Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
One of the most heartbreaking animes.
Presentation:
World War II was brutal even for the Japanese. This is one of the saddest animes of all time and just a very sad film in general. Everything including the imperfections are necessary for this formula of a masterful tragedy. The little girl is obnoxiously loud and whiny, which is quite realistic in some ways. But she serves an important purpose, highlighting the innocence and happiness that children should have even in times of war. The anime feels hand drawn and nostalgic and the storytelling goes back and forth so you never forget that war is truly awful for all sides. The version I watched was different and ended on a sadder note, so do make sure you watch the full movie if you want a more resolved ending.
Conclusion:
This film is truly crushing, but really sneaks up on after you’ve watched the film. Maybe it’s a day or week after, you’ll be reminded by the persistent horrors of humanity whether it be from war, hunger, greed, circumstance, fragility, separation or pride. What makes this tragedy so heart breaking is that it could have been avoided, and yet their decisions are so realistic and understandable that we might even choose the same path even knowing the end. Humans are just proud like that and you’ll think that there was no other fate. A staggeringly moving film that feels like a documentary powerful on the same level as live action.
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Recommendations
When heart matters more than historical accuracy.