Grave of the Fireflies

On Your Mark | Mimi o Sumaseba | Laputa | Kiki's Delivery Service | Nausicaa
| Omohide Poro Poro | Studio Ghibli page |

Story :)
Based partially on the autobiography book of the same name by Nosaka Akiyuki.
A very somber anime of the struggle of a pair of brother and sister for survival during the World War 2. Their mother had died of burns during bombing and their father is away in the navy. They had no news of their father (even after war). The older boy, Seita and the younger girl, Setuko, live with a relative. However, the relative and Seita don't like each other thus prompting Seita to bring his sister out to live by themselves. They left and lived in a cave near a field full of fireflies at night. They struggle to live with what little food and clothings they have. Seita could not find anyone who needs a helper and thus seldom return with food. (what he had, he always give to Setsuko). On top of that, the shelling of bombs increases. Towards the end,after the war, Setsuko became very ill. She died. Seita buried her near the cave where the fireflies are before leaving.(Setsuko likes the fireflies). (I guess that is how the anime got the tittle : Grave of the Fireflies.)
Comments :)
This is a throughly sad and touching film. The issue of WW2 is also raised. (IMHO) War brings destruction to all involved. The fireflies in the anime are like a contrast between Nature and War, Life and Death. The fireflies are like the light of Life while war is a definate representitve of Death. Though somber, this anime is definately worth watching.(i'v seen it twice). However, it is more for the older audience.