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Grave of
the Fireflies
"Hotaru
no Haka"
"Why do
fireflies have to die so soon?"
~ Setsuko
Plot
In the concluding
months (perhaps weeks) of the pacific conflict of World War II,
air strikes plummet Japan in an effort to compel surrender,
orphaning Seita and his young sister, Setsuko of the town Kobe.
Their homes destroyed, they are taken in and nourished by a
distant aunt. As time elapses, food has become gradually more
scarce and meager, resulting in Seita and Setsuko's aunt becoming
conceited. Unable to tolerate their aunt's patronizing remarks, 
Seita
takes young Setsuko to survive independently in a bomb shelter.
The dire situation in Japan degenerates further. Foodstuffs
become even more scant, and Seita and Setsuko find themselves
overwhelmed by discrimination, hunger, and the root of their
downfall: obstinacy and pride.
Film
Evaluation
Grave of the
Fireflies features one of the most poignant and captivating
stories I have encountered in movies of all genres. The movie was
derived from the novel of Nosaka Akiyuki, a WWII
survivor who wrote the semi-autobiography of his sister and his
struggle during the war. The novel was inspired by his anguish
and his shame for his selfishness, which resulted in the death of
his sister due to malnutrition.
Grave is a severely tragic and depressing story of two children (which amplifies the viewer's grief) suffering from hunger and the tragic cause: obstinacy. While able to shatter the spirit of many (if not all) and break them down to weeping, it is historically enlightening, as well as foregoes anti-American bias. Many of us must be familiar with the Japanese Imperial Army stereotypes. Yet some may be naive on the civilian perspective of Japan during the war, the movie clearly illustrates the beliefs of some of them. Some may revere the Emperor and support the prolonged war while others refuse to participate. Nevertheless, the suffering and agony the Japanese citizens will remain gravely emblazoned in our minds for a good long time.
The characters are
derived from authentic personas. Seita, 14, is a caring,
compassionate older brother who dearly concerned of his little
sister of 4. Patient and tolerant, he attempts to fulfill
Setsuko's every need - to quiet her when she's petrified by
nightmares, and to play with her when she's bored. Setsuko, while
earnestly dependent on her brother, is a very strong little girl,
being able to entertain herself during the long hours of
loneliness while her brother 
acquires
food. While enduring the horrendous conditions, she remains very
thankful of her brother. The characters are truly genuine, with
brilliant voice-acting and honestly conveying the emotions of the
characters.
Yoshifumi Kondo's character designs visibly reflect resemblance with the works of Hayao Miyazaki, as a product of Ghibli Studios. The art of the characters is not disproportionate and embellished. Kondo's aim was realism, and he achieved it with high marks. The fluidity of the animation is brilliant and meticulous detail from the gliding American bombers to the vast array of cornfields is excellent as well. This may not impress Anime fans keen on battle choreography and dynamic scenery.
The music is a
substantial element that emphasizes the tragedy of the story.
Compositions of music were derived from illustrations created
from the movie, resulting in the pieces to be fitting for the
scenes. The soundtrack may be ordered from retailers distributing
video/DVDs. 
Other Notes
The movie was shown as a double feature with "My Neighbor
Totoro." Grave was a ubiquitous novel, and
considered high education level. No doubt it would garner
attention. Totoro however was a risky project. To reduce
the risk, Grave and Totoro became a package.
Overall
High educational
value, indeed. Grave is a movie that simply must be seen
once, and shouldn't be casted away in ignorance. While a painful
movie to endure, it teaches extraordinary lessons we should all
bear in mind.
100% or *****
Genre
Drama / Tragedy
Version watched:
English subtitled
US Distributor: Central Park Media, Anime Otaku, and Nikaku Animart
Japanese Release
Dates:
1988
Other media
from the movie...
Other
media from Grave of the Fireflies
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