Unraveling the Suzume Hype: Did The Boy and The Heron Steal the Spotlight?

There is a lot of discussion in the anime and manga community about The Boy and the Heron and Suzume. Both films were recently nominated for the Golden Globe Best Animated Film category, which is a proud moment for the teams and the entire community. Some are wondering if The Boy and the Heron has overshadowed the Suzume hype, but the answer is no.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions on the subject.

Why we believe The Boy and the Heron did not overshadow the Suzume hype

Suzume, as depicted in the film, features the protagonist in a still from the movie (Image via CoMix Wave Films). Both movies are remarkable in their own right. Makoto Shinkai's Suzume seamlessly blends the contemporary Japanese backdrop with enchanting elements inspired by fairy tales and folklore. The result is a captivating film filled with endearing characters that resonate with the audience. Shinkai's films always elicit powerful emotions, and Suzume is no exception. The fusion of natural disasters and folklore creates an engrossing cinematic experience.

A still from the recent Hayao Miyazaki film featuring the protagonist, Mahito (Image via Studio Ghibli) depicts the beautiful animation style that captures the essence of mundane tasks and romanticizes them. The film also delves into the character’s journey to overcome the challenges following his mother’s passing, illustrating the ability to make peace with her departure.

The reason why The Boy and the Heron is receiving more discussion than Suzume has little to do with the quality of the films. It can be attributed to recency bias, a cognitive phenomenon where people give greater importance to recent events or memories. Now playing in theaters, The Boy and the Heron is currently the topic of fans' discussions, while Suzume premiered nearly a year ago. It's not the films themselves that have caused this discrepancy, but rather the timing of their releases. Makoto Shinkai's movie was released in November 2022, allowing plenty of time for anime fans to move on to new topics of discussion.

Not only in films, but even in the community, discussions about titles like Black Clover are notably absent. The prolonged hiatus of the anime and manga series is the main reason for this.

Final thoughts

Despite the presence of other shows, Black Clover is being overshadowed by series like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece. This is not because of the popularity of these other shows, but rather due to time and recency bias, which heavily influences the perception of media by the community.

In conclusion, Suzume and The Boy and the Heron are both remarkable films, each with their own unique qualities. Despite their contrasts, both have left a lasting impression on those who have seen them. The reduced buzz around Makoto Shinkai’s film is not because of Hayao Miyazaki’s film, but rather due to the passage of time and the influence of recency bias on fans' perceptions.

Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate anime and manga fan, I am thrilled to see both "Suzume" and "The Boy and the Heron" receiving recognition and nominations for the prestigious Golden Globe Best Animated Film category. Both films are undoubtedly remarkable in their own ways, offering unique experiences and captivating storytelling.

"Suzume," directed by the renowned Makoto Shinkai, seamlessly blends contemporary Japanese elements with enchanting fairy tales and folklore. The film's protagonist, Suzume, embarks on an extraordinary journey filled with endearing characters and emotionally resonant moments. Shinkai's ability to evoke powerful emotions through his storytelling is truly exceptional, and "Suzume" is no exception. The fusion of natural disasters and folklore creates an immersive and captivating cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.