Recent Reviews for Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka)
Recent Reviews
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MCT:August 28, 2008I was expecting this to be more like Tortoro, but this is by far Ghibli's most grown up film. It's a simple tale of two siblings trying to survive during the war and not once does it pull any punches. This film is startling in how subtley it handles the brutality of war while at the same time never once flinching or searching for an easy way out by introducing a fantasy element. A stunningly bold film that horrifies while it enraptures.
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MCT:August 28, 2008Absolutely Heartwrenching! I am so glad that you guys send me your recommendations.I would have never ever known about this wonderful movie without having my Flix buddies.Have the tissues ready was right (Alex) lol.Oh my gosh this is so sad.I was ready for sad,not ready ready for a gut-wrenching overflow of tears.A story about a boy that is forced into a parent role of his little (adorable) sister Setsuko due to the death of his parents.He does everything he can for her,but is so young himself,just does not have the life skills,or means to do anything.Through the many bombings they had lost everything it was pretty much the 2 of them with a few stray belongings.But his love for her was fierce,she was all he had left.I don't want to say too much more,but this is such a deep,touching movie everyone should see this.I absolutely recommend this movie be the very next one you see!! =)
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MCT:August 18, 2008
This is the GREATEST most powerful movie ive ever seen its such a heartbreaking story
it is a must must see.it is such a touching story u forget that its an anime,The two main characters are just so human u feel there struggle through the whole film and beware u might be in tears through this movie unless your a robot. -
MCT:August 11, 2008
"Why must fireflies die so young?"
General mainstream audiences commonly consider animation a mere kiddie fare. However, not all animation is childish by nature. In the past 20 years, artistic and expressive Japanese animators have exercised their animation as a medium to convey mature themes and occasionally impart an articulate story. To be sure, Japanese animation has had its fair share of low points with inane cartoons such as Pokemon (and Digimon for that matter), as well as hentai (anime porn) and fluffy comedies. Grave of the Fireflies was completed in 1988, and has received endless acclaim since its release. At the time it proved that Japanese animation can powerfully portray an anti-war message. It is extraordinarily rare to witness a film of this calibre: Grave of the Fireflies is an astoundingly eloquent achievement in the animated format.
Japan's Studio Ghibli has hit home runs with every one of its releases during the past 20 years. The triumphs of the studio include Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and the more recent Spirited Away in addition to the expressively poignant and devastatingly emotive Grave of the Fireflies.
The film opens on a sad note with the death of a character. From there the film is told through flashback as we examine the lives of two people during World War II. The film starts off sad, and things only grow sadder. Set in Japan in 1945, we are introduced to 14-year-old Seita and his little sister Setsuko. They are drawn away from their home and are separated from their parents during a bombing raid. With no other alternative, the two move to live with their aunt whose hospitality becomes increasingly frosty as time wears on...to the point that Seita and Setsuko are driven to a life of fending for themselves. The war takes its toll on the supply line: as the war rages on, food and water grows scarcer. The two constantly struggle through hunger and desperation, becoming more reliant on each other for different purposes.
Although decades old, the animation still holds up and has only dated very slightly. The aforementioned Studio Ghibli spend years on just one of their masterpieces: delicately, meticulously crafting every frame. Each frame resonates with evocative and marvellously rendered backgrounds. The artists use every inch of the frame for good use. There are some sublime wide angles that showcase certain locations remarkably. Never is a single frame wasted in the fantastic storytelling.
Underneath there is a compelling anti-war message that brutally tells the audience something important: in war, the civilians and innocents are more affected than those on the battlefield. We've all seen films like Saving Private Ryan (released a decade later) and Platoon among several others, but Grave of the Fireflies delivers one of the most unyielding messages. Although the film is set during WWII, the proceedings could involve anyone in any nation at any time. Anonymous, faceless bombers release their malevolent payloads, not the Americans or any other disclosed country. Those on the receiving end aren't entirely Japanese in manifestation either, but rather a more generic human base. This shows that the film isn't just about two children during WWII...it's about children and victims of war on a global scale. It's a proclamation against the horrors perpetrated by those in power, not about any local problem. War itself is the adversary here, not any specific monster. Dexterously and magnificently told, this is a rare cinematic moment in which a story has been delivered in a manner befitting its importance without prejudice or pretension. It's not merely about two children suffering...it's everyone: it's humankind...it's the world. This point is conveyed in a brusque but effectual manner done so effectively that it has the ability to inspire all viewers to look within.
