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Grave of the Fireflies
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Animation - 8.9 |
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Sound - 8.6 |
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Story - 9.1 |
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Character - 9.2 |
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Value - 9.0 |
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Enjoyment - 8.7 |
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Average - 8.9 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Wow...this is tough to review, mostly because I misinterpreted the point as I watched it.
What happened to me was this: when I first saw Seita, I assumed that he was supposed to be a hero. I knew this was a tragedy, so I assumed that this movie would about how it was impossible for Seita and Setsuko to live happily in war-torn Japan. Therefore, Seita shouldn't make any mistakes, and he should still end up crushed by the situation around him. That would have been truly sad. But at certain points in the movie, I realized that Seita could have done things differently and avoided the tragedy. I thought it was just lazy writing, and that made it hard to sympathize with Seita at the end.
Then, after the movie, I went on wikipedia and found this:
"The story is based on the semi-autobiographic novel by the same name, whose author, Nosaka, lost his sister due to malnutrition in 1945 wartime Japan. He blamed himself for her death and wrote the story so as to make amends to her and help him accept the tragedy."
Holy s**t. So in the opening scene, Seita isn't depressed because he has no hope, he's depressed because he's realized his mistakes. Had I realized that while watching the movie, I would have had no problem sympathizing with his character--in fact, I'm pretty sure it would have torn me to pieces.
But I missed it--and, reading the reviews on here, I think a lot of other people missed it too. It's somewhat the movie's responsibility to make sure people understand this sort of thing, and so I have to take points off for it.
Another problem with the plot was that it probably could have been a half hour shorter. There was hardly any action at all. There were a number of scenes that stretched on for a long time trying to convey some sort of emotion--like the scene on the beach, where Seita is playing with Setsuko and remembering happier times--and while they generally succeed in conveying the emotion, it's still boring.
The characters themselves were very realistic--easily among the most believable I've seen. However, it's hard to say how much I liked them, simply because I didn't understand Seita the first time through. Maybe I'll re-watch this later and update my review.
I think the value of this movie comes from its portrayal of Japan near the end of WWII, and also it's portrayal of human nature--Seita's mistakes, and of the fragility of children like Setsuko. A lot of reviewers talk about the 'indifference' that the Japanese show, but I don't really see it that way. I think Seita could have found help if he'd wanted to. In fact, I can't really find any messages about how people should live their lives--which is something I think all truly great stories should try to do.
A final note about animation and sound, which are only somewhat important to me. Both were good, and I think the acting (japanese with english subs) was quite good (I'm amazed that they got a 5-year-old to do all that). However, the music and animation didn't really stand out to me.
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andy |
(2008-05-18 23:03:12) 2008-05-18 23:00:54 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Speaking as a whole, Grave of the Fireflies is not a spectacular film. It is lackluster, really, when compared to the better Ghibli works. Emotional poignancy is priceless though, and the way in which the characters deliver just that makes Grave of the Fireflies one of the most memorable Anime movies, despite its many slight flaws.
Grave of the Fireflies is the first Ghibli film I've seen where I haven't been impressed with the animation. While other older Ghibli films lack the textural vibrancy of newer anime features, Grave of the Fireflies also misses the smaller details in the character animations that is typical of Ghibli movies, regardless of their age. The running animations and walking animations have the same mechanical feel that can be found in any mediocre TV series. On the other hand, some of the still images in this movie convey the most disturbingly realistic images of the wounded, diseased, and dead in any Ghibli film, so in that sense, it is quite successful.
The music is exclusively solemn. Piano and violin solos play tunes that sound like heartbreak themes from classic films. It's not spectacular music by itself, but works beautifully against some of the more tragic scenes. In a couple of instances, the music tries to hammer in its sorrowful mood on scenes that are more warm than sad. There isn't enough gentleness in the soundtrack, and the use of the obtusely tragic music in some of the more tender scenes makes the soundtrack a rather offensive hinderance at times.
To add to the list of little quips, I had an issue with how the plot meanders without direction for most of the film. The story line is not difficult to follow, but it clumsily stumbles into the inevitable tragedy in its climax. Instead of building up tension and drama throughout the whole film, it sprinkles its most beautiful moments all around the story, but just springs its ending on you with no emotional fanfare. It should be the most heartbreaking part of the film, the climax, but without any dramatic build up, it passes before you know it.
