Anime Spotlight: Grave of the Fireflies
Synopsis- This story surrounds two children who were orphaned in Japan toward the end of World War II. The children lost their mother due to a bombing in Kobe, and their father died in service for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Food and shelter were always hard to come by for these children. The eldest, Seita, must stoop to stealing from local farmers in order to feed his younger sister, Setsuko.
Seita and Setsuko go to live with a distant aunt after their mother’s death. Seita retrieves all the hidden food and supplies from the debris of their home and hands it all over to his aunt except for a small tin of fruit drops. Their aunt continues to feed and house them though becomes increasingly resentful. She openly comments on how they do nothing to help around the house. After their aunt convinces them to sell their mother’s kimonos for rice Seita decides it is time for them to leave their aunts house. The children find an abandoned bomb shelter to make their home in. It becomes more difficult to find food for his little sister, and soon Setsuko passes due to malnutrition.
Cast/Crew- Our story was directed by Isao Takahata who also directed Pom Poko and My Neighbors the Yamadas. Our older brother, Seita, was voiced by Tsutomu Tatsumi and J. Robert Spencer, and our younger sister, Setsuko was voiced by Ayano Shiraishi and Rhoda Chrosite. Though our starring voice cast is inexperienced they shine in this film.
Reflection- This film moves me in ways that many do not. The story of these small children and their survival after the war is heartfelt. Seita does absolutely everything in his power to keep his younger sister happy. There are moments of pure happiness between the two children. There are also moments of heartbreaking sadness.
If you’re going to watch this film make sure you do so with a box of tissues near by just in case, and if this movie does not move you in at least some way you’re a heartless robot.
Why you should watch: You want to see a story of hardship and survival during a time of war.
Why you shouldn’t watch: You upset easily and have no interest in war related stories.