We no longer need to wait with bated breath, as Hayao Miyazaki’s final-maybe-not-final Studio
Ghibli release The Boy and the Heron will be reaching the shores of South Africa on the 19th
April courtesy of Ster-Kinekor writes 041Animation columnist Faziela Harris-Davids.
I have had the pleasure of rewatching the trailer countless times since seeing its possible release in South Africa since late last year, both in subbed and dubbed format, for research of course. As always, the wonderful imagination behind all of Studio Ghibli’s films leaves me constantly awe struck in its depth of characters and the wondrous landscapes.
The story follows 12 year old Mahito, as he discovers and struggles with his new life after the loss of his mother in a hospital fire, and the new marriage of his fire in a new town. Here he is met by a talking heron who tells him that his mother is still very much alive, an adventure ensues as he travels to an abandoned tower in search of her. He enters into a magical world of living and dead and so the story unfolds.
I am reminded of Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, and am blown away by the details within each scene, particularly the shifting between the varying realms layered within the story. However more so in the deeper meanings behind each movie and how you are able to uncover different elements the more you watch them. Particularly when watching them as you get older, as you are then caught by the deeper subliminal meanings of each film and then are able to grasp the hidden meaning juxtaposed throughout.
Case in point the cover of The Grave of the Fireflies, boy did that one throw me for a loop when I found out those were not fireflies.
Places to win
Various content creators all around South Africa, along with Gravel Road Films have been hosting giveaway competitions to win tickets to the exclusive pre-screening taking place on the 12th April 2024.
Hurry along to enter or hurry to Ster-Kinekor on opening night, because this is definitely not one to be missed. I have listed a few of these content creators down below:
- @the_engrave_slave (The Engrave Slave)
- @lalunary.sa (La Lunary Anime Store)
- @thecuredrebirth (Enricoh Alfonzo)
- @ludus.cosplay (Lucas Michael Andalis)
- @iambakasakura (Baka Sakura Cosplay)
- @tarzmartin (Tara Martin)
Would this mark the Epilogue of Studio Ghibli? Or merely the rebirth of its new era? Either way I
am most excited and cannot wait to watch The Boy and the Heron in all its glory.
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