After a 10-year absence from cinema, Hayao Miyazaki returns with The Boy and the Heron, in theaters November 1. For years, the director of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away has claimed he’s retiring, but he always comes back with new work.
Now at the age of 82, will the Japanese maestro put down his pencil to take a well-deserved rest after 7 years on The Boy and the Heron? Apparently, the artist has no intention of retiring, already thinking of several ideas for his next film.
Has Miyazaki retired?
According to Ghibli Vice President Junichi Nishioka, Miyazaki has already returned to the studio with new ideas. Nishioka, who premiered The Boy and the Heron at the Toronto Film Festival last September, did not specify whether the director wanted to make a feature film or concentrate on a shorter film, as he did with Boro the Caterpillar in 2018.
“Some say this could be his last film, but Miyazaki doesn’t see it that way. He’s currently working on ideas for a new film. He comes to his office every day for it. This time he’s not announcing his retirement. He’s continuing. To work as usual.”– noted the vice-president of Ghibli.
Some say this could be his last film, but Miyazaki doesn’t see things that way.
Still, Miyazaki remains extremely reticent, not giving interviews for The Boy and the Heron’s release. You will have to be very patient before you hear about your next project. Meanwhile, his new work started thundering in the French box office. More than 220,000 curious people flocked to theaters to see Miyazaki’s latest magical opus.
To remind you, the story tells about Mahito, a young 11-year-old boy. After his mother disappears in a fire, he must leave Tokyo and live in the countryside in the village where he grew up. He settles with his father in an old manor located in a huge estate, where he meets a gray heron who slowly becomes his guide and helps him in his discoveries and questions, to understand the world around him and to solve the mysteries of life.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
