Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies)

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Tombstone for Fireflies

Japanese: 火垂るの墓

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Information

Type: Movie

Episodes: 1

Status: Finished Airing

Aired: Apr 16, 1988

Producers: None found, add some

Licensors: ADV Films, Central Park Media, Sentai Filmworks

Studios: Studio Ghibli

Source: Novel

Genre: Drama

Theme: Historical

Duration: 1 hr. 28 min.

Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.52¹ (scored by 402,360 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #121²

² based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #299

Members: 675,496

Favorites: 8,077

Available At

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Synopsis

As World War II reaches its conclusion in 1945, Japan faces widespread destruction in the form of American bombings, devastating city after city. Hotaru no Haka, also known as Grave of the Fireflies, is the story of Seita and his sister Setsuko, two Japanese children whose lives are ravaged by the brutal war. They have lost their mother, their father, their home, and the prospect of a bright future—all tragic consequences of the war.

Now orphaned and homeless, Seita and Setsuko have no choice but to drift across the countryside, beset by starvation and disease. Met with the apathy of adults along the way, they find that desperate circumstances can turn even the kindest of people cruel yet their youthful hope shines brightly in the face of unrelenting hardship, preventing the siblings from swiftly succumbing to an inevitable fate.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Hotaru no Haka is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka, which is centered on his experiences during and after the American firebombing of Kobe in 1945, and was released as a double feature with My Neighbor Totoro.

The movie has won several awards including the Japan Catholic Film Award in 1988, the Special Award in the 31st Blue Ribbon Awards in 1989, the Animation Jury and Rights of the Child Awards in the Chicago International Children's Film Festival in 1994, and the 1st Moscow International Children's and Youth's Film Festival Grand Prix in 1998.

More characters

Characters & Voice Actors

Setsuko

Main

Shiraishi, Ayano
Japanese

Seita

Main

Tatsumi, Tsutomu
Japanese

Mrs. Yokokawa

Supporting

Shinohara, Yoshiko
Japanese

Farmer

Supporting

Aunt

Supporting

Yamaguchi, Akemi
Japanese

More staff

Staff

Takahata, Isao

Director, Screenplay

Urakami, Yasuo

Sound Director

Mamiya, Michio

Theme Song Composition, Theme Song Arrangement, Music

Anno, Hideaki

Key Animation

Edit

Opening Theme

"Setsuko and Seita" by Michio Mamiya

Edit

Ending Theme

"Futari" by Michio Mamiya

Reviews

Nov 29, 2023

Dodokai19

Recommended

Title: Grave of the Fireflies - A Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10

Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of animation. Released in 1988, this profoundly moving film is an emotional tour de force, offering a harrowing yet beautifully crafted narrative that explores the devastating impact of war on the lives of two siblings.

Storyline (10/10):
Set against the backdrop of World War II-era Japan, Grave of the Fireflies follows the tragic tale of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings struggling to survive in the midst of the country's wartime hardships. The film is an unflinching exploration ... of the human cost of conflict, portraying the siblings' journey from hope to despair with heartbreaking authenticity. Takahata's storytelling is a delicate balance of sorrow and beauty, capturing the essence of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The narrative's power lies not only in its emotional weight but also in its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of familial love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war. Grave of the Fireflies is a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict and the enduring impact on the lives of those left behind.

Characters (10/10):
Seita and Setsuko are achingly real characters, and their journey becomes an intimate exploration of the human condition. Seita's unwavering determination to protect his sister and Setsuko's innocent resilience create a profound emotional connection with the audience. The film's success in conveying the siblings' internal struggles and the evolution of their relationship elevates it beyond mere animation, making these characters unforgettable and universally relatable.

Animation and Art (9/10):
Grave of the Fireflies exhibits Studio Ghibli's commitment to visual excellence. The animation is both stunning and understated, with a focus on conveying the emotional weight of the story. The attention to detail in the character designs and the evocative depiction of wartime Japan contribute to the film's immersive atmosphere.

The use of fireflies as a recurring visual motif adds a layer of symbolism, representing both the fleeting nature of life and the persistent glimmer of hope in the darkest times. The animation seamlessly serves the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact without overshadowing the raw authenticity of the story.

Music (8/10):
Michio Mamiya's hauntingly beautiful score enhances the emotional resonance of Grave of the Fireflies. The music is both delicate and powerful, providing a poignant backdrop to the siblings' journey. The carefully crafted compositions evoke a sense of melancholy and longing, contributing to the film's immersive atmosphere and leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Impact and Legacy (10/10):
Grave of the Fireflies is a landmark film that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Its portrayal of the human cost of war and the enduring effects on civilian life is universally recognized and celebrated. The film's legacy extends beyond its genre, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers and fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistic potential of animation.

Conclusion:
Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking yet essential cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of animation. With its powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, exquisite animation, and a haunting musical score, the film earns a well-deserved 10/10 rating. It stands as a testament to the emotional potency of animation and the ability of film to convey the profound complexities of the human experience. Grave of the Fireflies is not just a masterpiece within its genre but a work of art that demands recognition for its lasting impact on the world of cinema.

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May 8, 2022

Teaflings

Mixed Feelings

No spoilers.

Many people say this is a must-see film, and that they cried during it. Personally, I did not consider this a "must-see" or tear-inducing. If you like wartime stuff, maybe you'll enjoy this. Unfortunately, I did not care for it.

Story:
It keeps the story to the very personal, small lives of two children during the war. The war is the setting, but not the plot.

Art:
Even by nowadays standards, this holds up very well. Each shot is well directed and there are genuinely haunting images all throughout the movie. While the movie never tries to WOW you with the art, it is all very effective ...

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Feb 3, 2024

victorRL

Not Recommended

Funny

This film earns a solid 1 from me due to its frustrating elements.

Despite surviving a bombing, Setsuko tragically cannot withstand the consequences of her brother Seita's stupid decisions.

Seita consistently opts for the worst possible choices, leading directly to Setsuko's death from malnutrition—even though they had funds available in the form of their mother's savings. This plot point is not only implausible but also diminishes the overall quality of the narrative.

The artwork, while commendable, cannot redeem the film from the shortcomings of its poorly conceived protagonist, Seita.

I cannot recommend "Grave of the Fireflies" and wish I could reclaim the time spent watching it.

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Recent Forum Discussion

Rewatch!?! Jai_akash - Apr 22	22 replies	by imjayhime »» Yesterday, 7:55 PM
Poll: Hotaru No Haka Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) yakyuu-addict - Nov 28, 2008	313 replies	by WeebAngo »» Mar 8, 5:18 AM
Useful for learning the Kansai dialect (J-subs) RudeRedis - Jul 8, 2023	18 replies	by theSporz »» Jan 17, 5:58 AM
Poll: Did you cry after you watched this movie? (spoilers) ( 1 2 3 4 ) ss4gojetanks - Jul 8, 2011	186 replies	by Neko_myanimelist »» Jan 9, 11:23 AM
Grave of the fireflies is not that much sad Ishow_suii - Nov 16, 2023	24 replies	by ToufiqHassan »» Nov 17, 2023 4:26 AM

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