Quick Character Guide to The Boy and The Heron

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The 2023 animated movie The Boy and the Heron by the master of magic, Hayao Miyazaki is now available to stream on Netflix. With his signature blend of dreamlike visuals and multi-layered characters, this Studio Ghibli movie is brimming with captivating personalities that will tug at your heartstrings (and maybe mess with your head a little too). Let’s break down the major players in this enchanting film—both the familiar and the bizarre.

Mahito

The heart of our story is Mahito, a 12-year-old boy who’s dealing with an awful lot—grieving the loss of his mother, moving to the countryside, and trying to make sense of a world that’s much bigger and weirder than he ever thought possible. While Mahito starts off as a lonely and angry kid, struggling with change and family dynamics, his journey takes him to a magical world where he learns to confront his fears, understand the concept of life and death, and rediscover hope. Mahito’s path feels raw and real, and you can’t help but root for this boy as he dives deeper into a world of wonder, danger, and self-discovery.

The Heron

Ah, the enigmatic Heron. A loud, annoying, seemingly villainous bird who initially seems to be more of a nuisance than a guide. But as you might expect from any Miyazaki film, there’s more to this Heron than meets the eye. Without giving away too much, let’s just say the Heron is full of surprises, and his role is pivotal in Mahito’s journey. He’s that kind of character who you love to hate at first, but gradually you’ll find yourself more intrigued by his mysterious motives and complex personality. Is he a friend? A foe? Or a bit of both?

Kiriko

Kiriko is the bold, strong-willed aunt (and now stepmother) of Mahito, who is grappling with her own set of struggles as she balances being a maternal figure and a sister-in-law. Her relationship with Mahito is complicated—he’s got all sorts of emotions about this new “mom” figure stepping into his life right after his mother’s death. Kiriko is the kind of character who’s tough on the outside but carries a deep vulnerability and warmth that comes out over time. She’s the grounding presence in the film, reflecting the real-world struggles against the fantasy elements swirling around Mahito.

Natsuko (Mahito’s Mother)

Though Natsuko isn’t physically present for much of the film, her spirit looms large. She represents the loss that Mahito feels deeply, but also the warmth and comfort of a mother’s love. She’s the guiding light that indirectly helps Mahito navigate his grief. The memories of her are tender and sweet, making her an essential character in understanding why Mahito struggles so much at the beginning.

The Grey Heron Kingdom Creatures

Once Mahito is pulled into the alternate world, things get weird. Real weird. Meet the creatures of the Grey Heron Kingdom—fantastical beings that range from charmingly quirky to downright unsettling. You’ll come across sentient blobs, peculiar sea creatures, and humanoid beings with their own motives and backstories. This assortment of wild and whimsical characters makes you wonder what’s real and what’s not, but they also play a key role in pushing Mahito further into his quest for understanding himself and the world around him.

Whether it’s a wisecracking bird, a mystical girl in a tower, or just an everyday human dealing with loss, every character in The Boy and the Heron plays a crucial part in Mahito’s journey. From the very real struggles of a boy coping with a new reality to the wild escapades in an alternate world, the characters are complex, multi-faceted, and memorable—each offering a lesson or a challenge in this magical tale of growth, family, and resilience.

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