By Charlie Maurer
The Boy and The Heron
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Mark Hamill
Released 2023, Rated PG-13, 2hr 4min runtime
The Boy and The Heron is Hayao Miyazaki's perfect encapsulation of his distinct storytelling style - seamlessly blending his autobiographical elements with the enrapturing charm and poignant emotion that have become characteristic of Studio Ghibli films. Miyazaki's meticulous attention to detail, evident in the lush landscapes, eye-catching coloring, and creative character designs, builds a visually stunning world that parallels all his other stories, while still borrowing some of their own beautiful elements.
The film weaves together themes of childhood innocence, environmentalism, the relationship between student and teacher, and the inevitability of responsibility and fat. Each being a hallmark of Miyazaki's.
The Boy and The Heron showcases Miyazaki's signature blend of fantasy, reality, and all the feelings present in both, inviting audiences into a world where the extraordinary seamlessly coexists with the everyday. The rich characters, elaborate symbolism, and nuanced exploration of self-discovery align with Miyazaki's own life experiences, providing a deeply personal touch to the narrative that can be felt by each audience member. Ultimately, the film leaves a mark as a strong testament to Miyazaki's ability to translate his life into a captivating, resonant Ghibli masterpiece that captures the hearts of audiences across generations.
The Killer
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, Sophie Charlotte
Released 2023, Rated R, 1hr 58min runtime
David Fincher's The Killer stands as an epitome of a ‘90s film in 2023. It blends Fincher’s signature style with the essence of a bygone era of film. Set against a backdrop of gray grunge, The Killer encapsulates the zeitgeist of 30 years ago, replicated today. The narrative, a thrilling exploration of crime, obsession, and the justification of it all, makes for a gritty yet rich story that defined many of Fincher’s films from the ‘90s. The use of practical effects, stylistic cinematography and a moody soundtrack (mainly consisting of The Smiths) pays homage to the cinema prevalent during that period. The Killer showcases Fincher's mastery in creating visually stunning and psychologically intense narratives, reminiscent of his acclaimed works Se7en (‘95) and Fight Club (‘99). Michael Fassbender, upon his return to acting after his six year hiatus, molds impeccably to the role - applying himself to the moody themes of the narrative. The Killer not only captures the spirit of the ‘90s but also elevates it to contemporary standards. all at a refreshing runtime at just under 2 hours.