Grave Of The Fireflies...Wow

Tino · 10-09-2002, 01:44 PM

I just finished watching the recently released SE DVD of Isao Takahata's Grave Of The Fireflies and am amazed at how powerful a film it was.

This Anime` film, which tells the story of a brother Seita, and his little sister Setsuko surviving the fire bombings of their village by any means necessary, is one of the best war (or anti-war?) films ever made.

The relationship between Seita and his sister is so real, so heart wrenching, that it is virtually impssible not to be moved to tears by their plight. No animated film I have ever seen has been this powerful.

There are so many wonderful little details that make this film a wonder to behold. To reveal them would spoil the magic of them.

The Japanese actors who voice the brother and sister, Tsutomo Tatsumi as Seita and especially Ayanu Shiraishi as Setsuko are extaordinary. The range of emotions that they convey with their voices is amazing. I listened to the Englsh dub for a moment to compare and the listless reading by the English voice actors is no where near as good as the original. Even though I don't understand Japanese, their feeling came across loud and clear. I urge you to watch the sub titled version. You'll see what I mean.

I haven't seen many Anime` films, Akira, Mononoke, Metropolis and recently Spirited Away to name a few.

Grave Of The Fireflies is better than them all. Small and intimate, not big and flashy, it is a one of a kind emotionally draining, incredibly moving viewing experience.

Highly Recommended!

Peter Kim · 10-09-2002, 02:13 PM

Indeed, an extremely provocative film. The problem is...it's so emotionally exhausting, ranging from shock and anger to profound and infinite sadness, I wondered how often I could rewatch this film.

Yet, when it was repeatedly shown on IFC a number of years ago, I invariably caught every showing. Either I'm a sucker for intense blues or the film, despite the fact that it's anime, possesses many nuances (my appreciation for anime has grown since).

Quote:

The range of emotions that they convey with their voices is amazing. I listened to the Englsh dub for a moment to compare and the listless reading by the English voice actors is no where near as good as the original. Even though I don't understand Japanese, their feeling came across loud and clear.

For me the most compelling aspect of the film. I was never a fierce OSL advocate before, but after watching this film, I gained a newfound respect for the amount 'acting' intrinsic to voices.

The anguish evident in the older brother's voice...piercing throughout. Much like content, there are cultural components to speech that are neither translateable or evident in other cultures.

Great review...might have to buy the dvd. But I actually cringe or I'm provoked to great anger when I recall this film.

Chris Harvey · 10-09-2002, 03:36 PM

I was given the VHS as a gift some time ago -- I share Tino's thoughts and feelings entirely. It's a truly amazing movie, and I'm delighted to see it's been given SE treatment (didn't realize it had been released yet, though!).

Time to make a quick trip to the video store... this should be required viewing for everyone -- though it can be hard to take at times.

Tony Stirling · 10-10-2002, 03:08 AM

I, too thought this was a very difficult, yet very important film to watch. Anyone who says anime or any kind of animation has no range really should see this film and experience the depth of feeling.

You will cry.

tony

Scott Weinberg · 10-10-2002, 03:31 AM

I have this one (and Metropolis) in my Netflix queue! Looking forward to both of 'em!

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Lou Sytsma · 10-10-2002, 07:23 AM

I must see this movie - but it's not easy to find and is fairly expensive.

Edwin Pereyra · 10-10-2002, 08:13 AM

Grave of the Fireflies is simply the most important and perhaps the best animated film ever made. A perfect marriage between animated storytelling and a moving storyline, the characters and images that Isao Takahata paints are both harrowing and unforgettable. This is a film that is not to be missed and every library should not be without.

~Edwin

Tino · 10-10-2002, 10:17 AM

Lou

It's $19.99 @ BestBuy and it's a 2 disc SE with plenty of extras. Well worth every penny.

Lou Sytsma · 10-10-2002, 12:26 PM

Thanks for the tip Tino.

I'll check the Best Buy that's opening up near me - now that they are moving into Canada.

I've seen it elsewhere but it's going for ~ $50 Canadian.

SteveGon · 10-10-2002, 03:19 PM

Another rec