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Will’s Watchlist: Theatrical & Streaming
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
[Not Rated] 1hr 28min
★★★★★
Grave of the Fireflies is an animated war drama based on a true story about two young children who try to survive on their own after their city is destroyed by American bombers. It is the second film produced by Studio Ghibli and was originally released as a double feature with My Neighbor Totoro.
This is a devastating film that brutally illustrates the impact of war on civilians, especially children. It’s very different from most of Studio Ghibli’s filmography due to the story being overwhelmingly dark and depressing rather than lighthearted and fun, yet it’s still just as moving if not more so. The core of the narrative showcases a very empathetic and human approach to its topic, as it solely focuses on the lives of children just trying to survive each day. By accurately depicting the consequences of an attack on civilians through this perspective, the film thoroughly and effectively dismantles the persistent notion that the ends can justify the means during a conflict. As a result, the film can be very difficult to watch at times, but its pairing of harsh realism and strong emotion is precisely what makes it so compelling. Overall, this movie is extremely effective at conveying its powerful themes and emotions to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
Grave of the Fireflies is an animation masterpiece that I highly recommend to everyone. Not only is it historically informative, but it also highlights a perspective on war that isn’t usually prominent in media. The story also reflects current world events in many ways, thus demonstrating that the film’s important narrative is still as relevant today as ever.
Grave of the Fireflies will be returning to theaters on August 10th through 12th and is currently available to stream on Netflix. Click here to watch the film’s Ghibli Fest 2025 trailer.
– Review by Will Hopper
Visit Will’s Watchlist for more movie reviews
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