Overall, Grave of the Fireflies is a haunting, beautiful piece of Japanese animation. This is a movie that deserves to stand among the greatest anti-war productions in cinematic history. Life on the home-front during WWII has never been more powerful. The story is occasionally bleak, but this is an important masterpiece and a landmark in animation. A "kiddie fare" this is not...in fact adults should watch this first to determine if it's appropriate for their child due to the themes and underlying messages. -
MCT:August 2, 2008
Oprecht een uitermaten aangrijpende en onroerende ervaring. De broer en zus relatie word prachtig weergegeven. Er waren genoeg momenten dat ik volschoot van emotie. Ik kon me goed identificeren met seito (ik heb net als hem een jongere zusje van die leeftijd). Seito heeft het zwaar met zich groothouden tegenover zijn zusje en setuko is nog veel te jong om dit allemaal mee te maken en te moeten verwerken. Sommige scenes waren hartvescheurend, andere hartverwarmend, maar de film draagt over het algemeen een treurige ondertoon. buitengewoon krachtige oorlogsfilm, ondanks het zich niet afspeelt op de front linie.
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MCT:August 1, 2008
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!
This is just.. so sadd.
It may not be to alotta people.
But i think I've cried over this movie more then any other movie.
It was SOOOOOO Sad!!!!!!!!! :[
Everytime i just saw the box cover i started Bawling. LMAO.
I borrowed it off my friend. :[
I recommend everyone watches it.
*Sniffle Sniffle* -
MCT:July 27, 2008
Truly one of Studio Ghibli's greatest crowning achievements, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is a brilliant masterpiece fully deserving of a place in any of the best movies ever made. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film follows two Japanese children struggling to survive in the aftermath of World War II. Having lost their home and mother, they at first stay with a bitter, self-serving relative, but ultimately decide to run away to a cave. Both try by all means to live off of vegetables or whatever food they can afford to trade and/or steal, to no avail. Normally one would think of this subject as more appropriate for live-action, but GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES proves that it can be told through the art of animation as well. This is no mindless showcase of gorgeous visuals--although the artistic merits of the movie are, as with Ghibli productions, sumptuous and at times breathtaking--but a display of real characters struggling with very tangible emotions. And the most amazing accomplishment about this movie is how much we grow to care for the children--their inseparable bond of love and companionship is the heart and soul behind the movie. (It makes the final scenes, too, all the more saddening.) There are long stretches of silence on the soundtrack, with music used very sparingly, yet the movie is all the more powerful for it. The most effective moment is where we hear a scratchy rendition of "Home, Sweet Home" over a montage of Setsuko playing by the shelter. It's a simplistic, sweet, yet very saddening moment that not only works in the context of the movie, but on its own as well. Even in a genre as multi-faceted as Japanese Anime, there are few films that literally everyone really MUST see. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is one such movie.
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MCT:July 27, 2008
a profoundly moving and hauntingly beautiful artistic masterpiece. a simple, startlingly human story told from perspectives not often seen. while the dialogue has some great contributions, some of the best parts of the film are in the silence of being, doing, and seeing. the scene where the various memories of the little girl play around the shelter underscored by the phonograph is just awe-inspiring. one of the most brillant, emotional films of its genre.
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MCT:July 26, 2008
Very sensitive description of his little sister touch the viewer's heart. For the best of my knowledge n education i have been through japanese public education, It doesn't all cover how things were in that time, but certainly show a certain emotional side of the war to the dry history book. Those in the powerful countries may have more need to watch it. i had some cons against the story, yet It is one of the most important animation ever made and i can recommend to normal movie fans, anime beginer to maniacs. it's truly good.
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MCT:July 24, 2008
Wow. By far the most moving and powerful animated film I have ever seen. This movie truly transcends animation; it captures the human essence so perfectly that I almost forgot that it was animated. I am having a hard time coming up with words to say about this film... it had a big impact on me... I just sat in silence and stared at the screen as the credits rolled by, because there is honestly nothing I can say to describe it. It has brought to light the true devastation of war, the tragedies that occur behind the facade of honor and glory. Brought me to tears.
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MCT:July 18, 2008
Sublime. The most heartbreaking motion picture I have ever seen. The animation is flawless. I cried like a baby watching it. Oh god, its so bloody great!
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MCT:July 17, 2008
"It belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made" - Roger Ebert
I concur. A masterpiece for sure that is incredibly moving and unlike many others, show the harsh realities of war from the view point of the innocent. A war film where the civilian takes the center stage rather than the soldier. It's sad but then again, war isn't supposed to be happy. -
MCT:July 14, 2008
Made me sob like a little baby. A true anime masterpiece and one of the best films I've ever seen. I'll review more indepth later.
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MCT:July 6, 2008
I don't really know what to say about this film, it has left me speechless! Beautiful, and so sad, this film makes you feel as if Seita and Setsuko are real people. Unmissable.
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MCT:July 2, 2008
Amazingly heartbreaking, very sad and intense - I doubt this movie will leave someone untouched at all.
