Grave of the Fireflies

When teenage "Seita" finds himself responsible for his four year old sister "Setsuko" after a WWII bombing raid reduced their home to rubble and separated them from their mother, he finds quickly that survival is going to be very difficult. Initially, they can seek refuge with their aunt but that doesn't quite work out and despite the risks he decides that the pair are better off trying to make it on their own. With much of their wooden-structured surroundings now splinters and with the population largely forced into a degree of existence-based introspection, it's going to prove tough for him to keep them both safe. What, realistically, are their chances? This is certainly one of the most touching stories I've ever seen committed to film and the style of the sympathetically-paced animation using often quite faded and muted tones helps convey a message of hope in the face of what has to...

Grave of the Fireflies masterfully portrays the human cost of war through a deeply emotional and well-structured narrative. With powerful animation, moving performances, and a haunting soundtrack, the film delivers a timeless and heart-wrenching message about loss, survival, and humanity. It's a must-watch war film that emphasizes empathy over action. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)

This was the first animated movie that made me cry as an adult. It still does. Two children are left as orphans in World War 2 and have to survive. Such a basic premise, but this shows intimately what the effects of war are on children (a topic not covered by other movies). And as it's about children, it has more of an emotional impact. Described as one of the greatest war movies of all time by Roger Ebert, the work of art will impact you like no other anime. Its interesting to note that this was released originally with My Neighbour Totoro. Both are films about childhood. But where Totoro is about innocence maintained and the joy of childhood, Fireflies is innocence lost, a light dimmed after a short period.

The terrible story of two orphaned Japanese kids during the ending of WWII. Incredibly well told and totally moving, without using clichés. A must seen in the anime arena.