Fans of Studio Ghibli and the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki are in for a cinematic treat as Encore Films (Ph) and Warner Bros. bring the highly acclaimed film, “The Boy and The Heron,” to local screens nationwide. This eagerly awaited release will feature both the original Japanese version with English subtitles and the English-dubbed edition.
“The Boy and The Heron” has already made waves in the global film industry, receiving nominations and prestigious awards, including Best Animated Film from renowned organizations such as the New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and Boston Society of Film Critics. Additionally, it has garnered nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score at The Golden Globe Awards and Best Animated Feature at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.
Critics have showered praise on the film, with Rolling Stone’s David Fear hailing it as proof that “Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest animator alive.” Forbes’ Senior Contributor, Erik Kain, expressed his admiration, calling the movie a “masterful work of gorgeous animation, powerful storytelling, and absolutely bizarre magic and adventure.”
“The Boy and The Heron” set a new record for Studio Ghibli, boasting the highest box office opening in the studio’s history, grossing an impressive US $13.2 million during its opening weekend.
Fan Screening Event: Be the First to Dive into the Magical World
To build anticipation for the official release on January 8, Studio Ghibli enthusiasts can attend a special Fan Screening Event on January 6 (Saturday) at SM Megamall cinema 2 at 7:00 pm. For a premium ticket price of P1,200, attendees will receive exclusive perks, including a special set of desk calendar, collectible ticket, and a mini-poster. To secure your spot at this magical event, visit SM Cinemas’ website to purchase your tickets. You can start booking your tickets here for Advanced Fan Screening Event on January 6, Saturday at SM Megamall Cinema 2!
Watch the trailer:
A Stellar Voice Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
“The Boy and The Heron” features an exceptional voice cast, both in the original Japanese version and the English-dubbed edition:
English Dubbed Version:
- Luca Padovan as Mahito Maki
- Robert Pattinson as The Grey Heron
- Christian Bale as Shoichi Maki
- Florence Pugh as Kiriko
- Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi
- Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican
- Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King
Original Japanese Version:
- Soma Santoki as Mahito Maki
- Masaki Suda as The Grey Heron
- Ko Shibasaki as Kiriko
- Aimyon as Lady Himi
- Kaoru Kobayashi as Noble Pelican
- Jun Kunimura as The Parakeet King
The Whimsical Tale Unfolds: “The Boy and The Heron” Synopsis
“The Boy and The Heron” follows the enchanting journey of Mahito Maki, who, after the tragic death of his mother, moves to a new town. Guided by a mysterious grey heron, he stumbles upon an abandoned tower, leading him into a fantastical world filled with magic and adventure. The much-anticipated release of “The Boy and The Heron” in Philippine cinemas is set for January 8.
Photos: Studio Ghibli and Encore Films
