Unraveling the Ending of The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is a narrative that intricately weaves the themes of grief, self-forgiveness, and acceptance through the journey of its protagonist, Mahito. This film, marking Miyazaki’s return after a decade, stands as a testament to his storytelling prowess and his ability to delve into the complexities of human emotions and existential queries.
The Boy and the Heron received the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The Journey of Mahito
The story revolves around Mahito, a young boy grappling with the loss of his mother and the subsequent changes in his family dynamics. Throughout the film, Mahito embarks on a fantastical adventure that not only brings him face-to-face with his inner turmoil but also provides him with the opportunity to confront and reconcile with his emotions. The adventure leads Mahito to a deeper understanding and acceptance of his grief, transforming his perception of the world and himself.
The Final Realizations
Mahito’s confrontation with his Great Uncle in the fantastical realm brings to light the underlying themes of the film. Despite the Great Uncle’s belief that Mahito could succeed him and maintain balance between the worlds, Mahito chooses to return to his world, emphasizing the importance of facing reality and fostering change from within. This decision reflects Miyazaki’s recurrent theme of young protagonists challenging formidable obstacles with moral fortitude.
Moreover, the ending suggests a break from the cycle that Mahito’s family has been stuck in for generations, indicating a new beginning not just for Mahito but potentially for the generations to follow. The film subtly addresses the impacts of WWII on Japanese civilians, presenting a perspective seldom explored in American media, which adds depth to Mahito’s personal journey and the collective memory of a nation.
Symbolism and Legacy
The Boy and the Heron also explores the broader implications of individual choices on societal and generational legacies. Through Mahito’s story, Miyazaki prompts viewers to reflect on how they choose to live their lives, highlighting the power of positivity over malice. The film’s original title, Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka (How Do You Live?), serves as a philosophical inquiry, encouraging introspection and a conscientious approach to life’s challenges.
The film’s narrative is enriched with motifs of succession, malice, and the quest for a meaningful existence, urging a rejection of a protective bubble of ignorance in favor of engaging with the world’s complexities. Mahito’s journey from grief to a proactive stance on life encapsulates the transformation Miyazaki envisages for the younger generations, urging them to carve paths that contribute positively to the world.
The Boy and the Heron stands as a poignant exploration of grief, acceptance, and the quest for meaning in a post-war context. Through Mahito’s journey, Miyazaki not only revisits familiar themes of environmentalism and pacifism but also delves into the existential question of how one chooses to live in the face of adversity. This film, dense with symbolism and imbued with personal and historical significance, invites viewers to ponder their paths, making it a profound addition to Miyazaki’s illustrious oeuvre.
