Grave Of the Fireflies
Overview
Grave Of the Fireflies is in not way a typical anime film. It is a historical drama, a genre that anime has not delved into nearly as much as sci-fi or feudal japanese warfare. Mind you, this does not have either sex or violence in it. It is a raw film that depicts human drama.
Storyline & Narrative
This follows the two youths, Seita and his younger sister Setsuko. I talks of the US army doing bombing raids on Japan in World War 2 after Pearl Harbor. Seita's family are living peacefully in there village, with their father away fighting for the war effort. But when his village gets bombed and his mother is badly burnt, Seita starts to lose hope about the victory of the Empire of Japan. This is not your average anime story, and at times can be quite depressing, in others be quite uplifting. It accurately depicts the human spirit, and what one would do to in a time of need. This, however is not for all people.
Characters & Dynamics
While there are really only 2 main characters in this film, what the director has gotten them to do is brilliant. Each one of these characters are integral to the story, and each one is very human, and very honest. However, the depth of the characters is non-existant. You know only of Seita's immediate family (and his aunt/uncle), know nothing of their past, and thus it makes you even more uncertain about their future.
Animation & Visual Direction
This is really one of the most beatifully animated movies that I have seen to date. It accurately depicts all of the actions placed by every character, down to their expressions, to the sweat on their faces. This is a very Miyazaki style film, and if you see it for one thing, see the animation.
Voice Acting & Soundtrack
I always prefer japanese subtitled versions to english dubbs, and this movie no exception. While there is not a lot of dialog, and the lines are delivered in a well-mannered way, there is no way the dubb can compeat to thus subbed version of the film.
