the message to sink in. And like always, it's a Miyazaki film, it's going to be entertaining and fun.

    • @HydraSpectre1138
      @HydraSpectre1138 2 місяці тому +1

      I think that message is also aimed at Makoto Shinkai, who people keep hailing as “the next Miyazaki” even if he doesn’t believe that.
      Hayao Miyazaki is telling Shinkai that he DOESN’T have to be the next Miyazaki. He should instead make his own art without shallowly replicating Studio Ghibli films.
      To me, personally, the reason why the Studio Ghibli films are so special to me was that unwavering sense of empathy and kindness in them, even in their darkest films. They have this sense of emotional rawness and realness that is rare in film.
      They also tell us that life is worth living.
      I want to recapture that Ghibli magic of being emotionally real and raw, and shallowly copying the Ghibli style will not do that, only following what I think works for me will.
      The directors of Ghibli followed their own hearts for them to get this, and I want to follow my own heart.
      It’s basically saying “be yourself”.

  • @cineida
    @cineida 3 місяці тому

    lovely analysis

  • @originaozz
    @originaozz 3 місяці тому

    Just finally got to watched the film and while I did not cry in theater, this review definitely left me in tears. I guess it is easier to escape the real world now more than ever and definitely am one of the many who often chose to do so rather than facing the heartbreaks of life.
    Miyazaki has been criticized by many for the way he treated his son & I can kinda see him trying to let that go in this film.

  • @notavictim2007
    @notavictim2007 4 місяці тому

    Great video!

  • @delbroox
    @delbroox 4 місяці тому

    Great analysis.

  • @smileymileytwin
    @smileymileytwin 3 місяці тому +1

    I knew instantly that the fire woman was his mum due to the fife imaergy. I love that is connected it like that. Theres so much to unpack here and i loved it so much. After i thought this was the perfect retirement film as if he feels the same passing this on to his son and allowing him to forge his own path.

  • @IsaacClayborne
    @IsaacClayborne 5 місяців тому

    I was in awe.

  • @DrDisasta
    @DrDisasta 5 місяців тому +3

    With a world full of billions and billions of people, nobody can be you. This is a lesson we can all learn from.

  • @tobiaseschenbach106
    @tobiaseschenbach106 4 місяці тому

    Awesome work ❤

  • @pidgepagonis
    @pidgepagonis 4 місяці тому

    Thank you! Subscribed!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  4 місяці тому

      Thank you so much!! Plenty more to come very soon!

  • @abiotic_sloth1768
    @abiotic_sloth1768 5 місяців тому +2

    i am so glad there are other people bringing this up. while watching the film I could very clearly see different stages of Miyazaki's life through the different characters. This movie is absolutely an ode farewell to anime and filmmaking. Although there are rumors he is going to make another film, this movie alone is just so obviously a love letter to his legacy and his comfort with letting his own legacy end.
    Also you say this is spoiler-free but you are literally mentioning and bringing up every single major plot point of the movie and every big twist so...I really dont see what spoilers you're hiding if you are bringing up everything lol

  • @thestarseeker8196
    @thestarseeker8196 4 місяці тому +7

    The delivery room was really the only thing I didn’t quite understand. Why did she go to this world anyway, and why can nobody visit the delivery room? Maybe I can see that she left to test Mahito and she was party to the Heron’s plans. And who was the unborn child/what did the pregnancy represent? That’s the angle I’ve been thinking about a lot.

    • @user-mi6tb7gs4r
      @user-mi6tb7gs4r 4 місяці тому +6

      She and her baby were dying for pregnancy complications in the real world

    • @hanswissmeyer9950
      @hanswissmeyer9950 4 місяці тому

      @@user-mi6tb7gs4r This is exactly the conclusion I also came to.

  • @tooktooknee
    @tooktooknee 4 місяці тому

    On point review.

  • @Bunny11344
    @Bunny11344 5 місяців тому +4

    I just saw this movie with my bf and we went into it blind purposely not reading anything cause we didn’t want spoilers. Tho I left a bit confused I’m happy to stumble upon this video as I didn’t know it was about Miyazaki, it made me appreciate it more. It’s a beautiful movie now that understand his perspective/story.

  • @drgrounder
    @drgrounder 5 місяців тому +4

    Above the door to the other world it says "Fecemi la divina potestate" which means "my maker was divine authority"

    • @user-mi6tb7gs4r
      @user-mi6tb7gs4r 4 місяці тому +1

      It’s from Dante’s Inferno

    • @surette2012
      @surette2012 Місяць тому

      Wooow! The movie is so subtextual and hurts me sm for some reason. 😢 Even the elements that seem cryptic or difficult to understand tracks with how frustrating and nebulous life is.

