The story follows two orphans, one young man (Seita) and his little sister Setsuko. In the midst of WWII, Seita tries to take care of the both of them as best he can. The story follows them through their struggle to continue living life to the fullest when there isn't much of a full life to go around. Things progress as you might expect of a jobless, young, adoptive father, amidst constant air raids.
There is nary any joy to be found in this tale; while I'm a fan of the Shakespearean tragedy, there's just nothing much to enjoy in this movie. A depressing, well-told tale can be enjoyable even if it's sad. But Grave of the Fireflies fails to strike a chord with me that I should empathize with these characters. I find them interesting, but I can see the end long before it comes (in large part because the directors intend you to). And something about that is just off. It's unfulfilling to watch the slow and steady collapse of a pair of lives amidst war-torn Japan. It's interesting, yes, but there's nothing redeeming to savour.
Some might say that a movie doesn't have to have a silver lining, that a tragedy can be beautiful in its own way, and I get that. But I'll be clear here that I'm not espousing that sort of criticism. I cannot see myself watching Grave of the Fireflies again, with the intent of watching the character's struggles and vicariously living through their turmoil. The way the film is portrayed, it doesn't get that across. That is its greatest failing.
Overall, I think this is a very good film. It ticks all the technical boxes, and that is why I think I would comfortably call it a masterpiece. But I think the message of the story, the basal themes that are being conveyed, are not expressed properly to engage the audience in a meaningful way. I am glad to have watched Grave of the Fireflies, but I will be equally happy to never watch it again. It was an experience I only needed once, and not one I would readily recommend.
If you are looking for a masterful representation of the human condition, I can recommend Grave of the Fireflies. If that does not sound like what you're in the mood for, I do not think you are missing out by having not seen Grave of the Fireflies.
