Customer Ratings & Reviews

This is one of the best animated films from Studio Ghibli.

Deep , emotional, one of the best animated films about the effects of war you'll ever see

Well draw movie. Very very sad storyline. Would not recommend for youngsters.

This is animated but not intended for children with it's strong subject matter.

Good movie. My daughter liked it. It was a sad movie though.

Genre: Drama Length: 1.5 hours. "As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources. Forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth, their doomed struggle is both a tribute to the human spirit and the stuff of nightmares. Beautiful, yet at times brutal and horrifying." As artwork, it definitely deserves a 5 star rating. Emotionally riveting in relating to human behavior and a stark reminder of the horrors of war. As for personal enjoyment, though, I just wasn't as interested. The beginning was the end and the rest just explained how it came to be. Had a feeling of what was going to happen once Keita and Setsuko moved out of their aunt's house. Thought more would be made out of their mom's ring as well since it seemed to have some impact early on. Perhaps it was just the bleak, doomed future that I didn't want to accept as an ending? The humanity of the characters was spot on as well. Most notably with Setsuko. Wanted to get annoyed at her a couple times and then realized that she's acting exactly as my nieces or other children I know act at that age. Character portrayal in "Grave of the Fireflies" is amazing. The graphics are quite well-done considering they're from remastered from a 1988 movie. Definitely a masterpiece. The environments always seem to reflect the characters throughout. Indoors, it's always a bit melancholy and toned-down. However, if the windows are open or they're outside, the feeling lightens up considerably. Of course, the further things progress...it doesn't matter where they are. English cast did a good dubbing. Of course, there's really only three characters that have multiple scenes to talk in. Extras: You've got the storyboard version of the movie #black & white picture outlines with audio#, two deleted storyboards, and trailers. Couldn't bring myself to rewatch the movie in the storyboard version. Had heard about this title a bit in the past but had never been one to look for it. Ended up picking it off the shelf at one of the local Best Buys while I was browsing all the anime. I can't say that I'll watch it again, but I think everyone should watch it at least once.

Don't watch if you don't want to cry. This is the saddest movie. But it's also one of the best I've ever seen. And that includes non-animated films. It's from the people at Studio Ghibli but it wasn't released by them. If you know their films then you know the quality you can expect. The blu-ray is an improvement on the dvd. Highly recommended.

This movie completely defies is medium as an animated film to become what i believe to be on of the most powerful statements about the effects of war on civilians that has even been commited to the screen. The film opens with the final scene and we are then brought back to the day of the firebombing in tokyo at the end of world war 2. The two main characters, ages (approx) 12 and 5 are orphaned, sent to live with an aunt and later find themselves completely alone and forced to survive on their own. While I very highly recommend this movie, i don't see why best buy has listed it as "suitable for children"... not all cartoons are for children and while some children may be deeply touched by this as I was, I think you should watch it alone before showing it to any children. You will not regret seeing this movie and you will never forget it.

Just fantastic. It's an animated movie that doesn't involve talking animals, fantasy themes or adolescent humor. The plot is up there with any oscar nominated drama, and in some cases much better. It takes place in Japan during WWII - when the U.S. was bombing it. But it bypasses any political statements by using two siblings, one in his mid to early teens and the other a grade school, child and showing viewers what they endured. Anyone who likes a powerful story should watch this one.

love this movie the first movie I ever saw from Studio Ghibli this movie is about Seita who has to raise his younger sister Setsuko after their mother dies in an American firebombing they go to live with their aunt who doesn't want them with her so Seita and Setsuko go to live in an old bomb shelter Seita and Setsuko rely completely on each other and struggle against all odds to stay together and stay alive.

Beautiful animation around an utterly heartbreaking story of two children dealing with the aftermath of the WWII bombing of Japan. Studio Ghibli, as always, creates a compelling visual story that only drives home the sorrow of the two orphans trying to make their way. A must-watch film, but not in any way for the very young.

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It puts you right in the middle of the lives of two children that, after much debate, decide to live on their own after their parents are killed. It is such a sad movie if you have ever experienced any kind of hardships with war, family, or other personal difficulties. The story is great, the animation is fantastic, and if it weren't for the tears in my eyes, I would continuously watch this movie over and over again.

There is no way anyone can watch this movie without being effected by it. It is a sad and a very emotional movie. If you think all anime is the same, just check this movie out. Nothing is wrong with the movie, no violence or nudity or language. What it is though is much much more then 90% of any anime out there. It is heartfelt and it is touching. Good luck not drawing a tear from this movie...

high recommended, one of the kind anime movie you must watch if you very sensitive you will cry at least twice before movie end. its tearjerker movies. based on someone story who lost theirs friend & family in japan back in WWII.

Very amazingly well done Anime. Very thought-provoking and touches on some serious subjects (war, etc.). Recommended to anyone, not just anime fans.

Great movie keeping in line with the other Studi Ghibil films. However spoiler warning it is very sad and might limit the amount of times you will watch this movie.

Enjoyed every minute of this movie. Recommend it highly!