A beautiful climax would have been the homer, but the characters provide so many moments of heart felt emotion that it's very possible you would have been cried out by the end anyway. The characters in this film never take the easy, melodramatic route in their expression of pain. Instead of yelling at the sky, they weep. Where the yell is not only an unrealistic, corny reaction to sorrow, it also fails to express the crushing, depressive weight that these emotions have on the characters. Weeping illustrates that these characters haven't got the energy to muster up even a yelp, which gives further insight into the depths of their sadness.
Coming into this movie, I was the tiniest bit afraid that it would be skewed towards the conservative Japanese. A pitiable military kid, representing pre-world war two Japan, is left to die by the ugly, Americanized Japan. Nothing ruins a tragedy like ulterior, political motives. Thankfully, I was very wrong. Grave of the Fireflies is tragedy pure and simple. In fact, the complete faith the main character has in the great Japanese empire adds just one more piece of his life that is inevitably crushed. Grave of the Fireflies is certainly not the most elegant piece of work, not in story, not in music, and not in animation, but combining a subject matter that is easily pitiable with incredibly expressive characters makes it one of the best Anime tear jerkers ever made.
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beef jerky |
(2007-04-10 18:14:46) 2007-04-10 18:11:35 |
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| Average |
4.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
2 |
| Character |
5 |
| Value |
4 |
| Enjoyment |
3 |
| I really dont see what was so good about this anime... I read many reviews stating it was good and sad, but i didnt feel sad at all. It really wasnt very good either.
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Budding |
(2007-04-11 02:06:50) 2007-04-10 17:03:34 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Grave of the Fireflies is a beautiful 90 minute long anime melodrama made in 1988, which has easily withstood the test of time.
Although the animation of Grave of Fireflies is nothing impressive by today's standards, it is still beautiful and brilliantly executed. The amount of detail and smoothness of animation makes Grave of Fireflies a very high quality movie regardless of the time that has passed.
The music in this movie matches, if not betters the quality of the animation. There are no songs in this movie, but the background music fits the mood perfectly throughout, and the theme tunes are excellent to listen to.
The storyline of Grave of the Fireflies describes the hardships World War II Japan quite well, and it is because of this that this anime might not be suited for younger viewers, while at the same time becoming too predictable for older viewers. Nevertheless, the story is executed very well to a high degree of realism, and is definitely worthy of a watch, especially for someone who likes melodramas.
The characters are also portrayed to a high degree of realism. Indeed, the general mood of everyone does slump significantly during war time, as shown in the movie, and it is indeed very easy for people to pass away unnoticed during those times. This movie is a great tribute to all those who have perished and were never remembered as an aftermath of war, and should make most viewers think of, if not shed a tear for them.
Grave of the Fireflies is a very high quality melodrama describing the hardships of the Japanese people during World War II. Perhaps not a movie for the younger audience due to its degree of realism, and it is a bit predictable for older viewers. However, I, someone with no particular liking for tragic storylines, still thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it especially to people who enjoy this genre.
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I'll have to be honest, I can be biased when it comes to writing reviews of shows I think outweighed the bad parts, but in contrast I stay as objective and neutral as possible. Grave of the Fireflies would count as possible example. Let me dissect everything about this possibly potential masterpiece.
Movement and visuals around the time were absolutely horrendous with slow pacing and awkward movements, but this was not the case for Grave of the Fireflies. Studio Ghibli must have had a pretty huge budget to even exceed most TV series today. From the people running around, to the details of death and destruction it was portrayed beautifully and effectively. Too detailed in fact, that I heard parents complained about showing this to kids, hehe. But this is a war movie, you can't expect huge bunnies and rainbows to prevail in the end.
Musical scores were somewhat lacking.It didn't really matter since there was no need for the plot to rely on it. Absolutely little to no BGM, no OP or ED theme, but there were music playing. It didn't really struck me as much, but the mood of the series helped such as the OP which was rather sweet and calming considering the total opposite their current lives were experiencing.
In this movie, it stars two young people, Seita and Setsuko trying to survive the horrors of war in WWII. The concept was good and the execution of it was made even better.I wouldn't have imagined that a studio such as Ghibli which was so accustomed to making children themes would pull this off as the rest of its distinguished works. The story was excellent that there were no one-sided events for them. Not everything that happened to the two siblings were all bad and not all fortunate either. It was like seeing it through the eyes of a citizen of pre and post WWII. I would say that some parts are not exactly kid-friendly such as dead bodies scattered and wounds and scars, but these are inevitable because these are the true essence of any conflict, suffering and attrition. Would this ended like the two lived back to their old lives, I would've been a little disappointed since it was highly unlikely at the time. I see that media makers still remember history.
