Average Rating: 
Rating: - "Why Do Fireflies Have To Die So Soon?"
*
If the Japanese musical style of "Enka" were an anime feature film, this would definitely be it! A school boy orphaned as a result of war time air raids on his country battles against all the odds in order to care for and comfort his sick and dying little sister. Both the story and the artwork are hauntingly beautiful, lovingly tender and inspiring, but are also emotionally moving and heartbreaking. Perhaps the saddest and most disturbingly realistic aspect of this film is the fact that there are no real "Bad Guys" we can conveniently point an accusing finger at: Everyone, to some greater or lesser degree, is culpable just as much as they are simultaneously victims of their unfortunate circumstances, and nearly everyone is guilty of making selfish and irrational decisions in the heat of emotions which tend to fare badly for themselves and/or others around them and/or those in their charge. This entire movie (based in part on a true life story) is totally transfixing, making the viewer see all of that is sweet and wonderful even as it drags the viewer along the path from one sad tragedy to another. My only complaint (apart from the DVD not having a menu option for Japanese Language 'Ending Credits') is that I personally felt that at least some time should have been spent following Seita's character after the death of his sister Setsuko, to give us a little insight as to some of the situations he had to face and endure which led up to his eventual and unfortunate end -- (I'd be interested in knowing if I may be alone in this opinion). Anyway, "Hotaru no Haka" is indeed a very rare and precious gem among anime features -- and one where a healthy supply of facial tissue is absolutely manditory and should be kept very close at hand whenever planning on watching this movie. * * *
Rating: - Everything a movie should be...
I'm sure that, if you're an anime fan, you've no doubt come across one of my reviews, and no doubt suspect that I only review things I think are garbage. Well, this is certainly a change of pace. This movie isn't about anti-american sentiments over WWII, even though that might be your first impression. Believe me, if you are a die hard patriot, you will still love this movie. This movie is about 2 children, abandoned by everyone, trying to survive in a war-torn land. It is told very masterfully, from start to finish, with good, thorough characters. Seita is your typical 14-year old kid, and his little sister, 4-year old Setsuko, is so cute in so many scenes that you'd almost wish she were your daughter, or your little sister. The movie allows you to truly feel the plight of these two in a way that no other movie I've ever seen. Excuse me for saying that that is the POINT of a good movie...to make you feel a connection to the characters. You, too, will no doubt laugh and cry as you journey with these 2 children, trying to find their place in a world that simply doesn't want them. When it's over, I believe you will either be crying very hard, or be holding the tears back so bad it causes you physical pain. I would recommend this movie as a date for any guy who wants to impress a girl with his sensitivity, and also for anyone who considers themselves human.
Rating:  - dvd review
I believe, Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most powerful movies that has ever been made: animated, live-action, or otherwise. This is an extremely poignant story meticulously crafted to achieve maximum impact and what an impact it is. There are scenes that will undoubtedly burn themselves into your memory to haunt you for the next few days, weeks...maybe even years.Every aspect of this film has been skillfully and artfully placed to help reach its level of universal power. The art and animation are simply gorgeous, capable of portraying sunny countryside and burned-down village alike in a style highly reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. You can almost taste the salt in the air at the seashore, smell the ash as the village burns down. Simple orchestral melodies sprinkled throughout enhance the viewing experience even further, resulting in an engrossing experience only rivaled by actually visiting these locales yourself. Of course, there's more to Grave of the Fireflies than great cinematography much more. Grave features an all-too-believable story that will tear at anyone who calls him/herself human. Rather than resort to preaching to bring its anti-war message across, this film simply presents its evidence to you in all of its tragedy. Innocent Setsuko and intrepid Seita are two children that you'll swear you've met before, and watching them suffer through the aftermath of the fire-bombing will break your heart. Knowing their eventual fate beforehand does nothing to diminish the effectiveness of the story; in fact, it only intensifies the reality of each scene. The beginning unfolds evocatively, and the end closes by bringing the story full-circle, leaving viewers with more questions than answers as they wipe the tears from their eyes. For the record: yes, it is_ possible to see this movie through without shedding a tear, but you'd have to be one cynical and jaded fellow. I can recognize the fact that Grave is truly a masterpiece that everyone should see eventually.
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