Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron soars to the top of the North American box office
Renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki makes history as his latest enchanting film, The Boy and the Heron, soars to the top of the North American box office, captivating audiences with its mesmerizing storytelling and breathtaking visuals
Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, "The Boy and the Heron," has made history by becoming his first movie to reach the number one spot at the North American box office.
In its opening weekend, the film raked in almost $13 million, marking it as the largest opening for a Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli collaboration in the United States and Canada. This information comes from Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore.
"Dergarabedian told CNN that this weekend showcased the ability of Japanese cinema to attract crowds to the multiplex, noting that Miyazaki's past films had only received "very limited" releases in North America. The Hollywood Reporter also reported that the new animated fantasy from the director of "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away" has become the first fully foreign production to top the US box office this year."
The film "The Boy and the Heron" tells the story of a young boy embarking on a journey to a mysterious world following his mother's passing. It premiered in theaters nationwide in the United States on December 8, marking the broadest release of any of Miyazaki's films in North America. The movie garnered Miyazaki his inaugural Golden Globe nomination in the best animated motion picture category, as well as a nod for best original score for composer Joe Hisaishi.
After announcing his retirement in 2013, the film marks his long-awaited return to filmmaking. Studio Ghibli, which was recently sold to Nippon TV, revealed that it took seven years to make the film. Miyazaki's movies have always been a hit in Japan and across Asia. His 2001 film "Spirited Away" held the record for highest-grossing film in Japanese history for 19 years and even won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Many consider him to be one of the greatest animators in the world and a symbol of Japanese pop culture. His films have had a significant impact on the animation industry. Miyazaki is renowned for his dedication to hand-drawn animation, consistently using traditional, labor-intensive frame-by-frame techniques.
His notable works, including "The Wind Rises" (2013), "Princess Mononoke" (1997), and "Howls Moving Castle" (2004), showcase finely detailed characters, meticulously designed settings, and a seamless feeling of motion.
