The Boy and the Heron (2023) Review

Is The Boy and the Heron worth watching?

Yes — The Boy and the Heron is worth watching, with a 74% Critic Score and 77% Audience Score on Celluloid. It earns a 71% Celluloid Score across critic reviews, audience polls, Metascore (63), Letterboxd (3.4/5), and IMDb (7.4/10).

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron runs 124 minutes in Japanese. On Celluloid we index it for “The Boy and the Heron review”, “is The Boy and the Heron worth watching”, and related discovery queries from Japan.

What is The Boy and the Heron about?

While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother’s tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy’s mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the “long-awaited one.”

Critics consensus: Miyazaki’s late-career fantasy — Oscar Best Animated Feature — layers personal history under surreal adventure. The film stars Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, and others.

Should you watch The Boy and the Heron tonight?

Yes, if the premise appeals — The Boy and the Heron is a solid pick among Japan animation. At 124 minutes, it fits a single sitting — and the five-source score breakdown on the movie page shows where critics and audiences agree.

Where can I watch The Boy and the Heron?

Streaming availability varies by region — check Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and local OTT platforms, or theatrical revivals. The Boy and the Heron (2023) is indexed on CelluloidScore.com with cast, scores, and IMDb tt6587046. Explore more from Japan on our country hub or browse animation films.