Ghibli still seduces
Hayao Miyamoto’s 12th film, Kimi-tachi wa dô ikiru ka was released in Japanese cinemas on July 14. Originally known as “How Shall You Live” or “How to Live?” according to the different interpretations, the feature film should finally arrive in the West under the name The Boy and the Heron – if we stick to the American name. Orphan of any promotion, this work remained a mystery for a long time, but it revealed itself to spectators who were completely won over.
The director of Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro or even Spirited Away (which greatly influenced a certain James Cameron) has obviously lost none of its superb! Freely adapted from Genzaburo Yoshino’s philosophical novel, “And you, how will you live?”, the feature film draws its inspiration from themes dear to Hayao Miyazaki and takes place in Japan during the Second World War. The relationship with nature is omnipresent, as are human excesses and the loss of a parent. A melancholy and poignant film, Kimi-tachi wa dô ikiru ka already promises to be a must-have for 2023.
Ghibli still seduces
Hayao Miyamoto’s 12th film, Kimi-tachi wa dô ikiru ka, was released in Japanese cinemas on July 14. Originally known as “How Shall You Live” or “How to Live?” according to different interpretations, the feature film is expected to arrive in the West under the name The Boy and the Heron. Despite the lack of promotion, this movie has managed to captivate its audience.
The renowned director, known for creating masterpieces such as Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Spirited Away (which greatly influenced James Cameron), continues to showcase his brilliance in this latest work. Adapted from Genzaburo Yoshino’s philosophical novel, “And you, how will you live?”, the film revolves around themes close to Hayao Miyazaki’s heart and is set in Japan during the Second World War. Nature, human follies, and the loss of a parent are prevalent elements in this melancholic and poignant movie. With such promising elements, Kimi-tachi wa dô ikiru ka is already being hailed as a must-see for 2023.
Spectators under the spell of the last Miyazaki
The Japanese spectators (but not only) who had the chance to see the film came out delighted with the screening. Among the impressions, we can notably read messages from fans who were greatly moved by the feature film, including after a second viewing.
In addition to the positive reactions and the testimony of a person who said “as in a dream”, it is interesting to see that several spectators refer to David Lynch. The Boy and the Heron really looks like a separate film in Ghibli’s video library, even if it draws on the themes of the studio’s other works. For the moment, it seems that September is the month that has been decided for a release in France, but we will not fail to keep you informed when the final date falls. Indisputably, Miyazaki’s latest film will turn over more than one and we can’t wait to be there! Moreover, many consider that the work is difficult to understand on first viewing, so you will have to go back to grasp everything.
Spectators under the spell of the last Miyazaki
Audiences in Japan, and beyond, who had the opportunity to watch the film, came out of the theaters delighted by the experience. Fans, particularly those who watched the movie more than once, expressed their deep emotional connection to the story.
Interestingly, besides the overwhelmingly positive reactions, some spectators have even drawn comparisons to David Lynch. The Boy and the Heron stands out as a distinct film in Ghibli’s extensive library, while still incorporating the thematic elements seen in the studio’s other works. As we await its release in France, set for September, there is no doubt that Miyazaki’s latest creation will leave a profound impact on viewers. Many believe that understanding the film fully may require multiple viewings, adding to its allure.
Overall, Kimi-tachi wa dô ikiru ka promises to be another masterpiece in the exceptional body of work crafted by Hayao Miyazaki, as it continues to capture the hearts of its audience and leave a lasting impression.
(Coverage based on an article from)