The Boy and the Heron
The Boy and the Heron (2023) is an acclaimed animated fantasy film from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The narrative follows Mahito, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother during World War II, who discovers a mysterious tower and enters a fantastical world inhabited by various magical creatures. This semi-autobiographical work explores profound themes of grief, loss, purpose, and coming to terms with a complex reality, often through dreamlike and symbolic imagery. While visually stunning, the film is not primarily aimed at young children due to its complex narrative, slow pacing, and emotionally intense content. It is generally recommended for audiences aged 10-13 and older, offering a deeply introspective experience for viewers willing to engage with its layered storytelling.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains moderate to high levels of animated violence, including graphic bloody images and intense scenes. This includes self-harm, a hospital fire, brutal animal butchering, and pervasive threats from man-eating creatures.
Mahito's mother dies in a hospital fire, shown with intense visuals of the blaze as Mahito runs towards it. Mahito intentionally injures himself by hitting his head with a rock, causing significant blood to gush down his face and leaving a visible scar. A large fish is graphically caught and butchered, with copious amounts of blood and guts shown. Pelicans are depicted ambushing and devouring 'warawara,' which are spirits of unborn humans. Man-sized parakeets are shown sharpening butcher knives and chasing Mahito with intent to kill and eat humans.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the film's fantastical setting, involving a magical otherworld, supernatural beings, and powers that derive from non-Christian sources.
The core of the plot involves Mahito entering a magical 'otherworld' through an abandoned tower, where he encounters a 'troll-like man' residing within the heron, indicative of magical transformation. This world is powered by a 'magical stone' and created by Mahito's Granduncle, described as a 'reputed sorcerer' and 'worldmaker' who uses magical means to maintain balance. Mahito meets a younger version of his mother, Himi, who possesses fire-wielding powers to protect him from threats like the pelicans. The otherworld is populated by diaphanous spirits of the dead, referred to as 'warawara,' which are described as both life and death, floating upwards to become newborn infants in the real world.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains frequent scary and intense sequences, including graphic depictions of death and injury, disturbing fantastical creatures, and emotionally heavy themes of grief and loss that can be unsettling for younger audiences.
The opening scene depicts a terrifying hospital fire, Mahito's mother's presumed death, and Mahito's frantic dash through the burning city. Mahito experiences recurring nightmares of his mother engulfed in flames and calling for help, and a scene where a vision of his mother melts into a 'black inky pool' is particularly disturbing. The heron's appearance can be creepy and sinister, sometimes revealing a 'troll-like man' with 'creepy teeth and a gaping, evil smile' from inside its beak. Man-eating parakeets with large butcher knives pose a constant, frightening threat within the otherworld.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes a moderate amount of mild to strong profanity and insults, including uses of 'damn,' 'dammit,' and 'turd,' which are repeated.
The English dub features words such as 'd--n' and 'd--mit' approximately six times. There are also instances of 'H-E-double-hockey-sticks' as a euphemism, and other mild insults like 'heck,' 'dang,' 'shut up,' and 'stupid.' The term 'turd' is used as a repeated insult throughout the film.
Substance Use
MediumSmoking is depicted periodically throughout the film by adult characters, reflecting the historical setting. A child character also engages in stealing cigarettes.
Adult characters are seen smoking cigarettes on multiple occasions, typical of the World War II era setting. An old man is shown smoking a pipe, which he initially states contains 'knotweed' due to wartime tobacco shortages, but later smokes a cigarette. Mahito, the young protagonist, is shown stealing cigarettes to use as a bribe for an old man, and another maid attempts to bargain for the stolen cigarettes.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumInstances of disrespect and rebellious behavior are present, primarily from the protagonist, Mahito, as he struggles with grief and his new family situation.
Mahito displays resentment and an unwelcoming attitude towards his new stepmother, Natsuko, and shows annoyance towards the elderly maids in the household. In an act of rebellion and self-harm, Mahito deliberately hits his own head with a rock to avoid returning to school after being bullied. He also lies to adults and steals cigarettes to use as a bribe. In an intense scene, Mahito's stepmother, Natsuko, screams 'I hate you!' at him.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowComprehensive searches for LGBTQ+ content, characters, or themes within 'The Boy and the Heron (2023)' and director Hayao Miyazaki's related statements yielded no explicit mentions. The film does not appear to feature any LGBTQ+ representation or discussions of gender identity.
No specific characters or plot points in 'The Boy and the Heron (2023)' have been identified in public reviews or media analysis as pertaining to LGBTQ+ or gender identity themes. Extensive searches across various sources, including entertainment sites, parent forums, and LGBTQ+ media databases, returned zero results for explicit LGBTQ+ content in the film or statements from its creators.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal and non-explicit. There are brief depictions of affection between adults and mentions of pregnancy, but no nudity or suggestive scenes.
Mahito briefly observes his father and stepmother, Natsuko, embracing and sharing a kiss. Natsuko is shown to be pregnant, which is a recurring plot element, but without any explicit sexual context. A character asks Mahito if he is 'sweet on' a woman he is seeking, a mild, non-physical reference to potential romantic interest.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not present explicit anti-Christian themes. Its spiritual and mythological elements are rooted in Japanese folklore and a fantastical worldview, which is distinct from a Christian perspective but does not actively mock or disparage Christian beliefs.
The film’s spiritual framework involves a magical 'otherworld' with concepts of spirits (warawara) and a 'worldmaker' Granduncle. While this diverges from a biblical worldview, Christian reviews note that it does not contain direct attacks on Christian symbols or figures. Director Hayao Miyazaki, though reportedly shunning organized religion, is recognized for often incorporating 'classical Christian values' such as beauty, hope, and love into his works.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 11-12, and it is generally considered suitable for ages 13 and over. The MPAA rates it PG-13 for 'some violent content/bloody images and smoking.' Many parent reviews and Common Sense Media suggest a minimum age of 10+ due to mature themes of grief, unsettling imagery, and a complex, often abstract plot that younger viewers may find confusing or overly intense.
Additional Notes
The Boy and the Heron is a highly allegorical and dreamlike film. Its complex themes of grief, trauma, and existential questioning may be challenging for younger viewers to fully comprehend, even if they can tolerate the intense visuals. The narrative is often abstract and open to interpretation, which can lead to a less straightforward viewing experience compared to many Western animated films. Parents should be prepared for discussions regarding the film's deeper meanings and potentially unsettling imagery.
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