grave of the fireflies is one of the most moving and powerful films i have ever seen. this movie takes place in WW2 times in Kobe Japan. The story is about a 14 year old boy named seita and his younger sister setsuko. In all the war's chaos they lose their mother in am air raid fire bombing, their father is serving in the japanese navy, and the 2 children are forced to survive on their own. Seita although young had to grow up much to quickly, finding shelter in caves, and is reduced to stealing just to feed his younger sister who is suffering from malnutrition. This film really shows the meaning of the word "struggle" and is depicted in it's most depressingly raw form. 2 children surviving during war with only eachother to hold on to. This film is a semi-autobiography from it's author: Akiyuki Nosaka. He originally novel was written as a personal apology to the his sister which when released in the form of a movie in 1988 instantly made it one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made. Overall, i must say that this film was definetely the most depressing films i have ever seen and also the first to bring me to tears. Definetely a MUST for your movie collection.Read full review
I have never seen an anime quite like this one. It is filled with many emotions such as happiness, sadness, love , despair, you name it. It runs like a real movie, no magical beings in this one, excluding the fireflies of course. The struggle of a boy and his sister is the main topic of this movie which is a powerful one I'd say because they have to survive on their own. The big brother who is just a child himself has to take the role of an adult and take care of his sister. The animation is beautiful and eye catching. You won't want to miss a minute of this movie. It sends a powerful message about our own lives and to appreciate what we have. Ebert (movie critic) gave this movie two thumbs up and said that it is "the greatest war movie ever made". I agree that this movie is not only appealing but shows the reality that people face. You can see the interview at http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/gotf/trailer.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/gotf/extras.html&h=84&w=125&sz=17&tbnid=tf7BmZ48GD_xZM:&tbnh=56&tbnw=84&hl=en&start=1&prev=/images%3Fq%3Droger%2Bebert%2Bgrave%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bfireflies%2Binterview%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN Yeah its a long one. This is really a must have. The main menu is really nice and the music fits the mood of what you are about to watch. This movie does show violence here and there but it is necessary for the topic at hand since it is war time. I really dont have anything to say about it that I didn't like. What was happening in the movie all the way till the end was to be expected. You will see what I mean.Read full review
First seen the movie back in the late 80's. I was probably 9 or 10 yrs. old, I didn't quite able to get the whole story then.... probably for having it on Japanese Language and have to read the Captions below, by doing that, I have missed all the subtle scenes that is depicted mostly by gestures..... I am now 33 yrs. old... I encountered the Movie again when I was browsing at a video rack, while waiting for my Wife as she pays what she got. I saw the DVD, title was diffent on how I remembered it, bought it, and saw it again for the second time... these time I am watching with my family, took a glance at my Wife and saw tears rolling down her, my 8 yr. old Son too was sobbing, telling me why is that Cartoon so sad.... to make matters short, I just want to say that, seldom we see movies like this.... movies that is trying to separate us from our Narcisistic ways, movies telling us that there are some People somewhere who are 100 times less fortunate that us, movies that tries to tell us to want what we have and cherished it, not to want what we cant have. Its kinda hard to live in a society where Materialism is placed on top of everybodies goal... and where everybody thinks of preserving their Selves first than others... watch this movie and see what really is important.... contentment or Materialism.... family or wealth.... I gave this Movie 5/5, this is the top of my list to watch.... nothing have ever come close in beating it.... watch it and see how great the movie is.... and be touched by Seita and Setsuko on how everybody ignores them, and be amaze how these kids have literally nothing to own, yet still they pursue to live, despite the struggles, despite the hindrances....Read full review
Grave of the Fireflies is a movie that will traverse into your soul and make you feel for the characters on screen. The believability of the characters and the perfectly paced plot slowly drowns the viewer in sorrow and grief as they watch a family, as well as a country, fall victim to the absolute horrors of war. This movie WILL make you cry unless your heart is made of steel. Even though the movie itself is gut-wrenching, the animation and the message portrayed are absolutely beautiful. This is definitely one of Studio Ghibli's best films and without a doubt Isao Takahata's defining masterpiece. I highly recommend this movie, not just to anime viewers, but to all viewers.
Great World War II survival story. The characters are so real, I forgot after a while it was an animated film. Heart wrenching story of children caught in the horror of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan. Overflowing with honest characterizations of ordinary people suffering the overwhelming tragedy of a corrupt government"s greed and lust for power. A genuine masterpiece.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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