Movie Review Grave of The Fireflies (1988)

 

Grave of the Fireflies (Original Title: 火垂るの墓) | 1988 | 1h 28m
Genre: Adult Animation/Anime/Hand-drawn Animation/Period Drama/Animation/Drama/War | Country: Japan
Director: Isao Takahata | Writers: Akiyuki Nosaka, Isao Takahata
Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi
IMDB: 8.5
My Rate: 10/10

Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive amidst the war in Japan, facing limitations after their mother's death and being indirectly driven away from their aunt's house.

Warnings:

Contains violence and strong language.

 

Synopsis:

War rages in Kobe, Japan. All residents evacuate to shelters due to impending air raids from enemy aircraft. Seita, Setsuko, and their mother become part of these refugees.

Their mother leaves first for the shelter, leaving Seita and Setsuko behind. Seita still needs to hide some food supplies they have. Their mother also has a bad heart condition, so she needs to secure herself first.

Bombs start falling, Seita runs for safety while holding Setsuko tightly. People start to scatter in fear. Amidst the chaos, they try to find their mother.

Seita learns that his mother is seriously injured. Seita hides this news from his sister because he doesn't want her to feel sad. Seita sends his sister to his aunt's house (his father's sister), while he goes to take his mother to the hospital.

Seita eventually returns with his mother's ashes. They then live with their aunt and her family. Seita then returns to his house to retrieve food supplies and belongings he had hidden. He gives all these things to his aunt, except for a can of candy he keeps for Setsuko.

Days pass, and his aunt's attitude towards them changes. She believes Seita doesn't contribute anything to their family. In reality, the rice they eat comes from selling the items Seita brought.

After several snide remarks and bad treatment, Seita takes Setsuko to move to a cave by the river. They try to live there. One day, Setsuko falls ill due to malnutrition. Seita tries hard to make Setsuko recover.

Will they be able to survive?

 

Review:

Grave of the Fireflies is based on a semi-autobiographical short story written in 1967 by Akiyuki Nosaka. This story explores the theme of war that once ravaged Japan, focusing on the story of war victims. Unlike war films that might focus on the tension of conflict, this film highlights the humanity that is often overlooked.

The story idea is presented very well. Viewers can feel the tension and emotions experienced by the characters. There are many touching scenes that make the heart ache.

The story is presented systematically and is easy to understand. Although the plot is slow, the film doesn't feel boring. Viewers feel like they are in each scene.

The foundation of the story, the conflict, and the resolution are well-developed. The theme raised is relatable to what we often see in society, which is about humanity. Several scenes show how miserable life is after war.

The animation is presented beautifully and smoothly. The images flow well. Additionally, for the quality of animated films made in 1988, this is a film of very good quality. Coupled with voice actors who successfully present their characters well.

The selection of sound effects and music is also done very well. This becomes a unity that makes the film captivating. Overall, this film is highly recommended to watch.

 

Memorable Scene:

Setsuko buries a dead firefly and tells Seita that she knows about her mother's death from her aunt. All this time, Seita has been trying hard to hide this from Setsuko. Seita and Setsuko cry their hearts out.

In this scene, we see that Seita is surprised but also feels like the burden he has been carrying is slightly lifted through his outburst of tears. The sadness he has been hiding can be expressed by him. Setsuko also shows her maturity in accepting the news, despite her very young age.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"I'm the only one she has!"

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)