A new animated film, The Boy and the Heron, has been released, prompting discussions about its director, Hayao Miyazaki, and his body of work. The film appears to explore themes of childhood and identity, although some outlets seem to be using it as a starting point to discuss Miyazaki's broader filmography, including Spirited Away. The Boy and the Heron is being characterized as a masterpiece, with beautifully animated characters, but its specific plot and tone are not entirely clear.