Grave of the Fireflies [DVD]

Bought as a gift for my daughter. It’s a beautiful video with some lovely art work.

If you think all animated films are cartoons, then this will be the film to change your mind, this is a deeply touching movie that happens to be animated, this film is closer to Shindler's list than to any Disney film, also if you are expecting a ' Spirited Away [DVD ]' or a ' Kiki's Delivery Service [DVD ]' then you will be surprised, this is not a fantastical journey, there are no talking cats, or troublesome witches, this is a serious drama with a real thought provoking message.I have to say that this has got to be the most emotional film I have EVER seen! Never has a film made me fill up quite this much, not even when I watched Watership down in primary school, when I was eight.I am at a loss... I was So drained from watching this! This made a 30yo skinhead 'bloke' cry, I had to really force my self to watch the end of this film not because it has any faults in the style or plot, but rather from the outset you know what is going to happen and I realised that the story had drawn me in so deeply and I knew what it was going to do to me...Glad I did watch to the end, it is rare to find a film of this genre that can move so many people to tears, it is a film that can really tug at your emotional chords with such precision and vigour, I really don't think I will be able to see fruit sweets again without flashbacks!An absolutely astounding film.I may suggest that perhaps you rent this title, unless like me you like lending DVD's out, I think a lot of the 5-star reviewers would also agree, that this is not a film I can see me ever watching again, like I said this is one of the greatest films I have ever watched, but it was so good, that the film will always be with me, I will never be able to forget Seito and Sweet Setsuko, the little sister I think we all wished we had... But this is a must see for any fan of cinema, not just Ghibli, this is a master class in cinema, in drawing your audience in, making them empathise with the characters and ultimately making them genuinely feel something.This film has changed me, I don't know how, but it has, I think it has put a lot in my life in to perspective, and 2 months on from seeing this film I have just shed another tear for it.This really is a must see/buy, it is dubbed which I know is important to some people, but I think seeing this in its original Japanese added something for me, I think a number of people would disagree with me, but few would say that you shouldn't watch it. Do note though that if I were you I would make sure I had a comedy film to follow this, or at least a more light hearted film, as you do not want to end your night with the emotions that this will draw from you.

I have to say, this was one amazing piece of work, I'm a big fan of finding movies or series which step outside the normal shooter or comedy and this was just what i needed.First of, don't be put of by the art style, i admit i am never put off by art style but equally it did delay my watching of the movie as i began to prioritise more modern ones first, and whilst none of them was bad by any means, i only can say i was a fool to delay this one. The film was actually produced in the late 80's to early 90's so it does have some time behind it so of course its art was different.The story focus is a unique and great idea, the story is set in the late years of WW2, shortly before Japan surrender but during the bombings they was suffering, the focus is on two siblings who no longer have a home or money and are surviving through just trying to live. The story covers the hardships they face, the luxury that food is and the desperate things we will do to get it, the toughness of illness and pain of loosing people both close to us and strangers, it truly is a story of emotions. The story isn't actually focused on the war itself as opposed to them suffering the effects, this was unique as when you hear a movie based on war, you picture guns and such, this is how the civilians and innocent people pull through.The story is so well done, the animation is quite nice but the hats off goes to the characters, they feel so real in how they behave and their emotions, when you laugh, you smile and as time goes on, their tears become your sadness, it truly is a masterpiece of writing here.I watched with the original Japanese cast so can't speak for the english voices but the voice cast was amazing.This is a brilliant watch if you have a night in with nothing much going on and want to watch a good movie with more than just some guns shooting or cheesy jokes. I should mention, the movie is listed as 12, i do recommend this, whilst there is no real bad language, no nudity and only basic scenes of violence (bombings and such), the themes are quite real and do have some focus on death and how it effects people, so it could be a bit sad or hard to understand for much younger than 10.

The emotional but punch this film is bad not been matched. A bit and his sister in post war japan... Left along. Very few films convey the pain and suffer like this one.This is best told by way of anime. Would have been far to painful for real children to relive.

