The Boy and the Heron Could've Been Studio Ghibli's Greatest Movie, But 1 Problem Holds It Back

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is an extraordinary achievement. The film is a masterclass in animation and ambition, and its painterly backdrops, mythic undertones, and emotional moments solidify it as a worthy entry in Studio Ghibli’s legendary catalog. The personal nature of the story, partially inspired by Miyazaki’s own childhood, gives it a powerful emotional core. From the very beginning, The Boy and the Heron makes clear that it's reaching for something grander and more metaphysical than most animated features ever attempt.