Rating of
4/4
Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka)
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 09/08/12
Admittedly, this critic is not a huge fan of anime's so browsing for the best on this site is very helpful (just to avoid the bad ones). Truly a film that is even better than most drama/war films, it's impossible to not get emotional after viewing this. It's bountiful symbolisms and subjects represented is worth viewing. More about that throught this review. Victims of World War II 14-year-old Seita and his young 4-year-old sister Setsuko stay with their aunt. The pair experience the unfortunae events that befall them. Things worsen as the days go by for Setsuko and Seita when they leave their relative. They utilize fireflies for light when they transfer.
Gorgeous cinematography for its genre with a very dark yet realistic flick. Symbolisms of the fireflies onscreen was fantastic (fireflies itself, the bombers, the bombs since there was a cut scene with the fireflies and bombs). The script was exceptional with thought provoking lines: Aunt - "It's becoming tough for everyone, and not just for the soldiers on the battle field." Farmer - "Apologize and ask them to let you stay." Setsuko - "Why must fireflies die so young?" The dubbing was good and pace just precise. A moving masterpiece that can be rewatched for its countless themes of respecting elders, how life is so fragile, acceptance of death, responsibility of a family member, appreciating what you have, war's effects and removing pride. Grave of the Fireflies definitely deserves mention as one of the best created anime/films produced.
