Animated Triumph: “The Boy and the Heron” Soars at the U.S. Box Office

Box Office Success in the U.S.:

• Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, “The Boy and the Heron,” takes the U.S. box office by storm, securing the top spot with an impressive weekend earning of US$12,836,313. The film’s stellar performance in its first three days is a testament to the enduring global appeal of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting storytelling.

Historical Achievement:

• Variety reports that “The Boy and the Heron” is hailed as the “first original anime production” to claim the #1 spot at the U.S. box office. This milestone underscores the growing popularity and acceptance of Japanese animated films on the international stage.

Recognition and Nominations:

• The film’s success extends beyond box office numbers, with Hayao Miyazaki receiving a nomination for Best International Filmmaker at the Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards. Additionally, the film clinches the Best Animation award at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and the Animated Feature award from the Boston Society of Film Critics.

North American Release by GKIDS:

• Distributed by GKIDS, “The Boy and the Heron” made its North American debut with preview engagements on November 22, generating anticipation and excitement among audiences. The film is presented in both English dub and Japanese audio with English subtitles to cater to diverse viewer preferences.

Japanese Success and Global Recognition:

• Reflecting its success in Japan, where it opened on July 14, the film’s U.S. triumph adds to its international acclaim. Having sold over 1 million tickets in its Japanese debut weekend and accumulating over US$55.60 million to date, “The Boy and the Heron” cements its place as the 74th highest-grossing film in Japan.

Premiere Circuit and Festival Highlights:

• The film’s international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) marked a historic moment as the festival’s opening film, showcasing the global interest in Japanese animation. The San Sebastian Film Festival (SSIFF) honored Miyazaki with the Donostia Award for career achievement, adding prestige to the film’s journey.

Musical Accompaniment and Themes:

• Renowned composer Joe Hisaishi, known for his work on Studio Ghibli classics, contributes an evocative score to “The Boy and the Heron.” The theme song, “Chikyūgi,” performed by Kenshi Yonezu, adds a melodic layer to the film’s emotional resonance.