Hotaru No Haka Episode 1 Discussion

I can see how this is based on a real story, and it's a really effective movie in general. Seita and Setsuko's circumstances became increasingly more emotionally gripping as the movie went on, and the scene just before Setsuko's death where she was delirious and offering Seita the rocks she thought were rice and soy pulp was especially resonant. The one resounding issue I have with it is spoiling the ending by showing it right at the beginning. While I'm aware that it was a literary technique, it and the spirit manifestations of Seita and Setsuko that periodically show up during the movie are something that's difficult to immediately understand. That said, their spirits returning at the end to overlook the city was a nice gesture that added a subtle bittersweet element to an otherwise tragic tale.

This movie was a piece of shit. Hated it. Also, movies like these make me hate Americans lol.

Although from an artistic point of view, this movie was really good. Hence why I gave it a 6 and not a 1. I just dislike movies about wars. Too tragic etc.

Watched this today on Netflix.

Just watched it... I liked it a lot and it deserves any kind of comments - even if you write that you didn't feel anything, something made you log in and type those words.

And about the story itself, guys it's war- no one thinks rationally during those times and especially kids. He didn't stay at the aunts place cuz she was giving their food to her own family and mentally pressing him out - contacting dad , finding distance relatives , finding a job which was impossible to find(not to mention she provoked Setsuko to cry during nights by telling about mother's death). he couldn't work or study cuz school was burnt and the factory wasn't working. and if you think that anyone could find a job if they've searched - you are wrong, there was mentioned that many factories were closing down (bombed , burnt). How could an adult not to mention a kid be able to find work.

as for the later actions he didn't withdraw money and feed her because he was waiting for dad to return. he withdrew so much money after he found out about the end of the war and possible death of his dad (nothing to wait for anymore). He did pretty much everything what was possible... People DIED during and after war. Especially orphans.

I think in many ways this movie is strong and thought out completely not to mention the writer knows best how it was during those times and for us to judge those who lived like that is pitiful.

as for the ending, he promised not to leave her for long and so he did. He loved her till the end and after it, how many people will go that far for you even if they are relatives...

Basically if you didn't understand the movie or had no emotional reaction to it - it's basic : your problem, cuz everything was perfectly explained. If you didn't feel anything try imagining or go through the same experience and then judge them or yourself.

sorry for a long comment.

Takahata-san you cruel man, how dare you make me feel like this? Those kids deserved better. Also fuck that piece of shit aunt.

@Overcast93

You know Takahato was not the one who wrote the story right, he only directed the film.

I can't feel sorry for the protagonist, what a tremendous idiot trying to act like the 'alpha male' rebellious and dominating everything, so he left a place where he had all the comforts because his aunt was 'unbearable.' Hmm, she was a woman who was already supporting her own family and without obligation took care of two more children. It's not like the lady locked them in a room, beat them, and deprived them of water. Wouldn't it have been smarter to go out and look for a job and figure out a way to make money until he was an adult and could leave? And on top of that, he selfishly takes his sister with him to make her suffer too when he could have left her with his aunt, under shelter, with food, and good care. Anyway, this movie didn't make me cry, it made me want to punch the main character.