Bingkai Karya – Indonesia anticipates a cinematic delight as Hayao Miyazaki’s latest creation, “The Boy and the Heron,” is scheduled for release in theaters across the country starting December 13, 2023.
The announcement of the screening dates coincided with the unveiling of Studio Ghibli’s latest film trailer, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki himself.
The voice behind the main character in Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron” is none other than the 18-year-old actor, Soma Santoki. Having been active in the Japanese film industry since 2016, Santoki leads an ensemble cast that includes Masaki Suda, Kou Shibasaki, Yoshino Kimura, and soloist Aimyon.
Adding to the star-studded lineup are Keiko Takeshita, Jun Fubuki, Sawako Agawa, Shinobu Otake, and Takuya Kimura, promising a cinematic experience filled with stellar performances.
Renowned singer Kenshi Yonezu has been approached to lend his voice to the film’s theme song, titled “Chikyuugi” or “Globe,” while the esteemed Joe Hisaishi returns to contribute his musical genius to the project.
Having premiered in Japan in July 2023, the film made its global debut at the Toronto International Film Festival later in the same year.
“The Boy and the Heron” is a loose adaptation of Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel, “How Do You Live.” Studio Ghibli took a unique promotional approach for this film, releasing only a promotional poster featuring a captivating portrait of a bird.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story unfolds as the protagonist, Mahito Maki, embarks on a fantastical adventure following the tragic death of his mother in a Tokyo bombing. The film promises a poignant and captivating narrative that transcends time and space.
While Studio Ghibli opted for a more subdued promotional strategy in Japan compared to its previous releases, the enchanting tale of “The Boy and the Heron” is poised to captivate audiences in Indonesia and beyond.
