Regarding the rating, I initially gave it an 8 and raised it after viewing it again. The firat time around I took up the task of simultaneously translating for a younger sibling of mine that is not yet fluent in English (I watched it subbed, of course). Therefore I stress that you should get yourself comfy and experience the film unburdened by other concerns, you'll get the most enjoyment out of it that way.
This is a work of atmospheres and emotions, portraying certain human traits through the lens of japanese people living through their WW2 period. If you are worried that this is another war movie that tries desperately to garner sympathy for the nation at stake, you can rest at ease. The only thing it tries (and achieves) is your understanding of the situation the common folk goes through in times of greater crises.
The film doesn't limit itself here, the themes can be extended to our everyday personal struggles as well. War is only the backdrop, as you'll see. There is also great rewatch value to be found through finding symbols and noticing how the characters connect in interesting ways.
If I were to write anymore, it could dissolve into an endless ramble, so let's summarize. It's a film I thoroughly reccommend to anyone with enough patience and time to spend watching. The film may leave a positive mark on your life, but even if you dislike the plot, the artistic merit and sound-design should make the experience wholy enjoyable just on their own.
It's really all in the execution.
