Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.

Director:

Isao Takahata

Writers:

Akiyuki Nosaka (novel), Isao Takahata

Stars:

Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi

Top Rated Movies #46 | 3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tsutomu Tatsumi	...	Seita (voice)
Ayano Shiraishi	...	Setsuko (voice)
Yoshiko Shinohara	...	Mother (voice)
Akemi Yamaguchi	...	Aunt (voice)
Kôzô Hashida	...	Obayashi Chairman (voice)
Masayo Sakai	...	Woman who takes care of Setsuko (voice)
Kazumi Nozaki	...	Cousin (voice)
Yoshio Matsuoka	...	Gosaku (voice)
Masahiro Kanetake	...	Aunt's house guest (voice)
Kiyoshi Yanagawa	...	Patrolman (voice)
Hajime Maki	...	Man who arrests Seita (voice)
Atsuo Omote	...	Person in bank (voice)
Teruhisa Harita	...	Station worker (voice)
Hiroshi Tanaka	...	Person in bank (voice)
Michio Denpô	...	Station worker / Doctor (voice)

Storyline

The story of Seita and Setsuko, two young Japanese siblings, living in the declining days of World War II. When an American firebombing separates the two children from their parents, the two siblings must rely completely on one another while they struggle to fight for their survival.

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Plot Keywords:

orphan | food | survival | older brother younger sister | homelessness | 

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Genres:

Animation | Drama | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

If you bring up the Saturation of one of the Original Posters, where the Main a characters are looking at the Fireflies, you can see that a Cloud in the background is actually a B-29 Bomber Plan. This has lead some to believe that the Fireflies have a Double Meaning, as they now resemble the Rain of Explosives.

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Goofs

Right at the beginning, someone places what looks like a rice ball loosely wrapped in some tree bark as a protective cover next to the boy known as Seita. The scene cuts to Seita's face and soon after he collapses, the wrapped rice ball is nowhere to be seen.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Seita: September 21, 1945... that was the night I died.

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Connections

Referenced in Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)

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Soundtracks

Home Sweet Home
Written by H.R. Bishop (uncredited)
Performed by Amelita Galli-Curci
Courtesy of RCA Victor Red Seal, a division of BMG Classics

User Reviews

Heartbreaking...

This film proves without any doubt that animation isn't just suited to tales of fantasy, sci-fi or cartoon comedy and violence. This absolutely heartbreaking Japanese anime tells the story of a young boy, Seito and his younger sister, Setsuko, as they attempt to survive the American bombings on Japan in the last year of World War II.

The story itself, based on a true story, is powerful enough but the decision to animate the film truly elevates this film to a higher level. This would have been a powerful enough live action drama, along the lines of Spielberg's Empire of the Sun or even Schindler's List. However, the Studio Ghibli team, have brought an extraordinary amount of life to all the characters, but especially the young siblings. Now we're not talking realism as such here - the characters are in no way photo-realistic, they do have the usual characteristics of Japanese anime humans, large eyes and exaggerated expressions. What this achieves however is a heightened level of subtle nuances in expression which are arguably more powerful and provocative than anything a real-life actor may achieve. Some may claim this is overly manipulative or sentimental, but coupled with the characters movements and actions, it gives the characters such a strong, and very human, presence. You truly care for these kids, which is an astonishing achievement. The voice cast (original Japanese) contributes significantly here also.

It is the tiny moments which give this film so much power and emotional depth - from subtle expressions to brief scenes showing Seito playing with his sister at bath time, attempting, unsuccessfully, to cheer her up when she misses her mother. The painted backgrounds are works of art in themselves, just beautiful. And of course the scenes with the fireflies bring a touch of pure magic - a heightened innocent reality to contrast the horrific realities of the war.

The greatest achievement of this film is that, apart from a couple of obviously sentimental scenes, such as Setsuko's sobbing or illness, it doesn't force any false emotion on the viewer. It really comes from your involvement with the characters. It's completely honest to it's own story and even cuts off scenes abruptly, which could potentially have been milked for cheap sentiment. It often seems to say - This is what happened, you don't need to see anymore. Another of it's strengths is that it really doesn't comment on the politics of the war in any way, just the effects on innocent people.

This is an intensely moving film and a masterpiece of animation. If you aren't moved by these characters, you really need to check your pulse. 10/10

Details

Country:

Japan USA

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

26 July 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Grave of the Fireflies

Box Office

Budget:

$3,700,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$158,101, 12 August 2018

Gross USA:

$516,962

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$516,962

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shinchosha Company, Studio Ghibli

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1