If anyone requires vast quantities of human tears then this is the film for you. Enjoy!4 stars because it took me 3 weeks to rehydrate.

very good film but very very dark

The movie itself was really good, no issues with the playing and we will definitely watch it again. I was happy to have made the leap to a source that for sure played on US region machines since it seems like that was a common complaint for others looking to get this movie. Worth the money for a perfect product.

Einer der schönsten Anime Filme überhaupt aber so traurig. Den Schluss hab ich nur durch einen Schleier von Tränen gesehen. Bild- und Tonqualität der Blu-ray ist hervorragend. Für Liebhaber von Anime mit Tiefgang ein absolutes Muss!

Per chi ama la storia del Sol Levante una tra le tante

宮崎駿アニメ作品の中で自分の中ではトラウマ作品。14歳兄の清太妹節子4歳可哀そう。特に兄の清太がとにかく悲惨。一度見たけどもう見れない。とにかくいろんな意味で泣きたい人は見た方が良いと思います。

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)Animation, Drama, War, 89 minutesDirected by Isao TakahataStarring the voices of Rhoda Chrosite and J. Robert Spencer (English version)How can I possibly do this film justice? I'm almost in tears just thinking about what I am going to write. The film was released in Japan as part of the same double bill and both have claims to being the best Studio Ghibli releases thus far. My Neighbor Totoro was the other film, and it's possibly the most uplifting film in my collection. In contrast, Grave of the Fireflies is the saddest. I'll try to explain why.Both films feature girls who are four years old and both are utterly adorable. Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki seem to know exactly how to capture the innocence, curiosity, trust and unconditional love that a young child gives its parents and older siblings.Grave of the Fireflies is set in Japan during World War II. Unlike most war films, the story is not too concerned with the actual war itself or any of the battles. This is a film about the effects of war. Don't assume that it is aimed at children just because it's animated; it's clearly aimed at an older audience. The opening scene gives an indication of what to expect when we hear Seita's (Spencer) narration and find out that this is the day that he dies. After his death, we see his spirit reunited with that of his little sister, Setsuko (Chrosite). This is not a spoiler. It happens three minutes into the film and everything else is told through the use of flashback. We know right away that the children will die.It's impossible to discuss the film properly without including spoilers, so be warned.Seita is about 14 years old and is responsible for looking after his sister when their mother is hospitalized. Conditions are awful and the mother dies fairly quickly. Their father is away fighting in the war and possibly dead, so Seita takes his sister to live with an aunt. Unfortunately, they aren't welcome guests because the aunt feels that they contribute nothing. As a result, Seita leaves with Setsuko and decides that they will live in a cave near the beach.Everything is fine for a while, but the situation in Japan means that very little food is available. The two thrive in each other's company, but it's difficult to stay healthy when you don't have enough to eat. The film doesn't push its message continually, but we see sores develop on the backs of the children as they are wading in the ocean. They are developing malnutrition.Why am I recommending such a depressing story?There is great beauty in the film. I particularly love seeing Seita's inadequate attempts to make Setsuko happy and care for her. She trusts him unconditionally throughout the story. When he mentions that they need money, she produces a little purse and offers what she has. She's happy at the smallest little things such as the taste of her favorite fruit drops or the light of the fireflies in the cave. It's heartbreaking to see her become ill and watch her eventual demise. Her final words will always haunt me, and Seita's simple declaration which follows.One of the most touching scenes is a flashback within a flashback, showing how she liked to play outside the cave. If you have seen the film, you'll probably feel the same way.Grave of the Fireflies is an important anti-war film. The story is partially true and is based on the author's failure to keep his own sister safe during the war. So, thinking back to my opening comments, the scene three minutes into the film when their spirits are reunited is incredibly beautiful and uplifting once you realize how pure their relationship was. It's worth seeing that scene again after watching the film in order to fully appreciate its beauty.Takahata's depiction of Setsuko and Miyazaki's depiction of Mei in My Neighbor Totoro have given us two animated children that we will never forget. The images are so powerful that the films might even encourage you to treat your own siblings differently. It's easy to take things for granted in life. I live in North America and have never really wanted for anything. My life isn't in danger. Films like Grave of the Fireflies help remind me to appreciate the simple joy of living and the freedom to do so in peace.Mere words aren't sufficient to describe the power and beauty of Grave of the Fireflies. You really have to see it for yourself.