Although The Boy and the Heron is an animated feature film, it isn't exactly safe for young kids to watch. While it has a powerful story, it involves self-harm. It could leave them asking: why does Mahito hurt himself in The Boy and the Heron?
What is The Boy and the Heron Story About?
Interestingly, Hayao Miyazaki, a legend in the anime world, came out of his retirement just to make this film. Miyazaki also wrote the story and incorporated his childhood into the story.
The Boy and the Heron is set in Japan during the Second World War. Three years after Mahito's (voiced by Soma Santoki and Luca Padovan) mother died in a hospital fire, the 11-year-old has to deal with many things.
He moves to the countryside to be with his father, Shoichi (voiced by Takuya Kimura and Christian Bale) and his new stepmom, Natsuko (voiced by (Yoshino Kimura and Gemma Chan).
The young boy is feeling more alone than ever since his stepmother is expecting a new baby. To add, he deals with bullies at his school.
One day, a mysterious grey heron arrives at the estate to befriend Mahito. This leads him to discover secrets about his great grand uncle's estate.
The Boy and the Heron: Why Does Mahito Hurt Himself?
So why does Mahito hurt himself in The Boy and the Heron? You must understand that life hasn't been going well for the young boy. After losing his mother, he has to leave his home and join his father and new stepmom in the countryside. Not to mention, he is also being bullied at school.
With all these emotions, Mojito takes his emotions out on himself by hurting himself. He forces himself to bleed by using a rock to hit himself.
As he stays home to recover from his self-inflicted wound, he finds a grey heron in his room that has been following him around.
The heron is an old man (voiced by Masaki Suda and Robert Pattinson) who speaks to Mahito and encourages him to go to a prohibited part of the estate.
The Boy and the Heron has a pretty heartwarming story. It may be too much for young kids to watch, but the story can be moving for older kids and adults.
You can watch the English trailer here:
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