Grave of the Fireflies (Two-Disc Special Edition)
by Isao Takahata
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Akemi Yamaguchi, Ayano Shiraishi, Rhoda Chrosite, Tsutomu Tatsumi, Yoshiko ShinoharaDirector: Isao Takahata
Brand: ADV Films
Cinematographer: Nobuo Koyama
Writer: Isao Takahata
Editor: Takeshi Seyama
Producer: Ryoichi Sato
Producer: Toru Hara
Writer: Akiyuki Nosaka
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Animated, Color, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-07-07
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Section 23
Movie Reviews of Grave of the Fireflies (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Movie Review: Unsung War Film Excellence
Summary: 5 Stars
I am quiet amazed that many war film buffs haven't heard of Grave of the Fireflies. Go on this site alone and watch people list mediocre, junky, war films like Fixed Bayonets, Sands of Iwo Jima, and Pork Chop Hill as their favorites, without a mention of this film in sight. Boggles my mind, really. In my opinion, Grave of the Fireflies is easily one of the most powerfully emotional and sad anti-war movies ever made. Most war movies are painful and harrowing when I watch them (instead of being sad, or "tearjerkers", for me at least), but few war movies manage to be sad, painful, humanistic, harrowing, and tear jerking at the same time. Grave of the fireflies pulls no punches in its display of personal struggle in the midst of dark times, and I can easily say it's THE war movie that displays the harrowing struggle of being a civilian during the times of war.
I've seen over 100 war movies so far (please note I have not been a war film watcher for all of my life either), and Grave of the Fireflies still manages to also offer an influenced, yet fresh and unique kind of war movie, certainly nothing else that offers the experience. Imagine the same type of civilian depiction of earlier humanistic war films (especially neo-realistic films) like Germany Year Zero, as well as other films like The Bicycle Thieves (two great films). The kind of movie that focuses on the lowest class of citizens. Grave of the Fireflies is that kind of movie. However, instead of being relentlessly gritty and documentary like, Grave offers a cinematic experience to the story, using top-notch storytelling values without being the least manipulative. Oh, and it's an anime, in the best way possible.
Being an excellent piece of animated art; it uses the animation medium to truly bring out the poetic and sad aspects of the film. It's extremely poetic, and the animation is moody, artful. Studio Ghibli is known for it's terrific animation, and Grave is a lush, beautiful, detailed, and painted piece of film, no doubt helped by the same people who made other visually well made films such as My Neighbor Toto. It's an extremely visually stunning work, and like many other war films, is extremey moving. Even more impressive is that this movie was made in the late 80's, alongside other visually stunning works like Akira. I'll stop describing too much because quite frankly, it would become too long winded, but it's just amazing. The film's wonderful use of animation reminds me of Pixar, despite the two films being entirely different in story telling and emotional connection (Note to Pixar: can you guys do a war film sometime?).
Grave of the Fireflies agonizing humanism works in its uncompromising and humanistic, but ultimately shattering and depressing consequences. As you can see from the numerous reviewers, this is not a happy story. This is depressing film that. Be warned. If you go to a war movie with a feeling that you are going to get clear black and white depictions drawn in the sand, you will be sorely disappointed. There is no Japanese stereotyping here. There is no sense of evil or good. There are no heroes and villians (of course if you are going into the film thinking that in any serious war movie, you're a total idiot anyway). THere is nothing but struggle, desperation, care, but ultimately these types of things can only get you so far in a war torn society. Ultimately, it's the well drawn out characters, the environment's reaction, and relationships that make this film shattering. The animation and filmmaking is utterly amazing in bringing this to life in this regard. .
I will not lie. This isn't my favorite war movie of all time, nor is it even in my top ten. I do feel that this movie is not as entertaining as Inglorious Basterds (one of my all time favorites, as a matter of fact), but quite frankly, this movie shouldn't offer entertainment value. It doesn't do that, BUT, however, it is a wonderful, profound, and very shattering film. The hype for this movie is sometimes seems it could burst into flames any second, but frankly, I think the glowing reviews are pretty justified. I have really nothing else to say here. If you are into war films and haven't seen this, pry yourself away from When Trumpets Fade and Cross of Iron (two massively overrated war movies in my opinion) RIGHT NOW. And see this film. You won't regret it.
PS Please, if any of you "adults" in any way dismiss this film because it's an anime, please, do us a favor and shut up. You'll just annoy everybody with your immature, ignorant blathering. Besides, I'll bet you most of these people watch Friends.
Summary of Grave of the Fireflies (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Studio: Adv Films Release Date: 07/07/2009 Run time: 89 minutesSimilar DVD Movies
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