Movies
What’s so special about Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”

“The Boy and the Heron” could be the last feature length film of Hayao Miyazaki. Is it the end of an era?
The year was 1997 when Princess Mononoke was setting new records at the box office and then the masterpiece, Spirited Away, got an Academy award. Interestingly, Hayao Miyazaki opened up about his plans to retire at that time. But we got “The Wind Rises” in 2013 which was thought to be the last feature length film of Miyazaki but here he is, making a comeback after 10 years with “The Boy and the Heron”. If the name of Miyazaki has been associated with the project, it is bound to be good and highly anticipated. But this time, what got us more intrigued was how they marketed the film. They did not release any trailers or revealed anything of the story before it got its theatrical release in Japan on 14th July. Something like this is unusual and some people might be in doubt if it’s really a thing.

The film is about to make its premiere at the Toronto International Film festival this year and the GKIDS have released a teaser trailer of it and finally the international fans go to see a glimpse of this highly anticipated piece. Adapted from the 1937 novel of Genzaburo Yoshino “How do you live” released in 1937, the story follows a young boy named Mahito who is on a journey to meet his mother in a mystical world shared by living and dead. In the teaser, we see the ruins caused by war and amidst it all, we see Mahito calling for his mother. In the next scene, we are teleported to this magical world full of greenery and magical animals which kind of takes us back to the world building of the Spirited Away. From detailed animation to the use of hand-drawn animation techniques, we could see the signature elements of Studio Ghibli present in the film. The film “The Boy and the Heron” is discussing the mature theme of how to let go of things while bearing the weight of memories on your shoulders.
During the release of the Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki said “If I said I wanted to (make another feature film), I would sound like an old man saying something foolish.” The release of “The boy and the Heron” puts Hayao Miyazaki in a position of a relic in the modern animation industry but that doesn’t mean that his work has not embedded itself in the animation history of Japan. The thing is that we don’t see films like these being made anymore and it’s not about the fading stardom of Miyazaki. The point is, that change is bound to happen and things never stay the same but at the same time, every new invention happens on the learnings, teachings and contributions of those who came before us. This could be Hayao Miyazaki’s Last feature-length film but he is never losing his love for animation and storytelling and we won’t ever stop going back to the films that the studio has given us.
Watch the Trailer:
Also Read: Netflix’s One Piece Review: The live action adaptation does justice to the beloved Japanese saga
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Events
The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.
The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking.
Historic Wins for Anora
The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.
Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers
The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.
Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.
Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win
Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.
A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.
Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment
In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.
Controversies and Unexpected Upsets
Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.
Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.
Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week
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Events
Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss.
Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez.
Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.
Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.
Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim:
After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.
Disney and FuboTV Merger:
Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.
The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China
Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.
Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight
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Events
Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.
BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.
By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.
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