Though I’m a visual artist and not an actor, screenwriter, or animator I am a big movie enthusiast – I probably watch 4-6 movies per week! Every so often when I movie comes out that I find particularly inspiring or thought provoking, I like to share my take.

Though I’ve enjoyed some films over the years that happen to be anime and in general find Japanese culture intriguing and enjoyable, I am by no means an anime fan. I love Hayao Miyazaki’s films in particular, but I’ll admit not even all of his films warranted a re-watch for me (My favorites are Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle). Before watching, I’d read that this was one of his least magical films. Though I was still intrigued and excited I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as the aforementioned favorites because I do enjoy a great deal of magic and whimsy. Despite being grounded in reality, there were plenty of surprises and this film, titled in Japan “How Do You Live”, did not disappoint. I am going to give my perspective on the art and general themes but not get into the specific plot beyond the basic premise that can already be found in the film’s teaser description as I don’t want there to be spoilers for those who haven’t seen it.

Visually, I love the distinct differences in proportion, expression, and other aesthetic details present in each character. One of the main things that can get old about anime for me is that a lot of the characters tend to follow an archetypal formula in how they are visually presented, or all look the same. Nowhere is this attention to creating distinct features more present than in the case of the elderly maids that live with the main character and his family. Each woman’s personality comes forward before she utters a word, even the ones of the group that are mainly just background characters. Also important to note is from my observation, it is common in anime for characters to always be portrayed very stereotypically “pretty” and have super idealized characteristics. Miyazaki leans into the characteristics of old age in a way that is not pretty, but not frightening like Disney’s witches and instead adorable and endearing.

In this film in general, the background details are respected and given just as much care as the main focus of each scene. Each blade of grass, the details in the wallpaper or décor in a room, the woodgrain on a cabinet, are rendered in exquisite detail even though it isn’t really necessary for the story. This stands out to me as a 2D visual artist myself, and makes the experience all the more impactful.

The richness in color, texture, and pattern especially within the animals that often appear in multiples is breathtaking. Even the creatures that are far away in the back, or covered by most of the foreground group are given just as much detail.

There are definite Wonderland elements along with the main historical story that was influenced by Miyazaki’s own life, growing up in Japan during WWII. Reminiscent of the soot sprites in Spirited Away, the Wara-wara are the adorable hoard of identical beings that you can’t help but smile at. Unborn souls that have yet to float up to earth, the scene involving these whimsical creatures was actually quite emotional for me though it was a small part of the overall story. The birds with hybrid human characteristics peppered throughout were also loads of fun.

I actually think the original title “How Do You Live”, though maybe a bit more convoluted and not as “grabbing” for potential viewers, fits the movie far better than “The Boy and The Heron”. This story is about so much more than just their journey together. This film was more accessible than many of Miyazaki’s others that were way out there in the fantasy realm. I mention Spirited Away often, and though I loved that movie for it’s unique visuals I didn’t grasp any understanding of it really until I took a course in Shintoism at college to fulfill a university program requirement! “The Boy and The Heron” was still quite open ended and doesn’t just hand the viewer the answers, which makes it all the more compelling.

The intersection of truth and curiosity is a major theme, as well as the question of whether one will choose reality over fantastical distractions, even if it is more difficult. The messages I heard after much reflection were that life is worth its many hardships for the good bits; we must discover and acknowledge our own flaws, not in self hatred but so that we can strive to be better; everyone has a backstory. Those who seem timid now, have gone through times where they had to be brave, those who seem settled and boring have had adventures, who you see now when you meet someone is not who they have always been, but who they were before has made them who they are now.

There are now more options than ever should we want to remain unfocused and distracted from our real everyday life, so this tale is a timely meditation.