Studio Ghibli’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ by Hayao Miyazaki clinched the Best Animated Feature award at Oscars 2024, have a look at its release date in India and where to watch on OTT
This marked Miyazaki’s second Oscar win.
Competing against films like ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ ‘Nimona,’ ‘Robot Dreams,’ and ‘Elemental,’ Hayao Miyazaki’s victory reaffirms his status as a major force in Japanese cinema and a significant influence in the animation world.
Prior to its Oscars triumph, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ also secured the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film.
The Boy and the Heron movie release date in India and where to watch on OTT
Released in 2023, ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ known in Japanese as ‘Kimitachi wa Dō Ikiru ka,’ is a Japanese fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set during the Pacific War, the film follows the story of Mahito Maki, a boy who moves to the countryside after the passing of his mother. There, he discovers a deserted tower near his new home and encounters a talking grey heron, setting off an adventurous journey.
While the movie hasn’t been released in India as of now, Encore Films had alluded to an Indian release earlier in 2024.
The company’s official Instagram page responded to a fan’s query about releasing The Boy and the Heron in India and they replied, “Yes, we are bringing The Boy and The Heron to India. Stay tuned!”
However, no release date has been given as of yet.
Where to watch The Boy and the Heron?
After its theatrical release in Japan in 2023, the film is still being shown in theatres in the U.S. and the U.K., it will start streaming on Max, owned by Disney Plus in June 2024. However, an official streaming date has yet to be announced by the makers.
The Boy and the Heron cast
Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Takuya Kimura, Yoshino Kimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Shinobu Otake are among the original Japanese voice cast members.
Studio Ghibli revealed that ‘The Boy and the Heron’ holds the record as the most expensive film ever produced in Japan. The screenplay draws heavily from Miyazaki’s early experiences and explores themes of coming of age and survival in a world filled with sorrow and strife. Critics have praised the film, and it has earned approximately US$167 million in revenue worldwide.
OTT release
With the film set to stream on Max in June 2024, fans can look forward to experiencing Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece from the comfort of their homes. The availability of ‘The Boy and the Heron’ on OTT platforms signifies a new era for Studio Ghibli, known for its cautious approach to online releases.