Grave of the Fire Flies is a bit slow-moving through the first act, but becomes a very engaging, moving film by its end. It's an interesting mix of material and method, of story and genre that is a little disarming at first, but ultimately works extremely well. You'll find yourself realizing that this film would never be made in America. The animation here is above average in most respects, and th... read more
Description:Isao Takahata's powerful antiwar film has been praised by critics wherever it has been screened around the world. When their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo near the end of World War II, teenage Seita and his little sister Setsuko are left on their own: their father is away, serving in the Imperial Navy. The two children Isao Takahata's powerful antiwar film has been praised by critics wherever it has been screened around the world. When their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo near the end of World War II, teenage Seita and his little sister Setsuko are left on their own: their father is away, serving in the Imperial Navy. The two children initially stay with an aunt, but she has little affection for them and resents the time and money they require. The two children set up housekeeping in a cave by a stream, but their meager resources are quickly exhausted, and Seita is reduced to stealing to feed his sister.
The strength of Grave of the Fireflies lies in Takahata's evenhanded portrayal of the characters. A sympathetic doctor, the greedy aunt, the disinterested cousins all know there is little they can do for Seita and Setsuko. Their resources, like their country's, are already overtaxed: anything they spare endangers their own survival. As in the Barefoot Gen films, no mention is made of Japan's role in the war as an aggressor; but the depiction of the needless suffering endured by its victims transcends national and ideological boundaries. --Charles Solomon
“Grave of the Fire Flies is a bit slow-moving through the first act, but becomes a very engaging, moving film by its end. It's an interesting mix of material and method, of story and genre that is a little disarming at first, but ultimately works extremely well. You'll find yourself realizing that this film would never be made in America. The animation here is above average in most respects, and the backgrounds and scenery are fantastic, but all in all it's nothing incredible of groundbreaking. It's the story that really shines. This is a survival story about sacrifice, hope, despair, and the power of family. But the tone is sad, sad, sad more than heartwarming...though there are some of these moments at well. Don't watch this if you need cheering up. But do watch it when you're ready for s” read more
silent killer added this to a list 2 years, 8 months ago
"Sad tale of WWII bombings of Japan told through the eyes of a brother who takes care of his younger sibling.
I am not ashamed to admit I cried on this movie."
riverfan added this to a list 4 years, 2 months ago
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