For anyone who’s already seen Boy and the Heron i found this really interesting article where Ghibli Boss/Producer Suzuki was interviewed recently by indie wire and explains the background of the characters from the new Ghibli film, I’ve copied the full article below or you can click the link to go to the interview but once again it contains so many spoilers
‘The Boy and the Heron’ Is So Personal, Hayao Miyazaki Needed a Year to Grieve Before Pivoting in a New Direction
Miyazaki came out of retirement for his first film in a decade, about his friendships at Ghibli with the late co-founder/director Takahata and co-founder/producer Suzuki.
When Hayao Miyazaki pitched “The Boy and the Heron” (GKids, now in select L.A. and NYC theaters) to Studio Ghibli co-founder/producer Toshio Suzuki in 2016, he asked permission to make the story about himself. This took Suzuki — his friend of nearly 40 years at the time — by surprise; the legendary anime director isn’t known for getting so personal. And yet this aligned perfectly with the notion that Ghibli films are devoted to reliving memories.
“I agree that it is Miyazaki’s most personal film because he actually told me,” Suzuki told IndieWire over Zoom through an interpreter. Not only is “The Boy and the Heron” inspired by Miyazaki’s childhood (he endured the firebombing of Japan during World War II and his father was director of the family’s aircraft manufacturing factory), but also his career at Ghibli with his two closest friends: the late studio co-founder/director Isao Takahata (“Grave of the Fireflies”) and Suzuki.
“Miyazaki is Mahito [the 12-year-old protagonist voiced by Luca Padovan in the English-language version], Takahata is the great uncle [voiced by Mark Hamill], and the gray heron [voiced by Robert Pattinson] is me,” Suzuki added. “So I asked him why. He said [Takahata] discovered his talent and added him to the staff. I think Takahata san was the one who helped him develop his ability. On the other hand, the relationship between the boy and the [heron] is a relationship where they don’t give in to each other, push and pull.”
Collectively, it’s a lot to unpack: Miyazaki came out of retirement for the second time after “The Wind Rises” (2013) to make his 12th feature — the semi-autobiographical, hand-drawn fantasy for his grandchildren. It’s about destruction, loss, and rebuilding a better future through imagination, inspired by the novel he adored as a child (“How Do You Live?”).
Mahito loses his mother in the firebombing of Japan and relocates to the countryside, where his father (voiced by Christian Bale), who runs an air munitions factory, marries his sister-in-law, Natsuko (voiced by Gemma Chan). Traumatized, angry, and confused, the boy encounters a talking heron (part bird, part man), who tells him that his mother is still alive and guides him to an alternate world in a magical tower shared by the living and the dead. There he encounters his great uncle, the architect of the tower, and reunites with both his mother (voiced by Karen Fukuhara) and Natsuko.
At first, Suzuki resisted green-lighting “The Boy and the Heron” because of Miyazaki’s age (he’s 82) and the great expense (it is arguably Japan’s most expensive film but has made the equivalent of nearly $80 million at the country’s box office). Yet Miyazaki wore down his resistance with his enthusiasm and impressive storyboarding. The film took seven years to complete, and Suzuki needed to hire some of Japan’s most talented animators outside of Ghibli to handle the task (including supervising animator Takeshi Honda of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” fame). With diminished stamina and failing eyesight, Miyazaki was unable to oversee the production in the same manner as when he was at the height of his creative powers and relied on Honda to draw, redraw, and review under close advisement.
But with the death of Takahata in 20018, a grief-stricken Miyazaki was forced to scale back the role of the great uncle in the story, who had previously been more central to the boy’s life. “After Takahata passed away, he wasn’t able to continue with that story, so he changed the narrative and it became the relationship between the boy and the Heron,” Suzuki continued. “And in his mind, initially, the Heron was something that symbolizes the eeriness of the mansion and that tower, even ominous, that he goes to during war time. But he changed it to this sort of budding friendship between the boy and the Heron.”
