The Boy and the Heron at Real Art Ways

“Japanese manga master Hayao Miyazaki, 83, came out of retirement for this hand-drawn beauty about his own life growing up in wartime. The Oscar for best animated feature belongs right here since Miyazaki’s unparalleled artistry shines out of every frame.” – ABC News  “…a literal work of art…you leave reminded that life can be wonderful, but only sometimes, and often in the most unlikely ways.” – Financial Times “A valuable new addition to this unique film-artist’s canon, about confronting a terrible sadness and finding a way to replace it with wonder and joy.” – Guardian “It’s gorgeous, ruminative, and mesmerizing, one of the best of 2023.” – RogerEbert.com 97% on Rotten Tomatoes

Synopsis:

From the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) comes a new critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure. After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito moves to his family’s estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous gray heron. When Mahito’s new stepmother disappears, he follows the gray heron into the tower, and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world, and the truth about himself.

Winner Best Animated Feature Film at the Academy Awards.