Hayao Miyazaki’s latest animated film, The Boy and the Heron, is set to make its U.S. streaming debut on Max this September. The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, will be available exclusively on the platform, which has been the U.S. home to Studio Ghibli‘s catalog since 2020, starting September 6.
The Boy and the Heron is Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years that he both wrote and directed. The hand-drawn, semi-autobiographical animated movie follows the story of young Mahito, who moves to his family’s estate in the countryside after losing his mother in a hospital fire. There, he encounters a mischievous gray heron that leads him to a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead.
The film features an all-star voice cast, including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. The movie’s success has been evident, with a global box office haul of $174 million and critical acclaim from film critics worldwide.
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Miyazaki’s work is known for its attention to detail and its ability to transport audiences to new and imaginative worlds. The Boy and the Heron is no exception, with its stunning animation and engaging storyline. As a film critic, it’s exciting to see Miyazaki’s latest work make its way to U.S. audiences, and Max is the perfect platform to showcase this cinematic masterpiece.
The Boy and the Heron is a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Its themes of loss, identity, and self-discovery are universal and relatable. As a film critic, it’s a pleasure to recommend this movie to readers, and with its upcoming release on Max, there’s never been a better time to experience Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece.
Outside the U.S. and Japan, The Boy and the Heron will stream on Netflix as part of a new deal for the entire Studio Ghibli library.