Miyazaki first toyed with the idea of exploring the theme of friendship in “The Wind Rises” (inspired by real-life fighter design engineer Jiro Horikoshi during World War II) before abandoning it. “So this time around, when the Heron became the centerpiece of the story, and he came with the storyboards, I was careful for him to not portray me in a bad way,” Suzuki said. “Having said that, I’ve known Miyazaki for 45 years. I remember everything about him. There are things that only I know. There are things that only the two of us know. And he remembers all these small details, which I was very impressed with.”
For example, when Mahito and the Heron sit and chat at the house of Kiriko (voiced by Florence Pugh), a younger, seafaring version of one of the old maids, it is a recreation of the way Miyazaki and Suzuki would meet. “The place that we do our meetings, where we have our conversation is at his studio, his atelier,” he added. “And he has this like large table, but we don’t sit facing each other, we sit next to each other, and we never look at each other when we talk. And what we discussed was very similar.”
During production, Suzuki became impatient to see the new storyboards with the great uncle. It seemed Miyazaki was intentionally stalling while grieving about Takahata. “My question was: ‘So when is the great uncle going to appear?'” said Suzuki. “He built this great character, but he never appears in the storyboards that he would bring me. But it took him actually about a year after the passing of Takahata that he was able to draw that character into the storyboards in the second half of the story.
“And the most surprising thing for me was when I saw the storyboard where Mahito was asked by his great uncle to carry on with this work, this legacy, and he says no — he declines the offer. Miyazaki was someone who followed the path of Takahata for so many years, and I thought it was a huge thing for him [to follow a different path].”
Meanwhile, Suzuki confirmed that Miyazaki has not retired. The film has given the director renewed confidence to keep working on other stories. However, Miyazaki can’t focus on new ideas while “The Boy and the Heron” remains in theaters. “He needs to empty his mind again,” Suzuki said, “and then when he’s emptied his mind with a blank canvas, he usually comes up with new ideas. So we have to wait a little more.”
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I Found Home
(part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5) (part 6)(Part 8)
Part 7
Feeding the baby
Jamil
"The Negotiator"
It was that time again. Lunch.
It was the designated time to introduce new foods to Grimm. She couldn't do it in the morning because he'd get fussy, and couldn't do it during dinner or he might not eat and go to bed hungry. Yuu never wants Grimm to go into a state where food is withheld like when he was before she adopted him.
Grimm was a picky eater of anything that was food. He'd eat pet food, buttons, paper, and anything else he could get his hands on before real food. The doctor called it Pica. Grimm was malnourished for a long time and developed disordered eating.
The doctor offered Yuu options on how to deal with it with comfort that Grimm will likely grow out of it.
So every lunchtime Yuu prepared small samples of food to try. There was baby food, raw fruits/veggies, and simple cooked foods. Last was a plate of "safe" food Yuu knew Grimm would eat.
Yuu stated with something simple "sliced peaches".
Jamil was busy but nearly as busy as he used to be. He could afford to take a day off even if he was a government official, a world leader at that. Kind of a big deal. He was no longer a common bureaucrat.
When he was younger he wanted power and control and he earned it. The youngest member of his cabinet, he ran on a platform for workers' rights.
And Kalim. Well...
Yuu always worried about Jamil and as much as she cared about Kalim she had objections.
"You're friendship can't last much longer. It can't take any more strain." She sighed.
"I don't have a choice. He needs me and I have to serve him." Jamil reasoned, he didn't like it either.
"I hate-!" She started to yell before taking a deep breath and sighing. She shook her head. "I hate when you say things like that. Jamil, you are a human being. You have free will. You don't have to do anything you don't want to."
He wished he believed her back then because she was right.
Jamil left Kalim's side. He couldn't live his life as a servant. It was best for both of them in the end. Now they were actually friends with no power imbalance.
