The Boy and the Heron

2023 • Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy • PG-13

While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."

Runtime: 2h 4m

Dive into the timeless wisdom and profound exploration of humanity in Yoshino Genzaburo's 'How Do You Live?'. This revered novel provides a philosophical journey through the mind of a young boy navigating the complexities of life, with each chapter offering insightful reflections on the nature of existence, friendship, and personal growth. Unlike the visual medium of cinema, the novel allows you to intimately engage with the protagonist's inner thoughts and the author’s contemplative narrative style. By choosing the book over the film adaptation, you are invited to explore the deep and reflective questions that shape human experience at your own pace. 'How Do You Live?' encourages deep reflection and introspection, offering a literary experience that stays with you long after you turn the last page. The novel’s rich prose and thought-provoking themes offer layers of meaning that can be unfurled in a way unique to reading, inviting readers to ponder their own journey through life.