Studio Ghibli might already be well-known for its whimsical fantasy tales, but this rich history did little to prepare fans for the ever-exciting adventure experienced in “The Boy and the Heron.” The animated film took home a whopping $127 million at the box office, becoming not only the top-grossing anime film ever released in North America, but likewise in Japan, as well.
Marked as the studio’s 24th film and director Hayao Miyazaki’s final animated creation, “The Boy and the Heron” certainly had ample hype surrounding it. The story follows the young Mahito in the throes of an enchanted mystery surrounding his new home. Although the passing of his mother has soured his meaning in life, Mahito still finds ample reason to live with — and eventually even love — those around him.
