Hayao Miyazaki has retired more than once in the past. But when spurred by an idea, the prolific filmmaker comes out of retirement to see it realized. A means of garnering curiosity, what’s being touted as his ‘final film’ is getting little to no publicity before it’s release. As Miyazaki has become frustrated by films telling the whole story in a trailer, leaving nothing to the imagination.
Gkids has secured the rights to the film and a North American release, while also giving it a localized title, “The Boy and the Heron.”
Like many of Miyazaki’s films, it’s a coming-of-age story. Without spoiling too much, out of respect for Miyazaki, the story takes place in WWII-era Japan. A young boy must find himself again after suffering a heavy loss. Along the way, he meets a heron. Who takes him on a journey to explore who he is and who he wants to be. Originally, the title was “How Do You Live?” after the 1937 novel by Yoshino Genzaburō. The new title is probably more broadly appealing.
“Hayao Miyazaki is a living legend in filmmaking, as evidenced by his Academy Award win for ‘Spirited Away’ and his two Oscar nominations for ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and ‘The Wind Rises,'” a very excited David Jesteadt, president of GKids, said. “It’s been 10 years since the world has seen a new film from Miyazaki-san, and GKIDS is so proud and honored to unveil his latest, highly anticipated masterpiece in North America.”
The film released in Japan last week, and will release in North America sometime later this year.