Ah, another good fruit that came through. The characters were all true to their demeanors in war time, stoic, preserving and determined. Even people as minor as the aunt and farmer you could feel through them because it really happened to us. Famine, starvation had hardened and jaded people in war and this was no exception. Seita, was not a flat or static character. If he were, he and his sister would probably be dead a long time ago. Through the problems of the consequences of war, they have to overcome. They made a home, and tried to make ends meet even stealing food. As negative as the atmosphere Grave of the Fireflies show, we can't deny that this did not happen to people who were the victims.
I strongly recommend people of all ages, of all cultures, of all upbringing to please watch this at least once. It might also change you opinion of anime which is presently becoming an insubstantial genre of fanservice. This is what a classic is, something that leaves a mark in history, something that will be remembered for generations to come. Who knows, if Bush got the opportunity to watch this, maybe he'll think the Iraq war he so foolishly started to think twice, haha.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Rebel |
2006-07-31 20:29:28 |
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| I didn't really find this that great an anime. Actually, I thought it was a disappointment. I dunno why my friends liked it. I guess i just expected too much out of it.
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Saya77 |
(2006-10-26 23:01:33) 2006-06-19 09:52:14 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
5 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
5 |
| When you finish watching this anime, don't expect to be in a good mood. This anime is meant to be a depressing and emotional look at the life and death of two children, and it succeeds.
The animation isn't too good, as this movie was made in the late 80s, but it is still decent and felt fitting due to the setting of the movie. Still, there is no question that the animation isn't up to today's standards.
The soundtrack is very moving and dramatic: it enhances every scene, especially during the emotional moments, turning a sad scene into a riveting masterpiece.
The story was very tragic and yet simplistic. There arn't plot twists or surprises, especially because of the Tarantino-esque way the writer told this story: starting from the end and then going back to understand the end. Still, the story is extremely touching and gritty, pulling no punches in this realistic story.
The characters are what makes this movie great. For a movie like this, it is neccessary to have amazing characters that the audience cares about in order to get the movie's point across. Setsuko and Seito are both amazing and extremely realistic characters. While watching the movie I was struck by how similar to a real little girl Setsuko was, down to every last action and emotion. Seito himself was also very interesting, and his growth and depth were apparent throughout the film as he struggles to keep himself and his sister alive. The only side character who gets much screen time is their aunt on their father's side of the family, who plays the bitter reluctant care-giver perfectly.
This movie is a almost a must-see for all anime lovers, especially those of the classic anime genre, and is a very good watch for those interested in seeing the devestating effects of war on a civilian population, especially on the pysche and health of the two young protagonists in this movie. Unlike most anime, this movie has to with real-life rather than fantasy or science fiction, and thus is extremely unique in the anime world.
While this wasn't a truly enjoyable movie for me (hard to enjoy a movie that makes you feel so depressed), I am glad that I watched it, and it kept me glued to the screen the whole time.
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This is the best anime movie ever, a very good example of how work's life with or without war, a very good example of how the human becomes such a bad person without food, a example of truely love family and first of all... inocence and goodness that its still in some hearts on this little planet.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
4.0 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Story |
2 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
3 |
| Enjoyment |
1 |
| I know everyone thinks this film is so awesome. Don't believe the Hype!!! We were not entertained.
But all I felt after and during it was depressed. I suppose if you like to see sad stories, then you will like it. If you are a war buff you may like it.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| I don't think I liked this as much as many other people did, and I don't even think I was as moved by it as many others were. I did not cry, I didn't even feel like crying. I just felt depressed, and sad for the world, and wondered why war even exists in the first place. But Hotaru no Haka doesn't even look at war - it looks at the people. This is the epitome of an existentional anime. It perfectly sums up man's reason to live or die, and there are scenes and images that will stick with you forever. If you show this to anybody, anytime, even your non-anime friends, it will change their impression of animation forever.
The bottom line is that it is amazing such a dramatic, heartfelt setting was able to be created in such a short time, and it's amazing that people all over the world can watch this and learn from it. This is what I call "socially responsible", and it's what the world needs more of.
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Villain |
(2006-04-07 05:20:21) 2006-02-12 05:54:27 |
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| There are only a few sights, if any, as saddening as that of a young child suffering.
Grave of the Fireflies is an extremely sorrowful, yet incredibly beautiful movie about a brother and a sister trying to survive in Japan at the end of the Second World War. It is a very unusual movie in many ways. There's no story, at least not in a traditional sense, just a few extremely detailed moments of the life of these two children. Also, already in the first few scenes it is revealed that there will be a very sad ending, and the rest of the movie is just a painful journey towards that inevitable moment of sadness. Still, that journey is well worth to be seen.