  • @gilekopi7296
    @gilekopi7296 5 місяців тому +1

    I just watch the movie...tq with great explanation ❤

  • @nafa7113
    @nafa7113 5 місяців тому +2

    It took my family and I, two hours to arrive at the movies and one more hour to see it, I was completely amazed and bewildered by the beauty and the story, it was beautiful, but sadly my family thought otherwise.

  • @chrisdough97
    @chrisdough97 5 місяців тому +1

    I always love your movie takes/analyses!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  5 місяців тому

      This truly does mean a lot, thank you so much!

  • @Aaron-zl5gq
    @Aaron-zl5gq 9 днів тому

    there is so much meaning to this movie i feel a lot of people overlooked and didnt understand.

  • @shogenx
    @shogenx 4 місяці тому +1

    The entire movie is a beautiful metaphor for his life

  • @grahamr.5306
    @grahamr.5306 4 місяці тому

    great stuff!

  • @pruthvi2304
    @pruthvi2304 4 місяці тому

    Like a "spinnnig globe" this perfectly imperfect world will continue to go on. Brilliant!!!

    • @lucasblue20
      @lucasblue20  4 місяці тому

      Thank you so much! It was a really beautiful concept

  • @Peranolde
    @Peranolde 5 місяців тому +2

    Did anyone else notice the reference to Arnold Bocklin? When Shoichi is pulled into the tower the first place he visits is Bocklin's 'Isle of the Dead'. And in case you think it's a coincidence, Miyazaki even put a memo on his story board for this scene, "Cypres like Bocklin's Isle of the Dead".

    • @wellurban
      @wellurban 5 місяців тому

      Absolutely! The resemblance leapt out at me, but I couldn’t remember the name of the painting. And it links in to the inscription above the entrance to the tower, which comes from the entrance to hell in Dante’s Inferno: “I was made by divine power”.

    • @hanswissmeyer9950
      @hanswissmeyer9950 4 місяці тому

      Yup, definately Boecklin!

  • @stevenlebo6922
    @stevenlebo6922 4 місяці тому +2

    Wow. The Florida Film Critic Circle gave THE BOY AND THE HERON the award for best Picture and Best Animated Picture.

  • @mauau
    @mauau 4 місяці тому

    i think i need to rewatch

  • @jgdacashman
    @jgdacashman 5 місяців тому +4

    I also want to throw in here that I think the ending is a love letter to his son and him passing on the torch

    • @weissesfrettchen
      @weissesfrettchen 4 місяці тому

      But his son tried and his father seemed to not approve so the son stepped away from film making.

    • @ciello___8307
      @ciello___8307 2 місяці тому +1

      @@weissesfrettchengoro didnt totally step away. He made from up on poppy hill which was pretty good and a recent series. Part of the movie is him telling the future that they should go on their own path

  • @MadDogRyan
    @MadDogRyan 4 місяці тому +4

    It has been 4 weeks since I saw this film I can't seem to get it out of my head the film is so beautiful visually and thematically, I personally believe the film is about how those who have seen the darkest stuff make the brightest art trying escape that darkness and give that light to others

  • @aegisreflector1239
    @aegisreflector1239 4 місяці тому +1

    Beautiful movie, I loved it

  • @DaCrux78
    @DaCrux78 3 місяці тому

    It's about change and things we can't control, and that if we embrace them, things might just work out.

  • @GOOBANGI
    @GOOBANGI 4 місяці тому

    Something must’ve gotten lost in translation because I was so confused during this movie, a friend explained it later and it made sense but man I was disappointed I didn’t walk out of the theater feeling a little more satisfied

  • @sea.imagineering
    @sea.imagineering 4 місяці тому +1

    It is also a nice story of a boy processing his moms death.

  • @jasonguinn6075
    @jasonguinn6075 3 місяці тому

    I loved the man eating parakeets. I need a king parakeet action figure!!!

  • @signifiature
    @signifiature 4 місяці тому +1

    I keep avoiding content “explaining” The Boy and The Heron because I don’t want to make sense of it. I want it to remain an absolute fever dream.

  • @Moxxie73
    @Moxxie73 3 місяці тому

    Idk why but I cried while watching this :(

  • @Thenewboidahlia
    @Thenewboidahlia 4 місяці тому

    Haven’t even seen the movie yet and I know it’s gonna make me sob 😭

  • @abstrktionLair
    @abstrktionLair 5 місяців тому

    see my initial takeaway after the film was that yeah, the great uncle is a Miyazaki self insert. but then in that same Suzuki interview you referenced, didn't Suzuki mention that the great uncle was meant to be Takahata?

