That is the first line of the film so you know what to expect and by starting at the end of the story you know how it ends so it takes a little bit of the power of the film away but not much. To be honest I knew what I was letting myself in for and feel a little ashamed for putting off watching it because I knew it would be difficult to watch.
This is an extremely powerful film of how the Japanese population suffered at the end of World War Two. Focused on the aftermath of the Kobe bombing where 8,000 were killed and 650,000 lost there homes out of a population of 1 million. The story is about 14 year old Seita and 4 year old Setsuko as they struggle to survive after the Kobe bombing and subsequent firestorms at the end of the Second World War. With their house destroyed, their mother killed and their father missing in action they stay with their insensitive and uncaring Aunt who while they are bring food to the house is happy for them to stay but makes it clear how much a burden they are when the food runs out making it too difficult for them to stay. Eventually they make a home in an abandoned air raid shelter where Seita is forced to steal to feed Setsuko in a society, that has lost all its pride and waiting for the inevitable American invasion, unable and at times unwilling to help them.
The animation is impressive. Whilst the backgrounds are impressive it is the details which make the animation great. Setsuko's malnourished body covered in sores is truly shocking, something animation is normally unable to do and you see just glimpses of Seita's malnourished body under his clothes both of which makes the film at times difficult to watch.
Seita and Setsuko really pull the heart strings. Watching a 14 year old having to take on a responsibility he should never have to in looking after an innocent 4 year old girl who has no comprehension of the world destroying itself around her. The other characters are so numb to the suffering around them that they are oblivious to the suffering of the two children. This is shown brilliantly at the start of the film and by the Aunt and the Doctor.
I would say I enjoyed the film reservedly as enjoyment is not the word I would use. However, the film is brilliant. A must watch for anyone from the countries of the Allies who have been taught about how hard their countries and soldiers had it during the Second World War but taught nothing about the other side and their suffering dismissed as "well they started it". Hopefully this film will question what you have been taught.
A genuine masterpiece.