While the animation is technically outdated, the art is unparalleled in its simple beauty even today. Together with the carefully used background-music the artwork supports the somber mood very well. The end result is a deeply touching movie, almost to the point of being emotionally exhausting.
There are essentially only two characters - the others are merely statists - but the two are brilliant. Seita, the brother, looks like any typical strong-willed anime lead at first, but soon it gets obvious he is far from perfect; and those many flaws of his make him a believable character, a real person. Eventually, his only redeeming quality is his unconditional love for his little sister - and even then he fails to make the right choices for her.
Setsuko, the little sister, is the most realistic little girl I have ever seen in anime. She is easily distracted, quick to change her mood, often complaining and always genuinely innocent. Her movements, manners, crying and way of thinking are exactly like those of a little girl. She's also perfectly voiced (in the Japanese dub) by a child-actress, as no adult could have the intonation of hers.
Overall, Grave of the Fireflies deserves its renowned status as an anime classic, despite its lack of a traditional storyline.
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Avalanche |
(2006-02-03 05:10:33) 2006-02-03 05:04:54 |
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This one is made to excercise your tear-ducts. Many movies have been made on WWII and the consequences, but only a few, like this one can get the true message of war across in a manner that would leave you all choked up by the end. This is a masterpiece, a paragon not only for anime but perhaps all drama movies made all over the world.
Animation
The naimation for 1988 standards is very good. One does'nt get the feeling that you are watching a very old movie. The drawings are made wonderfully. And all the characters are realisticily drawn.
Sound
The music is very beautiful and fits the movie like a glove. It adds to the melancholy effect - moving you to the core.
Story
Where does one begin to describe such a story? The movie encompasses the aspects of war in a an extaordinarily beautiful but yet grim way.
It is very sad story, this one will melt anyone who sees. Not many movies can be made like this one, a true gem among the others.
Character
The two main characters are developed to perfection. So much so, that by the end, one feels so much for the characters, that one wants to help them, so moved by their helplessness that it leaves you all choked up.
Value
Perhaps the best war movie ever made in all genre (not only anime, but all other cinematic works)
Enjoyment
While the film in itself is depressing and tragic, thus robbing you of all the enjoyment. But this movie is not to be enjoyed - it is to be seen to realise how people - especially children are effected by war.
This is a must see. For children as well as adults. It will be remembered as one of the masterpieces of the last century.
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petran79 |
(2006-04-27 14:27:00) 2005-11-24 15:22:13 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Based on a semi-autobiographical wartime memorial novel by Akiyuki Nosaka this was a film that could be classified as neo-realistic. It takes so many elements from these sort of films and in fact it is the first animated feature that tries that sort of approach.
It is based on real events since the authors sister starved to death during the firebombings of Japan and he was also feeling guilty about this and wanted also to die.
It is a very touching and heart-moving experience watching ''Grave of the Fireflies''. It is one of the most realistic and tragic films I've seen.
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|
| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| A solid anime film. I'm fully aware that this is a Studio Ghibli and that it was made in 1988. For that I knew it deserved at least a 7.
The Good:
-Nice animation. The backgrounds were extraordinary.
-I would pause the film just to view the artwork.
-The film wasn't overly dramatic.
-There is not a vast number of characters, so it is easy to remember the names.
-No confusion in the plot. I understood completely
-I didn't fall asleep
The Bad:
-I felt the story could have been told in less than an hour
-The story lacked depth.
-Ending was predictable, especially from the way the anime started.
All in all. This anime was decent. Check this one out.
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Cochitrin |
(2005-10-22 12:43:01) 2005-10-22 12:42:35 |
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Grave of The Fireflies is a magnificent piece of work. Its a really sad story that focuses on human reality. What makes this movie great its that its something that could happen not something imaginary.Though i thought that they were trying to make Japan look like the victim and the States like the bad ones,well that doesnt matter im not a politician.
Animation is very good, taking in consideration this anime is very old. The characters are well designed and so the backgrounds.
The sound effects here are marvelous, they seem so real, it makes you feel like you are living the war.
The story its great but its not that original, even it leaves you with some strange feeling, its really a moving story that can make you hate war and people who cause it.In case this isnt a full war story,its focused more on who war affects people.
The main characters, Seta and Setsuko are very well developed in personality and design. The story mainly focuses in this 2 characters and how they are trying to survive. Setsuko can really touch your heart, its just so sad.
This is definitely a must-see for all anime and non-anime viewers. Is a touching story that has prevail for more than 15 years and it may prevail much longer.So just watch this piece of art.
