Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, “The Boy and the Heron” (Kimi-tachi wa Dō Ikiru ka, or literally “How Do You Live?”), has taken the Japanese Box office by storm. With an impressive record of over 4.95 million tickets sold and a staggering 7.41 billion Yen (around US$50.6 million) in earnings as of Monday, the film has been more than successful.
Its initial success was impressive, selling 1.003 million tickets and raking in around US$13.2 million during its first three days in Japan. The momentum continued over the Friday-Monday long weekend, where the film sold 1.353 million tickets and earned a more impressive 2.149 billion yen (aroundUS$15.53 million).
But it didn’t stop there. The film’s simultaneous release in IMAX alongside its general debut in Japan on July 14 was a remarkable feat. In its first four days, it outperformed even Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Academy Award-winning 2001 film “Spirited Away,” and secured 50% higher earnings compared to his 2013 creation, “The Wind Rises.”
The film also shattered records with an unexpected opening of over US$1.7 million from 44 IMAX screens, according to the reputable entertainment news source Deadline.
Adding to its array of accomplishments, “The Boy and the Heron” marks Studio Ghibli’s first venture into simultaneous IMAX screenings. Audiences had the opportunity to have an immersive experience through screenings in Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, and DTS:X formats.
The film wasn’t successful in Japan alone. GKIDS will distribute the film in NA sometime later this year. The film will also have an exciting premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7, opening the event at Roy Thomson Hall. This marks a historic moment for both TIFF, as it showcases its first animated opening film, and for Japanese cinema in general.
More so, the San Sebastian Film Festival (SSIFF) will host the European premiere at Donostia-San Sebastián’s Kursaal Auditorium in Spain on September 22. This event is especially significant as it’s Miyazaki’s fourth film to be featured at SSIFF and his first to be included in the Official Selection.
The Plot of The Boy and the Heron
‘How Do You Live?’ is set in World War II. The story follows Mahito, who tragically loses his mother in the devastating firebombings in Tokyo. To find peace, he and his father relocate to the countryside, where a new chapter unfolds.
His father’s remarriage to his late mother’s pregnant sister poses emotional challenges for Mahito. One day, he encounters a talking heron. Drawn by the promise of reuniting with his beloved mother, Mahito ventures into an otherworldly realm, where a deeply transformative journey awaits him.
The Cast and Staff
The cast includes Masaki Suda, Kou Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Keiko Takeshita, Jun Fubuki, Sawako Agawa, Karen Takizawa, Shinobu Ōtake, Jun Kunimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Shohei Hino. The main character Mahito Maki is voiced by Soma Santoki.
Hayao Miyazaki, the visionary filmmaker, is the creative force behind the original concept, direction, and script of the film. Working alongside him, Takeshi Honda acts as the animation director. Joe Hisaishi, known for his outstanding scores in “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” composes the music.
Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki takes up the role of producer. The theme song, Chikyūgi (Globe), is performed by Kenshi Yonezu.
Studio Ghibli producer and co-founder Toshio Suzuki shared that the film will not receive any marketing; no trailers, TV spots, newspaper ads, or revealed information regarding the plot, voice cast, or most of the film’s staff.
A “no marketing” decision was taken to help people enjoy the movie to its fullest, so no trailers, visuals, or videos were released before the release. People were speculating what the movie could be about, because when you know a professional like Miyazaki has been working on a movie for seven years, then it’s almost impossible not to be curious about it.
Also Read: Hayao Miyazaki’s How Do You Live? Will Be Screened at the 2023 Toronto Intl Film Festival
