A newly released trailer for Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron, a documentary about the making of Miyazaki’s latest Academy Award-winning film The Boy and the Heron, reveals intimate insights into the revered director’s creative journey. The film, distributed by Madman Films in Australia and New Zealand, explores the personal struggles Miyazaki faced during production. The documentary highlights Miyazaki’s connection to the story, which he described as autobiographical, drawing from his own experiences growing up in rural Japan after fleeing Tokyo during World War II.
The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito, a young boy caught in the aftermath of war, as he moves to the countryside after his mother’s death. The film’s narrative revolves around Mahito’s struggles with his new life, his father’s new partner, and a mysterious heron that leads him to a magical tower. This tower allows Mahito to find alternate realities, forcing him to confront his future choices and reality. Miyazaki’s life and themes reflect in Mahito’s journey, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
New Trailer for Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron Sheds Light on Director’s Personal Struggles
The Boy and the Heron (Credits: Studio Ghibli)
The documentary also goes into Miyazaki’s personal struggles as he created the film. In the trailer, Miyazaki humorously admits, “I think my brain is broken,” as he reflects on the challenge of finding the boundary between the real and fantastical. Toshio Suzuki, the president of Studio Ghibli and a close friend of Miyazaki, offers his perspective, describing how Miyazaki is constantly moving between these worlds, losing the ability to tell them apart. Suzuki’s role throughout the process is highlighted as both a friend and creative collaborator, helping push Miyazaki’s imagination to its limits.
The documentary spans seven years of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, offering an in-depth look at the making of The Boy and the Heron and the intricate relationship between Miyazaki and Suzuki.
The Boy and the Heron (Credits: Studio Ghibl)
The official description of Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron presents the film as both a documentary on the film’s creation and a poignant reflection on the artist’s own battle with reality. The collaboration between Miyazaki and Suzuki is depicted as a “dance of deception and friendship,” ultimately leading to the creation of an unprecedented masterpiece.
The Boy and the Heron marks Miyazaki’s fourth return from retirement after he first announced his retirement in 1997 following Princess Mononoke. Despite his promises to step away, Miyazaki has continued to work, and it was recently revealed that he is already working on another project.
Crunchyroll has released an exhilarating new trailer for the upcoming Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- omnibus anime movie, slated to hit theaters on December 6, 2024, in the U.S. and Canada. The 120-minute movie will first premiere in IMAX theaters on December 4, offering a special early screening for fans.
The movie is a compilation of the first season of Solo Leveling, showcasing the stunning animation and action-packed story that have made the series a worldwide sensation. The trailer is subtitled in English, giving a sneak peek into the breathtaking visuals and hints about the much-anticipated Season 2.
Crunchyroll Drops New Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- Movie Trailer with Season 2 Sneak Peek
Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling (Credits: A-1 Pictures)
One of the most exciting elements of this theatrical release is the preview of two episodes from Solo Leveling Season 2. The episodes, titled “You aren’t E-rank, are You?” and “I Suppose You aren’t Aware,” will be shown as a part of the movie before the full Season 2 debuts in 2025. This gives fans a chance to dive back into the world of Sung Jinwoo and his battles against powerful monsters before the season officially starts. Season 2 is highly anticipated, and the trailer builds excitement for the new arc, which will continue Jinwoo’s journey as he grows in power and faces even more formidable challenges.
In an unexpected twist, the movie’s release has been linked to a crossover event with Marvel’s iconic character, Venom. Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- has partnered with Venom: The Last Dance, marking a collaboration between the Solo Leveling universe and Marvel’s symbiote franchise.
Fans will see a unique poster showcasing Jinwoo and Beru alongside Venom, a striking combination that emphasizes the anime’s global appeal. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy, as it connects two of the most popular franchises in action entertainment today.
Additionally, the Solo Leveling mobile game, Solo Leveling: Arise, recently won the prestigious grand prize at the 2024 Korea Game Awards, further cementing the franchise’s dominance in the gaming world.
Since its launch in May 2024, Solo Leveling: Arise has achieved over 50 million downloads worldwide, a remarkable milestone for a game released only half a year ago. The game has been consistently updated with new content, including the introduction of a new female hunter, Isla Wright, and a webtoon series starring the Dark Healer.
For those eager to revisit the Solo Leveling universe, Season 1 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with both English subtitles and an English dub. The premiere of Season 2 is expected in January 2025, promising more thrilling adventures for Sung Jinwoo and his allies.
