Studio Ghibli has consistently received praise for its exceptional direction, and The Boy and the Heron stand out as the pinnacle of their cinematic prowess. The animation in this film surpasses its predecessors, showcasing an unparalleled level of fluidity and overall composition that turns every scene into a visual spectacle. The opening scene, in which Mahito rushes to his mother, is particularly noteworthy, where the creative use of color, shadow, and choreography come together to create an impressive moment, arguably one of the best of any Studio Ghibli production, directed by legendary Hayao Miyazaki or others. The film's soundtrack, composed by Joe Hisaishi, further adds to its commendable qualities. Hisaishi's musical compositions deftly capture the mood of each scene, whether it's tense, melancholy, or a case of fleeting joy within the cast. His music, a hallmark of many Studio Ghibli films, complements the animation perfectly, culminating in a staging for The Boy and the Heron that positions him as one of the studio's most remarkable, if not the absolute best.

The Boy and the Heron not only has an outstanding staging but also features a captivating array of characters. True to the signature style of Hayao Miyazaki's previous works, the film unfolds as a captivating human drama, expertly crafted to imbue the actors with a deep sense of humanity. Mahito and Himi, in particular, engage in an intense exploration of their characters, delving into their traumas and reactions in a meticulous manner. Even secondary characters such as Kiriko, Natsuko, and Mahito's father receive a lot of attention, so their identities are richly defined. To complete the story, the more comical and tertiary characters, such as the blue heron and parakeets, inject humor and levity into the story. On the other hand, despite limited screen time, the noble pelican effectively emphasizes the harsh realities of Mahito's world, while Mahito's great-uncle beautifully emphasizes the scale that goes beyond human drama. While a few characters could have benefited from further development, the whole as a whole adds to the overall brilliance of the film.

At the heart of The Boy and the Heron, the most compelling feature is the overarching theme that focuses on finding the essence of a meaningful existence. The film delves deep into Mahito's internal struggles as he grapples with this idea in the wake of a tragic event, a gripping story that resonates remarkably when interspersed with characters like Himi, who embraces his unfortunate fate, and Mahito's great-uncle, who stubbornly avoids the harsh truths of reality. Despite the fantastical nature of the story, the exploration of deep human experiences makes it surprisingly endearing, enriching the film with nuanced depth. The climax of Mahito's evolution, where he finally accepts the change and decides to continue living, serves as the climax of the story. This seemingly simple conclusion carries considerable weight, and Mahito's arduous journey to acceptance adds substantial value and offers a journey of emotional catharsis that is truly rewarding. The title of the film, How Do You Live? finds its perfect answer in Mahito's transformative journey, which provides a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the story. While there has been speculation that The Boy and the Heron could be Hayao Miyazaki's last directorial project, it stands out as a notable potential highlight of his illustrious career. While the film is not without its flaws, especially in its storyline, its impeccable direction, well-crafted characters, and universal themes make up for it admirably, cementing its status as one of Studio Ghibli's most notable productions. Whether you're a fan of Miyazaki or not, The Boy and the Heron is a cinematic experience not to be overlooked, leaving audiences eager to see how the legendary filmmaker will surpass this feat with his next project.