Miyazaki's First Film in a Decade Draws Enthusiastic Audience Response

MEGABOX

Director Hayao Miyazaki's latest animated creation, "The Boy and the Heron," produced by renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, made a powerful debut at the local box office in Korea. On its opening day, the film accounted for a substantial 68 percent of advance ticket sales in Korean cinemas.

Preceding its premiere in Korea, the film had already achieved remarkable success, with over 230,000 ticket presales recorded a day prior to its official release in the country. "The Boy and the Heron" initially premiered in Japan on July 14, followed by its international debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. The film's international theater release began in Taiwan on October 6, with Korea being the next destination for its unveiling.

This new work marks a significant return for Hayao Miyazaki, who had announced his retirement in 2013 following the release of "The Wind Rises." "The Boy and the Heron" is a fantasy adventure film that revolves around Mahito, an 11-year-old boy who encounters a mysterious heron, setting off a journey into an unknown world. Mahito is a character that draws inspiration from the director's own childhood, while other characters in the film are also influenced by individuals in the director's life, each possessing distinct characteristics. 

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Notably, the film features the musical prowess of renowned Japanese composer and music director, Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi, known for his work on Ghibli animations' soundtracks, contributed to the film's music.

"The Boy and the Heron" underwent a meticulous seven-year production process, with two and a half years dedicated to preparation and five years in actual production, according to a statement from Daewon Media.

In a notable first for Studio Ghibli in Korea, the movie is available in IMAX and Dolby Cinema theaters.

Hayao Miyazaki, the head director of Studio Ghibli, is celebrated for his illustrious career, including timeless animated classics like "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988), "Spirited Away" (2001), and "Howl's Moving Castle" (2004).

Sayart.net 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com