Hayao Miyazaki’s final film, The Boy and the Heron, has made a huge splash at the Japanese box office. Despite minimal marketing and promotion, the film generated over $11.3 million in domestic ticket sales during its opening weekend. This makes it the second-highest grossing Japanese box office premiere among Studio Ghibli’s works, just behind Miyazaki’s 2001 classic Spirited Away.
The decision to keep details about the film under wraps was intentional. Lead producer Toshio Suzuki explained that revealing too much information would reduce interest in the movie. He compared the buzz surrounding The Boy and the Heron to the excessive trailers and sneak peeks of blockbuster Hollywood films. Studio Ghibli wanted to do the opposite and create intrigue without giving away the whole story.
Miyazaki’s inspiration for The Boy and the Heron came from the 1937 novel How Do You Live? by Yuzo Yamamoto and Genzaburo Yoshino. The themes of the book, which explore the challenges of growing into adulthood and being a moral person, were incorporated into the film’s story. Miyazaki wanted to leave behind a meaningful film for his grandson as a testament to his legacy.
The Boy and the Heron is set for a North American release in 2023. Fans of Miyazaki’s enchanting storytelling and Studio Ghibli’s beautiful animation can look forward to experiencing his final work in the near future. The film’s success in Japan hints at a strong reception internationally, and it is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
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