A film so heartbreaking many fans say they can never watch it twice. Is it the most powerful anti-war film in cinema, or does its bleakness cross into cruelty?
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Add your commentSome say it's anti-war, Takahata said it's about the failure of the boy's pride too. That extra layer makes it even more crushing.
I've seen thousands of films. Grave of the Fireflies is the only one I will never, ever watch again. That's not a flaw, that's the highest compliment.
It's devastating but Setsuko's smile in the flashbacks is the most beautiful thing too. The beauty is WHY the loss hurts.
There are sadder concepts but no sadder EXECUTION. The restraint is what kills you.
Calling it cruel misses the point. War WAS cruel. The film refuses to comfort you because there was no comfort. That's its power.
It's the greatest anti-war film ever made and the fact that it's animated is exactly why it gets under your skin so completely.
The fruit drop tin. If you know, you know, and you're already tearing up reading this. Be honest.
I made my whole family watch it and they haven't forgiven me. Worth it. Everyone should be wrecked by it once.
I cannot believe this came from the same studio as Totoro and they were originally a DOUBLE FEATURE. Imagine that emotional whiplash.
Roger Ebert put it among the greatest war films ever and he was right. Live-action couldn't have done it without feeling exploitative.
It's not 'too bleak'. Real life was bleaker. The film is honest, and honesty about war should hurt.
Most devastating film ever, full stop, no 'for an anime' needed. The medium has nothing to do with it.
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