Kalim learned to take care of himself. After a poisoning incident, Jamil got angry calls from his parents who blamed him for leaving. Hamil in turn blamed Kalim's family who were truly to blame. In turn Kalim stood up for Jamil.
Afterwards, Kalim took his role seriously with no one to cover for him. He needed to move on his own merit. He made the difficult choice to deal with his family. He cast out any threats, and hardened his heart when his murderous siblings begged forgiveness. He got security from Floyd's organization. He learned to protect himself and handle his own food. He had grown up and now understood Jamil.
They both were happier than ever and while their work lives never met they still hang out together. Kalim often jokes that they both have to worry about poisoning and kidnapping now.
Jamil owed it to Yuu. He learned the day she left that you have to do what you want before you lose the chance. Now he wanted to tell her all of this in person.
"One more bite?" Yuu asked holding out a spoonful of peaches.
Grimm didn't like the texture at all. One bite was enough but as his mother lingered with the offending spoon he was getting mad. He was tired. He wanted the food he liked.
There was a knock on the door. Yuu wasn't expecting anyone. It might be the neighbor.
Yuu stood and wiped her hands on her apron after telling Grimm to stay put. Grimm pouted as he raised is arms to be picked up.
"No, Grimm." Yuu said sternly.
Grimm bounced up and down on his booster seat as he waved his arms. A velcro baby at his finest but Yuu didn't give in.
She opened the book to find an old friend. Audibly, she gasped.
"Jamil?!" She knew it was in an instant. Yes, he looked different but I was still the Jamil she knew.
His hair was longer if that was possible and it was tied back in a long braid. Yuu reached up and brush her hand over his cheek. She could feel remnants of stubble prick her skin.
"Jamil you look...great." Yuu let out a breathless sigh of astonished joy.
Jamil shared the sentiment. Yuu had filled out since their time together. Her hair was tied up loosely. She had a glow now.
"So do you. Look at yourself." Jamil smiled pulling Yuu into a hug. A tight comforting squeeze you give to someone you have missed for so long.
"What are you doing here?" She asked after they let go.
"To see you, what else?" Jamil said pulling her right back for another hug "Have you gotten bigger?"
Yuu laughed as she smacked the hands that squeezed her hips. She then remembered that she still had a toddler to feed.
"You should come in. We're having lunch." Yu said leading Jamil away from the doorway.
"We?" He asked but when he saw the pouting red-faced little boy.
"Grimm, this is my friend Jamil" Yuu said "Jamil, this is my son Grimm."
Grimm visibly deflated. His eyes lit up with curiosity as he waved his hand.
Jamil felt a twisting in his chest. He had one again come in second and someone else had taken the place he coveted. He wouldn't blame Yuu though, if she decided to start seeing someone she had that right.
"Your husband is out right now? I kind of want to meet him." Jamil said, his voice was tight. He did want to meet this guy but only to compare himself. He had high expectations.
"Jamil, I don't have- It's just us here." Yuu frowned as she pulled him into the next room. "Look, I know Grimm has just adjusted to having someone to take care of him. I don't need him feeling unwanted because I'm perpetually single and can't give him a father."
"I'm sorry, I thought- I wasn't trying to hurt you. I believed that if you did have a child there was no chance the father wouldn't have already married you long before then." Jamil put a hand on her shoulder.
Jamil didn't know what he did but he had a toddler in his lap. Grimm was currently playing with the gold beads and clasps in Jamil's hair.
"Don't let him put one in his mouth. He will eat it." Yuu warned making Jamil's plate in the kitchen. " Try to feed him the food in the bowls."
Jamil carefully redirected Grimm away from his hair and turned him to face the assortment of colorful kiddie bowls. Each one was filled with a colorful arrangement of snack-sized samples."
He picked up a small spoon and a bowl of what he thought was pureed squash and tried to give it to get Grimm to eat it.
"No!" He yelled as he hid his face. Well he coved his eyes and thought if he can't see it then it wasn't there.
