Today’s quick review: Grave of the Fireflies. During the closing days of World War II, a Japanese boy named Seita (Adam Gibbs) and his younger sister Setsuko (Emily Neves) are left homeless and orphaned when American bombers raze their city. Forced to fend for themselves, the children must deal with starvation, the loss of loved ones, and the perils of living on their own in a country ravaged by war.
Grave of the Fireflies is an animated war drama from director Isao Takahata and Studio Ghibli. Grave of the Fireflies offers a personal, sobering take on the hardships of war. The gorgeous animation and heartfelt storytelling Studio Ghibli is known for are on full display, but unlike other Ghibli classics, Grave of the Fireflies is a pure drama. Apart from a touch of fantasy in the framing device, the film is a disturbingly realistic tale of perseverance.
As one would expect, Grave of the Fireflies makes for an incredibly heavy watch. The film keeps the violence to a minimum, but otherwise it depicts the full horrors of war without blinking. Death and desolation are commonplace, starvation is a growing threat as food supplies dwindle, and the bombings are a constant source of feat. The film grounds these brutal truths in the lives of Seita and Setsuko, two children who experience them firsthand.
At the same time, Grave of the Fireflies captures the beauty of life. Seita and Setsuko manage to find joy in the small moments, from playing on the beach to sucking on the last of their candy. Their little victories make their losses all the more poignant. Seita distinguishes himself as a resilient boy who does everything he can to care for his sister, while Setsuko keeps a positive attitude in spite of the hardships she endures.
However, the film’s inner workings show through in a handful of places. The logic of the story generally holds up to scrutiny, but analyzing the film too closely only serves to weaken its spell. Grave of the Fireflies depends on a close connection between the audience and its two main characters. Any gap in that connection can undermine what the film is trying to achieve. The best approach is a forgiving mind and an open heart.
Grave of the Fireflies is one of the best animated films ever made. Its particular style of drama will not suit everyone, but those willing to invest emotionally will be rewarded with a beautiful, sorrowful, and moving experience. Skip it if you are looking for a typical Studio Ghibli movie or something lighter. For an equally gorgeous fantasy adventure with a more uplifting tone, try Spirited Away.
8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for a high degree of artistry and a moving story.