The Boy and the Heron

During the backdrop of World War II, young Mahito grapples with the sudden loss of his mother. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is relocated from bustling Tokyo to a peaceful countryside home belonging to Natsuko, his new stepmother. Strikingly resembling Mahito's deceased mom, Natsuko offers him a chance at healing and stability. However, as Mahito attempts to settle into this idyllic environment, an enigmatic gray heron makes repeated appearances, adding mystery and complexity to the already challenging circumstances he faces. Intriguingly, this bird seems to regard Mahito as the "long-awaited one," further blurring reality and stirring up a sense of destiny in the young protagonist's life.