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MCT:June 29, 2008
This is such a beautiful and tragic film,and in anime form!...Extremely heartbreaking story that I don't expect to see another film that will move me with such intensity. The way that this movie involves you is completely unbelievable. As i saw the movie it moved me, i loved the characters and the way the story was told. A sad story, but told in a positive way. I cried from the beginning and in the end I cried my eyes out. The movie ended about half an hour ago and i'm still choked up. Give this movie a chance even if you do not like Anime. You won't be disappointed. This is definitely one of those movies that deserve 10 out of 10.
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MCT:June 28, 2008
Absolutely Heartwrenching! I am so glad that you guys send me your recommendations.I would have never ever known about this wonderful movie without having my Flix buddies.Have the tissues ready was right (Alex) lol.Oh my gosh this is so sad.I was ready for sad,not ready ready for a gut-wrenching overflow of tears.A story about a boy that is forced into a parent role of his little (adorable) sister Setsuko due to the death of his parents.He does everything he can for her,but is so young himself,just does not have the life skills,or means to do anything.Through the many bombings they had lost everything it was pretty much the 2 of them with a few stray belongings.But his love for her was fierce,she was all he had left.I don't want to say too much more,but this is such a deep,touching movie everyone should see this.I absolutely recommend this movie be the very next one you see!! =)
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MCT:June 27, 2008
Truly a masterpiece.
I love the story so much.. I've watched it time to time, and it always got me to tear. -
MCT:June 24, 2008
Excellent amine, but depressing to watch. One of those movies you can only watch once in a great while.
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MCT:June 22, 2008
This is still my favourite anime of all time. I don't think i have felt so emotionally involved and saddened like i did with this movie. Not even a real life movie has made me feel like this piece of work has.
If i had to choose one anime in the world to show someone it has to be this one, just for the fact that animes are not just cartoons for kids but could also be something for everyone and emotionally involving.
You really get involved in to the story and the characters and you feel for them. Not many people could achieve that in an anime and this is why the man is a legend for the work that he has done. -
MCT:June 21, 2008
I don't know what to say about this except that, no matter how unlikely it is that you will cry for a movie, bring a hankie.
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MCT:June 19, 2008About two Japanese children living during WWII and how they survive. Overly depressing in the end, but really good.
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MCT:June 18, 2008
Oh my God, I can't believe that the saddest movie I have ever seen is animated! The first scene is also the most impressive attack scene ever seen. This movie was so tragic, I think I wouldn't smile for about an hour after seeing this movie! Visual masterpiece, I loved the idea of the fireflies that die so young and linking it to Setsuko, who at the end seems to have her own glow. Very good.
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MCT:June 15, 2008
Wow. This movie is why I get mad when people put down anime. This is one of the saddest films ever made and could never have been made using actors. This is also an important movie because it shows just how much love can exist between family but also how much stupidity can blind us to our situation in life. If you want to be moved I recommend going out and getting this film you will not be disappointed
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MCT:June 15, 2008
''Why must fireflies die so young?''
A tragic film covering a young boy and his little sister's struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.
Tsutomu Tatsumi: Seita
Ayano Shiraishi: Setsuko
Having finally watched Grave of the Fireflies, it's obvious this is one of the most adult analyzed and true to life Historical human pieces in existence disguised as an anime.
The story tells of two children who lost their parents during World War II. Seita and his younger sister survive on very little. Fireflies shows the toll that war brings on the innocent public, the death, destruction and loss are shown in a way that plays on your emotions. The film is sometimes likened to Schindler's List, for its direct, blunt and relentless truth and it is in this regard is worthy of the comparison.
Fireflies made my throat taunt, my heart heavy and water swell in the recesses of my eyes.
During the course of the film, the two siblings grow faint and weak from starvation, and they simply are not able to obtain enough food to keep alive. The saddest moments seen was during the end of the movie, when Seita cremates his 5 year old sister, who ''never woke up again''.
It's hard to watch Fireflies and feel positive at all, the death and loss is too much for a number of people to fathom. However upon reflection, the movie is one of the greatest studies into loss, love and tragedy ever, which will stay with you and compel you to take a second look at anime. For anime is not simply just kiddie cartoons, it is merely another form of presenting a film in a different format/media.
This isn't a fantasy piece like Spirited Away but one of reality which ends up being just as genius and compelling. Isao Takahata has crafted a tale that also has historical accuracy in the sense it displays the sense of hopelessness and desperation in Japan at the time and especially near the end of WW2. A nation that could not support itself where the rich as always stayed rich and the poor got poorer, ending with a divide that bears similarities to the film Empire of the Sun. The reality of Fireflies cannot be stressed enough, the struggle mesmerizing.
Puts a new spin on Anime and lifts it to new dizzying heights.
