Rating: 
Summary: Transcends Anime to be one of the saddest forms of any media
Review: I generally don't cry at movies. I love any movie that can move me enough to shed a tear or two. Grave Of the Fireflies is not one of those movies. In those movies even though I'm sad the final scenes leave me with a residual hope that while some tragic event has just occured the charecters involved will grow and live better. Grave of the Fireflies doesn't do this. There is no hope or possiabilty of things getting better. This is Life at it's cruelest. Life that will never get better. This movie doesn't move you, it shatters you.Seita And Setsuko (the boy and His little sister) aren't Heros and their abusive aunt isn't the villian. Neither for that matter is either side of the war protrayed as good or bad in these movie. This is just a story of people being people. some kind, some indiffrent and some compleatly harsh. Seita makes mistakes that many children in his position would. Although fifteen years old this film is still very beatiful. The images it portrays are quiet and subdued yet elegent. The final scene is something that shall forever be burned into my brain. It's touching and heartwrenching finality should break most people. Well I love Grave of the Fireflies. I Love it for it's unflinching look at war and life, It's graceful bueaty as it portrays a young girl playing amidst Fireflies, and for what it does to me at the end. Why must fireflies die so young?
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Summary: A strong anti-war by Studio Ghibli
Review: Studio Ghibli finally is getting its exposure it deserves in the States after winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar for Spirited Away, then the release of Castle in the Sky and Kiki's Delivery Service, all notable films by Hayao Miyazaki. What is not known to American audiences is the presence of another amazing director, Isao Takahata. His works tend to be more Japanese than Miyazaki's, and a bit more realistic with less fantasy qualities to them- probably the reason his works are not as known as Miyazaki's. Fortunately, Grave of the Fireflies is available to American audience by both VHS and DVD. Grave of the Fireflies will make its viewers that an animation can really touch the audience in a special way. The tragedy the two orphans go through in a war-torn Japan is powerful enough to bring tears to the grown-ups. What makes the story even more moving is the beautiful setting the film takes place, as if asking do those kids really belong in this tragedy. I believe it is one of the best works by Takahata, and had received honors from many animation festivals across the world. I find the story may be a bit too heavy for children- more suitable to older kids and adults, due to the gravity of the situation; this film has no gratuitous violence or even a hint of nudity whatsoever. If you are open to animations that are not necessarily from Walt Disney, I recommend that you must see this film. The experience it brings is not equaled, in my opinion, by any other animations ever released.
Rating:
Summary: Moving. Hits on many levels. Perfect
Review: I have never reviewed a film on Amazon but I am compelled to because this is such a fine one. I did not expect, what I feel to be one of the most eloquently told and moving stories, to come in animated form. Sure, I've seen almost all of Miyazaki. My kids love them and I love, for instance, the playfulness of Totoro and how Kiki finds her self confidence. And then there is the technical brilliance of, say, Spirited Away. But Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies is a cut above. It shattered me emotionally, yet somehow uplifted me spiritually. I don't see it as a sad movie, devoid of hope, as someone wrote here. It is a beautiful tragedy with a message to tell. It is a film for adults and it hits on many levels and I am still seeing meaning in it after three times viewing it. The hope comes from the love of the brother and sister for each other and their dignity. Despite their many hardships they are, with a few exceptions where Saita completely breaks down, well mannered. Meanwhile, everyone they meet cares only for themselves, or at least shows a rude ambivilance towards the two. The contrast is incredible. Yet, judgement is not passed upon them. It is left to us to judge. Nor is judgement passed on the enemy, whom the closest we get to, is seeing them as they streak overhead in their bombers. Also, the hope is shown by the "spirit" Saita and Satsuko who shadow the real characters at important crossroads in their lives and in the very last scene as ghosts watching over modern Japan. But the movie is not about Japan or World War Two or even War itself. It is about compassion and the human spirit. As a film, it is most like Schindler's List and the same emotion and depths of emotion I felt in that movie I feel with Fireflies. Everyone should see this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie, not just Anime
Review: This belongs in any movie lover's collection, whether or not they like anime. This sad, yet moving movie is about the touching relationship of two siblings struggling to survive after their home is destroyed in WWII. I cried at the end. You must see it.
Rating:
Summary: The single best drama movie. Ever.
Review: Ghibli is a sign of quality. From movies to music Videos (Such as On your mark, by Chage & Aska), all it's productions contain a certain something that makes you keep them in your heart. Grave of the Fireflies is one of their best. The story centers on Setsuo and Seita, a brother and sister who lost their mother in the second world war, and whose father is in the navy. Don't worry. I should first clear out this: This movie isn't biased: You won't hear japanese glorified nor americans bashed... But you'll hate war when you end watching it. This is, plain and simple, the saddest drama ever. Animated or not. And it's one of the most intelligent ones, too. The symbolism and analogies managed will surely click a soft spot in people who have lived war. the pinnacle of all this is the scene where they're catching fireflies to light up their room. It's hard to contain a tear when watching this. The visuals aren't bad at all, either. Despite the fact that it's showing it's age, since it was made in 1986, the animation is smooth and beautiful, and you sometimes stop seeing it as drawings. Of the music, it's on par with everything else. It's a great soundtrack composed primarily by instrumentals by the recognized composer Jo Hisaishi. In the end, it's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't like this movie. It's the most touching film I've seen in my life, and it's not far away from the best movie ever. Just be sure to pick up "My Neighbor Totoro" to lift your spirit after this emotional tour de force.
