As one of the most heartfelt, heartbreaking films I have ever seen, Grave of the Fireflies is sure to be a film I will never forget. Set in post WWII Japan, it tells the story of a young man's fight for his survival and that of his young sister. Brutally honest in it's approach and execution, it pulls no punches in portraying this tragic story of love and hopelessness.
The story opens as we see the mother of Seita and Setsuko on her way to a shelter. She tells Seita to look after his younger sister. Shortly thereafter, a bomb raid follows and the whole town is wiped out. Seita finds his mother burnt beyond recognition and on her last few breaths. After she dies, he and Setsuko go to live with their aunt, who is also feeling the strain of war and lack of food, and seems to be harsh on the siblings. Not wanting to be a burden, he takes Setsuko and makes a place for them to stay in an old bomb shelter. It is from this point that we really see the relationship between Seita and Setsuko develop, and this sets the tone for the heart of the story.
What makes this story stand out is it's no holds barred, punch in the gut approach. Everything feels authentic and poignant. It also helps too that the mournful score sets the tone beautifully, and has a lingering effect that almost forces you to feel everything long after you've seen it. The visuals are also a wonder to look at, not so much for any groundbreaking animation, but for it's convincing view of war-torn Japan.
In the first few minutes of the movie, it is made clear that both our protagonists will die. But as we watch their story unfold, the dread for the inevitable becomes increasingly unbearable. The relationship between Seita and Setsuko is so sincere and loving, that you almost wish that more could have been done to save them.
This movie is a triumph in every sense of the word. It is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, and brutal as it is tender. This incomparable story, brought to full effect by one of the greatest studios to grace the world of cinema, is unforgettable. Complemented by a beautiful, melancholy score, and featuring one of the most heartfelt relationships ever put to film, I have no doubt that this is one of the most powerful motion pictures I have ever seen: a true testament to love's enduring power.
♥♦♠♣ 10/10
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
The story opens as we see the mother of Seita and Setsuko on her way to a shelter. She tells Seita to look after his younger sister. Shortly thereafter, a bomb raid follows and the whole town is wiped out. Seita finds his mother burnt beyond recognition and on her last few breaths. After she dies, he and Setsuko go to live with their aunt, who is also feeling the strain of war and lack of food, and seems to be harsh on the siblings. Not wanting to be a burden, he takes Setsuko and makes a place for them to stay in an old bomb shelter. It is from this point that we really see the relationship between Seita and Setsuko develop, and this sets the tone for the heart of the story.
What makes this story stand out is it's no holds barred, punch in the gut approach. Everything feels authentic and poignant. It also helps too that the mournful score sets the tone beautifully, and has a lingering effect that almost forces you to feel everything long after you've seen it. The visuals are also a wonder to look at, not so much for any groundbreaking animation, but for it's convincing view of war-torn Japan.
In the first few minutes of the movie, it is made clear that both our protagonists will die. But as we watch their story unfold, the dread for the inevitable becomes increasingly unbearable. The relationship between Seita and Setsuko is so sincere and loving, that you almost wish that more could have been done to save them.
This movie is a triumph in every sense of the word. It is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, and brutal as it is tender. This incomparable story, brought to full effect by one of the greatest studios to grace the world of cinema, is unforgettable. Complemented by a beautiful, melancholy score, and featuring one of the most heartfelt relationships ever put to film, I have no doubt that this is one of the most powerful motion pictures I have ever seen: a true testament to love's enduring power.
♥♦♠♣ 10/10
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Great review. You fully did justice to this sadly little-known wonder of a film. It works so well as both an animated movie and as an anti-war film. I don't know how anybody couldn't shed a tear when Seita finds out his dad's been killed. Harrowing.
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