Legendary director Hayao Miyzaki was set to retire after The Wind Rises in 2013. He later decided that he had at least one more film in him: The Boy and the Heron, which is playing in theaters now. At a later date, it will presumably stream on Max, where most other Studio Ghibli films reside.

Is this Miyazaki’s last film, for real this time? There are already rumors from studio executives that he may already have an idea for yet another film. How might that uncertainty influence how we view The Boy and the Heron, which is one of Miyazaki’s most surreal and poignant works. It’s a staggeringly beautiful fusion of motifs that span his entire body of work. Moviegoers seem to agree, as the film opened in theaters with surprisingly strong box office numbers.

On this episode of The Long Take Review, P.T., Greg, and I tease out some of the film’s subtext about war, grief, coming of age, succession, fantasy, and artistic creation. We also contemplate Miyzaki’s legacy and realize how little any of us know about birds.

You can listen to The Long Take Review on Substack, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Movie News Update Our takes on the recently announced Golden Globe nominations. 3:01

The Short Take We each share our prior relationship with Miyazaki’s prior films before our general impressions of his latest film. 30:30

The Recommendation Algorithm To what extent is this film made for Miyazaki fans vs. curious firs time viewers? 41:15

SPOILER MODE 52:16

The Rhetorical Situation What is this film saying about Miyazaki’s legacy? About his own thoughts and feelings as he concludes his career? How does our perception of the film change depending on whether or not we think this is his last one? 1:03:48

Oscars Watch Does this film have a chance to win Best Animated Feature? Can it reach beyond that category? 1:45:20

Image Credit: IndieWire

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