Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary director of Studio Ghibli, has returned with his latest and possibly final film, How Do You Live, which has finally debuted in Japanese theaters after a decade of development. The film, which is based on a 1937 novel by Genzaburō Yoshino, is a mysterious and mature story about a young boy named Mahito who survives the firebombing of Tokyo in World War II and grows up in a post-war Japan, learning from his uncle’s book How Do You Live. The film explores themes of memory, history, culture, and identity, as Mahito encounters various characters and challenges in his life and in a fantasy world.
The film was not marketed at all before its release, creating a mystery and curiosity among fans and critics. Only a single poster for the film featuring a heron was released, without so much as press or preview screenings, trailers, screenshots, or even a synopsis. Some fans even resorted to creating memes of the bird, riffing on the name and the mystery surrounding it.
The film has received rave reviews from critics who praised the film’s visual style, emotional depth, historical accuracy, and philosophical questions, while also acknowledging its slow pace, lack of fantasy elements, and outdated animation techniques. The film is full of Miyazaki’s signature tropes and says that the visuals are “primarily hand-drawn and moving with the fluidity and sense of weight that mark the master animator’s work.” The film is also a reflection of Miyazaki’s life and career, as he has announced his retirement multiple times without noticeably stopping work. It’s as if Miyazaki is declaring, “This is my life’s work. I don’t care if you’ve enjoyed it.”
The film is also a testament to Miyazaki’s ambition, variety and depth, as he treads both old and new ground in his storytelling. The film is a beautiful relic and the end of an era for Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, who have defined the animation industry in Japan for decades. The point is, it’s hard to say with any certainty whether this will truly be the moment when Hayao Miyazaki steps away from feature animation for good.
The film is titled How Do You Live in Japan and renamed The Boy and the Heron for the international market. It is expected to premiere in North America later this year. Fans of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli should not miss this opportunity to witness the director’s swan song on the big screen.
Relevant articles:
– Hayao Miyazaki’s How Do You Live is a beautiful relic — and the end of an era, The Verge, July 17, 2023
– Hayao Miyazaki’s How Do You Live? is a gloriously demented goodbye, Polygon, July 17, 2023
– Review Roundup: Hayao Miyazaki’s How Do You Live?, Opus, July 17, 2023
– Studio Ghibli: First reviews for Hayao Miyazaki’s secret final film, ClutchPoints, July 14, 2023