184. Grave of the Fireflies

The Grave of Fireflies (1988)

Director: Isao Takahata

Voice Talent: Tsutomu Tatsumi

Ayano Shiraishi

IMDb Rating: 8

My Rating: 7.5

"Why must fireflies die so young."

Before the 1980's animation in the United States was pretty much solely intended for children. The few animated films that were intended for adults like Heavy Metal and Fritz the Cat, also lacked any type of cinematic depth. Although in Japan directors like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata were using animation to craft amazing films. Once such film from Takahata, Grave of the Fireflies, stands as one of the first animated films from Japan to really break ground in America.

The story of brother and sister Setsuko and Seita who lose their mother during World War II is just as touching as many other live action war stories. After their mother's death, the siblings move in with their aunt. Although problems soon arise and the two soon venture out on their own. Now they must leaning on each other to find food and shelter. When all else fails for them, the two find joy in the evenings were they get to watch the fireflies.

This film is by no means a happy one. It is actually mighty depressing. Although, at the conclusion of the film, you do find some inspiration. Almost immediately you forget the film is animated, as it's rather violent and raw tones bluntly burst onto the screen leaving the viewer caught off guard. Unlike a film like Toy Story 3, this film's effects take a much more authentic and somber tone. So much in fact that at the end of the film, I actually found myself a little fatigued.

Personally, I liked this film. I wouldn't say that I loved it though. It's story is definitely it's strongest element. I am not sure how much replay value there would be in this film. While I enjoyed it, it would be one of the films that I wouldn't really need to go back and see. That being said, If you enjoyed films like Empire of the Sun or director John Boorman's Hope and Glory, you would probably really enjoy this film.