The Boy and the Heron

[WhompingWillows]

We’re huge Ghibli fans in this household so we’re really looking forward to seeing this at the weekend. Has anyone seen it? Also, I’ve checked and it’s a 12A but I was hoping to take DD2(8) who has seen the majority of Ghibli films (her favourite is Ponyo) - would that be really remiss of me?

The only very unpleasant scene I can remember is the gutting of a giant fish. It is graphic.

There are other unsettling moments but if your child has seen Princess Mononoke then it's as weird as that.

@CrossPurposes thanks so much for replying. I’m not sure that the gutting of a giant fish would bother DD2 - we have observed our local herons stealing tiny ducklings (😬). I’m not sure if she has seen Princess Mononoke but I know DD1 has. I haven’t let DD2 see the new Wonka film (also a 12A) as I know there’s a tricky mother twist and both of my girls are adopted. I think I’m going to go for it…

It is a very dark film and the boy has lost his mother and that resonates through the film (I'm trying not to spoil!)

Okay, thanks, maybe I will reconsider for DD2.

Aahhh, it’s so annoying - all these films with their tropes of lost mothers. It makes life very hard for all the adoptive mothers. Anyway, it’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of being an adoptive parent.

OP, the boy also has visions of his late mother calling out for him. I can't remember the exact words but it was along the lines of "save me".

I loved it but missed some plot bits like the connection between his mother and stepmother. It was very strange but wonderful. Saw it dubbed today and will see it subbed tomorrow. I'd say 12+ is about right. It's not Disney

So, we went. I think I need to watch it again as I missed a few important plot twists, like the boy injuring his own head. My girls are both adopted and, funnily enough, the lost mother trope never really seems to bother them. I think this will be a slow burner film; it’s not instant love, like Totoro, Arietty, Mary, Ponyo etc. Anyway, I will add that DD2 (ADHD and autism) behaved impeccably, far better than many adults who messed about on their phones, used their mobile phone torches to illuminate the way to the loo, got up multiple times to get extra refreshments and just basically talked through the whole thing. Don’t get me started on the terrible behaviour during our annual Christmas Eve trip to our independent art house cinema to watch It’s a Wonderful Life!