Directed by: Isao Takahta | Written by: Isao Takahata, Akiyuki Nosaka (Novel)
Produced by: Studo Ghibli
Produced by: Studo Ghibli
Awards
- Special Award; 31st Blue Ribbon Awards
- Animation Feature Film (Animation Jury Award) | Rights of the Child Award; 3rd Chicago International Children's Festival
"It's hard to tell if Fireflies represents a veiled Hiroshima or not (nuclear fallout isn't even hinted at). But the story of the two kids is so tragic the details slip away." Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The Animated War tragedy adaptation of the Naoki Prize winning novel by Akiyuki Nosaka Hotaru no Haka (1967). When the film launched in 1988 it was well received thrughout the 90's especially to the acclaimed Chicago Times critic Roger Ebert. It's obvious that this film earned it's place among the many films that stand out in the Ghibli Collection
Grave of the Fireflies is a true loss of words concerning the profound dept an Animation can deliver. Despite the fantasy filled animated adventure epics, Studio Ghibli reminds us that they can still deliver the much needed sentimental value in a respectable non-forced fashion. You are left with the sole thought that lingers in your mind far after the movie ends: what if that happened to me?
Story
The story starts at Sannomiya station at the end of Word War II in 1945 as we witness the last moments of a malnourished weak 14 year old boy sorted with the trash while his last possession is thrown away revealing ashes. That same object, an old fruit drops box is a recurring item in the film that will gradually bare sentimental value to the link between Seita (Tsutomi Tatsumi) and his 4 year old sister Setsuko (Ayano Shiraishi) who went from a stern but happy life to homeless and on their own after the fire bomb raids in 1945 by the hands of American Air crafts which is shown after the young man's death. Scenes that would seem unbearable for a boy that age are taken surprisingly well despite the fact that it would cause emotional breakdown in most cases. It is heavily implied in this film that he kept strong for his sister which he took care of most of the film making her his everyday concern and priority even after ration waved and the odds where against him.
What is shown as story can be depicted as a stream of events that deteriorate as Seita tries to nourish and protect her 4 year old sister after her mother died in the aforementioned air raid, attacks which happened frequently throughout the movie incensing fear in an already struggling civilization. It can only be described as disturbing when a a boy witness the gruesome incident first hand carrying it in his heart shielded from her innocent sister. The bravery shown by this young boy was encouraging and was the main fuel of this movie. Despite the little character development and the fact that most of the story line was substituted with emotional imagery. You can still connect to some extent to the hardship through the well written screenplay and tragedy in general.
It is refreshing angle from the usual soldier-driven war tragedies were civilians are pestered by opposing forces or were the movie is seen from a battalion's perspective pushing its people to the background as recurring characters for emotive credibility. Soldiers were mentioned and implied in his movie but it did just fine without dragging the unconditional loss of their many men in front of the screen as a pity method. I liked that...
Rating
8,9 - Emotional dept with epic proportions
I can proudly admit that this is the most emotional awakening Anime film I've ever seen. It even gave Millennium Actress, a film I so dearly admire, a run for it's money. Even as apathetic person I am couldn't shake the image of the well projected reality that is war time, seeing myself in the same unbarable situation.
If you are looking for a well portrayed "cry-fest", do not pass off this one. Comment below and share feedback as always.
M.
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Also...
I have extra's that came with the dvd (Character art,interviews,etc.), I intend to upload them this week. Stay tuned for more.
