THE COMPLETE SCENE
Hayao Miyazaki’s last movie, ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ is set to have its European unveiling at the San Sebastián Film Festival, after its initial showing in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival. Inspired by a literary work, the film paints a grand and heartfelt narrative of growing up, although the exact details of the story are yet to be revealed. Even with the plot concealed in secrecy, the film’s mysterious launch strategy has proven successful, earning 1.83 billion yen ($13.2 million) during its opening weekend. This makes it Studio Ghibli’s most impressive opening in almost four decades of existence.
Following an enticingly cryptic introduction, which included the Japanese launch of the forthcoming Studio Ghibli feature ‘The Boy and the Heron’ without any trailers or advertising content, spectators are at last given a glimpse into what is anticipated to be the iconic director Hayao Miyazaki’s final project. Along with the unveiling of a fresh still from the movie, the San Sebastián Film Festival declared that ‘The Boy and the Heron’ will have its European premiere at their event, subsequent to its North American appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7.
The awaited movie, once known as ‘How Do You Live?’, has been years in the making, taking almost ten years to produce. Though the exact storyline is still concealed, it takes inspiration from Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel of the same title. This is not a direct adaptation, but the novel narrates the adventures of a teenager named Junichi, known as Koperu, who strives to comprehend his surroundings. The upcoming film is expected to explore a similar theme, manifested as a “grand fantasy” and an emotional journey into adulthood.
Having only been advertised with a single understated poster, excitement for the movie has reached unprecedented levels, fueled further by it being Miyazaki’s farewell film. The renowned director is responsible for some of Studio Ghibli’s most cherished films, such as ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service,’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle.’ As a co-founder of the studio along with Isao Takahata in 1985, Miyazaki’s influence is profound. ‘The Boy and the Heron’ was first shown in Japanese theaters on July 14 this year, yet the international marketing strategy has kept details hidden, including the cast and even withholding the release of a trailer. This enigmatic approach seemed risky but reaped rewards for the studio, as ‘The Boy and the Heron’ amassed 1.83 billion yen ($13.2 million) in its opening weekend, setting a new record for Studio Ghibli, surpassing ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ which opened with 1.48 billion yen.
When is ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Coming Out?
The movie will make its awaited American and European premieres in Toronto and San Sebastián the following month, but no official date has been announced for its broader theatrical release. However, fans can anticipate its arrival in theaters sometime later this year. North American distribution will be handled by GKIDS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: ‘The Boy and the Heron’
When will ‘The Boy and the Heron’ make its European and North American premieres?
The film will make its European debut at the San Sebastián Film Festival and its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7.
What is ‘The Boy and the Heron’ inspired by?
The film is inspired by Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel ‘How Do You Live?’, and although not a direct adaptation, it explores similar themes in a grand fantasy and coming-of-age tale.
Who is directing ‘The Boy and the Heron’, and why is it significant?
Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is directing ‘The Boy and the Heron’. It is significant as it is expected to be Miyazaki’s final directorial venture, marking the end of an illustrious career.
How much did ‘The Boy and the Heron’ gross in its opening weekend in Japan?
The film grossed 1.83 billion yen ($13.2 million) in its opening weekend, marking Studio Ghibli’s biggest debut in its nearly forty-year history.
What is known about the plot of ‘The Boy and the Heron’?
The specifics of the plot remain unknown, though it is a grand fantasy and a touching coming-of-age tale, taking inspiration from the novel ‘How Do You Live?’ by Genzaburo Yoshino.
When is the wider theatrical release of ‘The Boy and the Heron’ expected?
There is no official date announced for its broader theatrical release, but fans can expect it in theaters sometime later this year. North American distribution will be handled by GKIDS.
More about fokus keyword: ‘The Boy and the Heron’
- Hayao Miyazaki’s IMDb Page
- Studio Ghibli’s Official Website
- Toronto International Film Festival
- San Sebastián Film Festival
5 comments
How did they manage to keep it so secret?? 1.83 billion yen in opening weekend without trailers. That’s insane!
This sounds so amazing. I wonder if it’ll beat Spirited Away in the box office. fingers crossed
Can’t wait to see this film! Miyazaki’s always been a fav. of mine. Anyone knows when the trailer’s out?
San Sebastian Film Festival seems like a great place for the European debut. Wish I could go there to watch it, the anticipation is killing me!
i saw all of Studio Ghibli’s movies with my kids. We love them so much, cant wait for this one, though I’m sad its Miyazaki’s last.