Jamil tried to remember if object permanence happened at different ages.
Jamil then tried a spoon of mandarin orange slices.
Grimm cautiously sniffed it but he caught wind of the sugary syrup and covered his mouth.
"You're right, I hate this stuff too." Jamil sighed putting it back.
Next up pickles. Grimm took one bite and his face scrunched up like one of those baby-eating lemon videos. Grimm didn't hate it though, he was just confused about why the cucumber tasted weird.
Next on the list was some lightly seasoned grilled sliced zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms. Jamil recognized the sauce used, it was similar to the kind he made when he had to get Kalim to eat vegetables.
Grimm didn't want it and immediately he shook his head.
Jamil contemplated using his unique magic to "convince" the boy to eat. Then he remembered that Mother dearest would scalp him if he tried.
"Fine if you don't want it. I'll eat it. Your Mom and I used to eat this together." Jamil said eating a veggie slice himself.
Grimm saw Jamil eat his food and began whining as he tugged on the adult's shirt. He poked out his lip and gave Jamil his best puppy dog expression.
"Gimmie some. Please." Grimm asked almost forgetting his manners.
Jamil smiled slyly as he fed the toddler veggies.
"Do you like it?" He asked smugly.
"It's yummy." Grimm nodded "Thank you."
Grimm seemed to get into a better mood as he finally ate.
Yuu came back into the dining room and placed a plate of masala fish curry and rice in front of Jamil with a cup of tea.
"You okay, Grimm can be clingy but it seems he likes you." You said reaching down to pick up Grimm and put him back in his seat.
Grimm squirmed to grab hold of Jamil and hold on to him.
"No, mama!" He pouted.
"It's okay Yuu. He can stay." Jamil said shifting his hold so that he comfortably cradled Grimm. He found the kid pretty cute.
Yuu sighed as he sat across from them. She thought that Grimm had enough of experimenting for the day and gave him his usual food. A plate of cut strawberries with bananas, half a Pb&J, and cream spinach. Cream spinach is a new entry after he liked it during their last taste test. Grimm was in a stage where he needed iron-rich foods along with calcium and zinc. That along with Pica. He needs food like this.
Unfortunately, Grimm had lost interest in his food and wanted whatever Jamil was eating. Jamil redirected Grimm a few times but eventually gave in and shared his food.
Yuu watched as Grimm ate tiny spoonfuls of fish and rice. Jamil would wipe the red sauce that would smear across the toddler's mouth. He was a natural with Grimm.
"You should at least try to eat some of your own food especially if we are sharing," Jamil said firmly spooning some spinach into Grimm's mouth. But Grimm only ate after Jamil did.
"He really listens to you. What's you're secret?" Yuu laughed.
"No idea, he's your son." Jamil thought that was answer enough.
"Book time!" Grimm yelled dragging a book down the stairs.
He held up a red book with gold lettering "The Serpent of the Sands". Jamil raised an eyebrow as she glansed at the nervous Yuu.
"You wrote a book." He said reading her name on it.
The book was about two brothers. One kind the other clever. They searched for a great treasure together but when they found it the magic staff chose the kind brother as its master. The clever brother was angry because if he had not helped they would have never found it. The staff whispered to the clever brother that he was the true master until he betrayed his kind brother. But the clever brother realized that it was the staff that was corrupting him. Usually, the story ends where the clever brother would give the staff back after realizing that he couldn't weird the staff like his brother but instead, he snapped it in half. No power was better than risking everyone with corrupted power. The clever brother knew that he didn't hate his brother, he hated the situation that put them against each other. They reunited before parting ways on their own journeies.
It was a beautiful tale based on what Yuu wanted for her friends. Jamil could see that. He knew that he was the brother in the story. He wished he had read it a long time ago. In the end, Yuu was right about everything. He felt like a dumbass for not listening. He loved that about her.
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