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Summary: A powerful, moving, and beautiful anime movie.
Review: What do you think of when you think of anime? Giant robots? Cute girls with big eyes? Magic and martial arts blended together? Kiddie stuff? Well, throw all those ideas out, because "Grave of the Fireflies" is nothing like that. In fact, it's as close to a "live action" movie as you can get in animation. So why is it animated in the first place? Because animation is the only way this movie could portray its message. And guess what? It does it so exceptionally well that you'll be changed after watching this movie. The plot of this movie deals with teenager Seita and his little sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive in Japan during World War II. Their mother had died because of a bomb raid, so they live with their aunt. Trouble is, she doesn't think much about them because they're more of a burden in these hard times of war. So they both go out to live on their own, but are soon plagued by problems such as lack of money and food. Setsuko eventually dies of malnutrition and Seita later dies in a train station. At the very beginning of the film, you'll see just deep this film is. The very first scene shows Seita dying, and the rest of the film deals with how his life spiraled downward towards his eventual death. There is some extreme emotion-tugging in this movie, and the fact of the matter is that it is so real you can't help but cry or come close to doing so. Films rarely show this side of war, and it's a very discomforting one. There is no trouble-ending miracle, there is no Hollywood ending; this movie showcases a true-to-life representation of suffering innocence in one of history's darkest hours. And a film this powerful can ONLY be shown in animation, because live-action would've felt scripted and unconvincing. If you think that anime is nothing more than science-fiction joyrides and fanboy fantasies, "Grave of the Fireflies" will change your mind, as well as how you see the world and yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Some things you should know prior to viewing
Review: 1) THIS IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, THIS IT NOT AMERICAN ANIMATION, THIS IS ANIME
2) Do not watch this in the english dub
3) Be prepared prior to viewing that despite it's soft colours and beauty, this is not an uplifting movie, and doesn't have a happy ending. It's arguably the msot depressing war film ever made, rivaling Shindler's List easily. In response to another reviewer who was disapointed by the portrayal - rather lack of portrayal - of the Japanese agression, you are missing the point of the movie entirely. It's about the young innocent children who's lives were affected and ultimately destroyed as a result of American firebombing of civilian targets in Japan. If they covered what you suggested, it would not only detract from the power of the film but it would be completely unnescessary. About the English dub, it is terrible. I made the mistake of watching it with the dub originaly and regret it. I generaly don't mind but the Japanese language track is much more moving, espescialy the young actress who plays the little girl as she is only 5yrs old herself. For those of you that plan on purchasing it, it's a wonderful movie and a classic of not only the japanese animation genre but a classic war film and a classic animated feature, period. I doubt it would be something you would watch more than once so I recommend it for collector's only. For quality buffs you should know that the film is restored (animorphic) and looks great.
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Summary: Could have been better
Review: This movie was very funny but it could have been better with the addition of fart jokes.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible and Emotional
Review: This is the first example I shall plainly state that proves the Disney-induced idea that cartoons are for kids. People, you show your kids this and they'll be asking you stuff like: "What's that white stuff on the lady?" and you'll be pondering both whether you should tell him they're maggots and why you ever let your child watch this movie. The fact is, everytime I see this, I look on the back and see: "6&UP" or "Not Rated: Suitable for Most Audiences" then several lines later: "Contains: Violence-Parental Discretion Advised" I don't get it. How can you have a movie where they say: Suitable for most Audiences but then say Parental Discretion Advised? Enough ranting: This movie is about a brother and sister in the ending days of World War II Japan. They are sure that Japan will win the war but they see firebombings kill many people, even their own mother. As the movie continues we see starvation and sickness cause the little sister to become sick. The Grave of the Fireflies will break your heart (if you still have one) and if you don't feel even a pang of emotion, than your very hardened against sadness and I suggest you stop watching anything violent. Five Stars, worth every one of them!
Rating:
Summary: Best Anime Ever and one of the SADDEST movies ever !
Review: I had no idea what to expect to see in this film, the first time I saw it. I only heard that it is considered by many people as the best Anime ever. After watching it I COMPLETELY agree ! When it comes to shedding tears while watching films, I could count the number of those films on one hand. Before watching this film, Saving Private Ryan was the movie that brought me the most to tears. This film changed things ! I must say that the first time I finished seeing the film, I felt a lot of saddness and was at the brink of shedding tears. I then felt compelled to read other people's reviews and thoughts of this film. I noticed that most people felt the same emotions I did after/while watching the film. The more I thought about the film while reading the reviews the sadder I got and tears started coming down. I was then compelled to see the first few minutes again (right after finishing seeing the film for the first time and reading reviews). I only got to the part when you see the 2 ghosts of the kids appear for the first time, picking up the candy box, smiling to each other and hearing the opening music. At that point not did tears come down, I was actually CRYING ! I haven't cried in over 10 years (I'm 25) ! Now that's what I call a POWERFUL FILM ! Seeing the film for the first time is highly recommended. Seeing it for the secong time is a MUST ! I agree with some reviewers and think this film is for adults only. The story portrayed in this film is truely a young child's worst nightmare (at least in my opinion). I would give this film more than a 5/5, more like 10/5. If you have a heart, you'll probably shed a few tears at least. Think about while deciding with who you want to see the film with or prefer watching it alone.
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