I must admit that this film almost moved me to tears. It is so powerful - we are so indulged in this world, this environment. We fully empathise with these 2 siblings throughout. We are happy at first when they do not have a care in the world of whats going on. We are angry because those around them do not care about their survival. We are sad because they struggle to survive.
Grave of the fireflies is about a brother and sister who are fighting for survival throughout the war. Their mother dies rather early in the film, and they are left to fend for themselves. They, at first, find an aunt in another city, and live with her - but she, while taking them in, complains and scolds them day to day about the fact that they are like leeches - they do not do much to help (although they are rather young and limited in their abilities), and only take advantage of the situation they're in. They eventually move out, and try to survive on their own. At first everything seems fine, but as time wears on, they find it harder and harder to do so.
What strikes me about this movie is the love the brother has for his sister. We are made aware of that fact from the beginning of the movie, how he is always willing to find food for her no matter the cost, how he's willing to entertain her even though there is a war going on. The storyline is so simple - but its the way its told that makes it so effective.
The film is very patient - it pauses at every possible moment for us to empathise with them. Every joyful moment is made longer, so we can understand the bond between both these siblings. Because of this, every suffering, sad, angry moment is understood even more so as we start to connect with them. We see ourselves in them, and we start to believe we are in their situations.
I went through several emotions in this film. At first I was happy for them. When they had to deal with their aunt, I was angry - even though I could understand her reasons, but there were so many other reasons that were ringing in my head that refuted her. Why was she so mean to them? They are only trying to survive like everyone else, and they have no where else to go. I was delighted to see them leave - though wary. I was sad to see them reflect on a life they had before with their parents - it was depressing to say the least to see how much had changed. I was angry at the doctors, farmers, and everyone else for not caring about this little girl's health. I was almost in tears at the end of the movie - I will not give it away, watch it, and it will be even more effective to you.
Attention to detail is something that Isao Takahata does very well here. Every detail is important - from the fact that the aunt does not give the same amount of rice to each person, to the rashes that Setsuko (the sister) develop from an early stage.
Grave of the fireflies is truly a very strong and effective emotional experience. It does not overdramatise on things, but rather takes it very realistic-ly and seriously. It is truly a wonderful film.
Rating - 4.5/5
Written by Kevin Lau