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Migoto |
(2005-10-15 11:40:31) 2005-10-15 09:56:24 |
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| Average |
8.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| I felt like this movie set's out to either tell a story and or make you feel like crap.Surely you must realize that though when you are watching a movie about orphaned children in WW2 that it's not going to be a happy go lucky picnic.The story blew me away cause when you usually see movie's that takes place at that time it's usually telling about the soldier's,family copeing together,this to me showed exactllty what an outcome of war was for many and I appreaciate it for that.None the less I couldnt give it too high of a rating for enjoyment because it was vey sad and it would be sick to actually say I enjoyed seeing it.I do however enjoyed what I learned from it.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
|
|
| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This anime is one of the best I have ever seen. I do not like war movies, usually the story is too nationalistic or impersonal, but this one has none of these weak points. This story is rather close to everyone's heart, maybe too close, I may say. I could not help thinking about the characters' fate for many days after seeing this movie. Though I think I cannot see this movie again (I am not strong enough), I will never forget. This is for sure the best Studio Ghibli movie.
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|
Gyokuro |
(2005-10-18 12:19:28) 2005-10-12 15:15:40 |
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| Average |
9.3 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Grave of the fireflies is so good that I could cry,
an unique survival story about a boy and his sister during the WW II, in Japan when americans are bombing the innocent villages of Japan. it's almost like telling a true story of what happened during the WWII, how you can lose your whole life, your house, family and everything you have in effects of war.
Animation of the movie is sharp and realistic, almost flawless. Effects of the war are well made. Pretty normal ghibli level art work, backgrounds are beautiful and detailed.
Sounds of the movie just to bring you'r mood to the level of the two childs while their house burns down and when they have great opportunity to swim in the sea. sounds from the bomb planes to voice talents are real good, nothing mor could have been expected.
main characters act like normal children, enjoyed their live during happy times, and cruied their eyes off when everything falls apart. Trying to survive during the times they had were hard, so hard that you can almost feel part of their's pain.
This is a anime you shoudn't miss, watch it even if you don't like drama or so. just watch it and be stunned by the amazines and honesty of the movie.
A masterpiece.
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|
|
| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| When I watched this movie I was teary eyed for hours after the credits roll. This movie captured so much human emotion and really forced the viewer to consider everything they thought about war and the people it affected. A powerful anti-war message simalar to schindlers list. It shows the affect the war had on families, children, and how they have to suffer for it.
Animation:
Ghibli-animation through and through. The backgrounds are beautiful and highly detailed.
Sound:
Soft music that sets the mood perfectly.
Story:
The story of the young boy and his sister is a simple one but the timing and content allowed this to shine. There were occasional scenes where nothing happened that let the viewer sit back and contemplate what just happened that way the movie never went too fast.
Character:
The two children acted like normal children would. Enjoyed playing and worked hard when it was required. The older brother also went out of his way to help and treat his sister to special things.
Value and Enjoyment:
This movie is one I think everyone should see at least once but don't have to see it again. It's an emotional roller coaster even though the destination is already set in stone, the ride is worth it.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| During the waning years of World War II, Japan refuses to give up so easily against the Americans and Russians. The result is that countless innocent Japanese villages and cities are bombed. The story follows the struggles of two particular victims in their fight for survival. It basically portrays the effects of war, and how you can lose everything in an instant. Your family, your home is all gone, and the only thing you have left to cherish is your little sister as you watch her cheerfully make use of the material around her in order to be happy.
Grave of the Fireflies is the most emotionally moving movie I have ever seen, and without a doubt, the best war movie. I'm not one to cry in movies (As a sign I didn't cry at all in The Notebook) but there are two instances when I couldn't help myself but cry. The only thing I really never liked about the film is that it can feel slow at times, and aside from those two moments of weeping, everything else can be considered above average, or excellent at most.
What I loved most about the movie (aside from its tear provoking ones) is how the characters actually look Japanese. This might be due to the time when it was animated, but it's still appreciating. The music is excellent and gives Grave of the Fireflies the appropriate atmosphere to dwell in. There's a particular theme that fooled me into believing a composer such as John Williams created. I'm not really a fan for Studio Ghibi's animation or its movies in particular, but if it were to stick with another style, the mood would have been ruined.
It's really hard to review a movie such as Grave of the Fireflies, because there's really no story, aside that a series of depressing scenarios arouse, and there aren't many characters to keep track of. It's also really hard because all of the main things that happen could give away what lies ahead. Some may think the first parts of it will be slow, but it's worth enduring until the end.
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