Grave of the Fireflies
1988
*****
Director: Isao Takahata
Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi
After their mother dies and their home is destroyed, Japanese siblings Seita and Setsuko attempt to survive the final months of World War 2. Isao Takahata's Studio Ghibli animation is a harrowing and unflinching depiction of the effects of war on civilian population. Although this is a thoroughly engrossing survival story with lovely characters and a wonderfully warm portrayal of familial love, it is grim viewing.
