Full Review

"Powerful," "moving," "touching," and "great" are words frequently used by people to describe movies, but this is one of the very few cases where they are most sincerely deserved. No less than Roger Ebert called Grave of the Fireflies "one of the greatest war movies ever made," and far from hyperbole, that's exactly the level of praise that accurately describes it.

Simultaneously an allegory of human failings and a quiet but unflinching look at two children caught in the peripheral effects of a war, Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most painful and affecting movies you're ever likely to see, animated or otherwise. An oft-repeated comment is that, as much as people love the film and are deeply moved by it, they can't bring themselves to watch it again.

The fact that it is animated gives simple actions and scenes a beauty and innocence that would not have existed otherwise, enhancing the contrast with the harsh and painful realities experienced by the characters. On that subject, note that although Grave of the Fireflies was produced by the famed Studio Ghibli, it is not one of Miyazaki's films. Directed by Isao Takahata, another Ghibli master who specializes in personal scale and minute detail, the visual style might be familiar, but My Neighbor Totoro this is not, and you should brace yourself before you start watching.

Grave of the Fireflies is in some ways uplifting in its portrayals of simple beauty in the darkest of situations and the strength of the human spirit. But, although it never resorts to heavy-handed tragedy or melodrama, this tale of two children standing in the face of adversity and slowly falling victim to a host of human frailties--suspicion, prejudice, and pride--is unsparing and deeply tragic from start to finish.

At first glance, one might get the idea that the story is intended as a kind of anti-American propaganda. In truth, it is nearly the opposite. Although the children fall victim to the hardships brought on by the war, no Americans ever appear, and they are rarely mentioned. If anything, the film could be seen as a metaphor for the entire country of Japan during the war: fighting a losing battle, yet too stubbornly proud to admit defeat and reach out for help.

Similarly, it can be taken as a condemnation of pride. The story is based on a semi-autobiographical novel written by Nosaka Akiyuki, a man who survived the war on the homefront, but whose younger sister died of starvation while in his care. On that level, it may have been a sort of catharsis, harshly depicting the result of Seita's unwillingness to seek help or resort to theft to obtain food. And, ultimately, allowing his grief to consume and punish him for that decision--something that never happened to the real person.

Metaphor and symbolism aside, the enemy in Grave of the Fireflies is painted as the kind of human weaknesses that come from and even create war: pride, the suspicion that falls upon two children trying to live on their own, and the prejudice leveled against a healthy young man who doesn't want to fight.

Above all, though, the enemy in this story is war--you never see a battle or an army, but the tragic effects of war on even the idyllic countryside far removed from the front are all too tangible. Grave of the Fireflies puts a human face on the civilian population of Japan during the war--something few movies have done, and none have done so well.

Moreover, it manages to do so in a painful and realistic manner that remains understated, avoiding histrionics and broad drama. Either in spite of this or as a result of it, it is almost too painful to watch, but equally difficult to take your eyes off.

All this, and it is animated--anyone who thinks animation can't tell a realistic story with impact has never seen this movie, and should be required to do so.

Even on the level of pure visual craftsmanship, Grave of the Fireflies is a masterwork. Being by studio Ghibli, it is no surprise that the character designs are reminiscent of those in other Ghibli films, and while it is otherwise quite different from their usual subject matter, the quality is not. The animation, though subdued, is fluid and surprisingly realistic; just watching the everyday actions onscreen gave me a new appreciation of animation as an art form. Try taking the time to really watch the animation in a few scenes--you might be surprised. The art is not spectacular, but is well done, and has a slightly old-fashioned style that feels appropriate to the setting.

Finally, there's the acting, which in Japanese is extremely good among the tiny cast--there are only four major roles, all filled by live-action actors, as is often the case with Ghibli productions. In particular, five-year-old Ayano Shiraishi as Setsuko turns in one of the most convincing pieces of acting for a child I've ever seen--neither too cute nor too articulate.

The orchestral score rounds out the aural picture, providing emotional undertones without ever forcing or even encouraging a response--the film needs no help with that.

Grave of the Fireflies is a touching and extremely painful film to watch, but it's not an idle tearjerker. This movie is direct, honest, thought provoking, and worth watching by anyone. Just make sure you're ready for it before you start.

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