Grave *sniff* of the Fireflies *sniff*

You know what I love? Ghibli movies. I just adore them! There's such endless imagination, symbolism, intelligence, and happiness to enjoy. However, if you are looking for that sort of entertainment, you will find a rude awakening with the Ghibli film, Grave of the Fireflies.  This, unlike other Ghibli films, will not necessarily leave the viewer feeling "good," but instead quite depressed...  And I mean really depressed, like Empire Magazine's top 10 saddest movies of all time depressed.

A.k.a. Eeyore style depressed.

Studio Ghibli has given us a lot of interesting content that largely involves supernatural elements and fantastical worlds. In Grave of the Fireflies, there are no such things, as this film is harshly realistic and profoundly heartbreaking. To give you a clue about Grave's degree of heartbreaking powers, I'll give you the review I often give to people I talk with about it: Grave is my favorite movie that I will never watch again. (That in and of itself is actually a lie... I'd say it's a good one to watch every five years or so.)

To give a bit of background, Grave of the Fireflies shows Japan toward the end of World War II when it was plagued with nonstop bombings, widespread supply shortages, and suffering. The main characters are children that in the first scene, we discover, die as a result of the choices they make. We can only go up from here right? Right?

Japan WWII

It may honestly be the most emotionally moving film Studio Ghibli has ever released and, as such, should be viewed by all types of people--young and old alike. Its message is timeless and powerful and deserves all the attention it can. The animation is quite realistic with great attention to detail when it comes to the anatomy and movement of the characters. As opposed to many other Ghibli films where there are various shots and angles that the simulated "camera" takes, this movie tends to frame its shots in a pretty still and basic manner. Also, the line work in the animation is brown as opposed to the traditional black to create a softer effect and allows the characters to look more tied together with the beautiful watercolor backgrounds.

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The best way to describe this film is "hauntingly beautiful." Grave of the Fireflies does not shy away from showing the harshness of World War II or the effects violence has on individuals and society (with special attention to its effects on children). Although, at the same time, its realism makes it problematic for extremely young viewers; so, parents should watch ahead of time to determine if their children can handle it. Either way, this film is remarkably educational and beautiful. It is a must see and deserves a place on everyone's shelf.

Pragmus Alpha
CEO

*Edited by Pragmus Sigma