  • @waxa7290
    @waxa7290 4 місяці тому

    I felt instantly that every male character is somewhat Miyazaki saying something

  • @mfayant
    @mfayant 3 місяці тому

    If haven't seen the movie yet, and yet once you leave you might be confused. To give you a heads up into your movie journey. His dad is marrying, or married his deceased wife's sister. Hopefully that will help understanding the boy's fantasy adventure about life.

  • @lucsev
    @lucsev 3 місяці тому

    As below, so above.

  • @jtb9866
    @jtb9866 5 місяців тому +12

    In the real world parakeets aren't just pretty birds, they're creatures of mimic. Parakeets mindlessly squawk whatever sounds they hear, it's where the term "to parrot" comes from. The creative world of the Grand-Uncle has been taken over by mindless birds of mimic that spread and eat everything they can get their hands on. They unanimously follow a large, fascistic figure promising to protect them and the world they feed off of, but clearly doesn't appreciate its beauty based on the scene at the Tower's gardens. This Parrot King has a working relationship with the Grand-Uncle and when the Grand-Uncle can no longer produce his works, the King desperately attempts and fails to stack the blocks on his own leading to the collapse of the created world. The inscription of the golden gates at the Isle of the Dead translates to a proverb meaning "those who seek to copy my work shall die", a fate the Parrot King surely met. I believe Miyazaki was making a statement that great works and art should be learned from to grow and create better works rather than copied, remade, remastered, done again but this time in live action. Frankly, I'm surprised the creative world wasn't taken over by mice with big round ears.

    • @charlie-obrien
      @charlie-obrien 5 місяців тому +2

      A very respectable analysis of that part of the movie. It wouldn't have ever occurred to me otherwise. I was just there watching and thinking that he used parakeets as metaphor for something innocent.
      Well done.

    • @thestarseeker8196
      @thestarseeker8196 4 місяці тому

      indeed, much of what we see in the entertainment mainstream is derivative nothingness followed unquestioningly by hordes of parrots. We are always in a war with this and I do think it’s that serious. Miyazaki is on our side.

    • @ciello___8307
      @ciello___8307 2 місяці тому

      I love this interpretation. Miyazaki did leave it quite open to us

    • @dragongirl4110
      @dragongirl4110 2 місяці тому

      Mice with round ears ! HAHAHA 🤣 LOL! That cracks me up 🤣🤣😂😂😂

  • @HereForEvermore
    @HereForEvermore 4 місяці тому

    Easily one of my all-time favorite Ghibli films. I want to go and see it at least 3 or 4 more times!

  • @morganleanderblake678
    @morganleanderblake678 4 місяці тому

    I feel like the fact that Great Uncle looked like Einstein isn't an accident either.

  • @24-nguyenhuunguyen56
    @24-nguyenhuunguyen56 4 місяці тому

    Just 1 word: Oscar

  • @jesssc402
    @jesssc402 5 місяців тому +1

    Himi does resemble Miyazaki’s mom!

  • @stoman6931
    @stoman6931 4 місяці тому +1

    We thought the movie was disappointing, having watched Chihiro's Journey (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi - not sure what the English title actually was) before. The graphics were very "80's", and the story also very simple and trivial/boring in our opinions. The daughter liked it, though.
    Hisaishi's music was ok, but not his best work from our point of view.

  • @metricstormtrooper
    @metricstormtrooper 3 місяці тому +1

    I've seen every myazaki film, I've love all of them up until this point, some I've watched over 20 times, but I found this film to be just impenetrable tosh, if I were not watching this with my wife, I would have walked out of the cinema. I wish he had stopped at "The Wind Rises"

    • @ykMMD
      @ykMMD Місяць тому

      Same

  • @gneminerift7485
    @gneminerift7485 4 місяці тому +1

    And, I've heard friends telling me this movie sucked. The disrespect.

  • @Erlaxis
    @Erlaxis 3 місяці тому

    This helps to explain why I didn't like the movie as much as most others he's directed. Being so heavily inspired in his personal story makes it far less significant to me.

  • @devgurl
    @devgurl 4 місяці тому

    So basically Life of Pi without the last 10 minutes explaination

  • @Vinilalari
    @Vinilalari 2 місяці тому +2

    Ok, but doesn’t anyone tell weird that the father spoused the sister of his dead wife?