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Grave of the Fireflies

Play trailer Poster for Grave of the Fireflies 1988 1h 28m Drama War Anime Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 46 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
A teenager (J. Robert Spencer) is charged with the care of his younger sister (Rhoda Chrosite) after an Allied firebombing during World War II destroys their home and kills their mother.
Grave of the Fireflies

What to Know

Critics Consensus

An achingly sad anti-war film, Grave of the Fireflies is one of Studio Ghibli's most profoundly beautiful, haunting works.

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Critics Reviews

View All (46) Critics Reviews
Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting It’s one thing to have a film really sadden you, but I also found it sublime in its beauty... [Setsuko and Seita's] happiness together is transcendent. Rated: 5/5 Dec 7, 2022 Full Review Glenn Kenny New York Times One of the most startling and moving animated films ever. Jan 3, 2019 Full Review Chris Cabin Slant Magazine Isao Takahata makes survival the thematic core of the story, but he never degrades his characters or fetishizes their suffering. Rated: 3.5/4 Dec 30, 2018 Full Review Carson Timar ClapperCast The film has so much to say not just about war and death but also about pride. This is an incredibly worthy film that is a unique piece of Studio Ghibli's filmography. Mar 26, 2024 Full Review Charles Solomon FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) A flower on the grave of all the children who have died needlessly in war. It is eloquent, moving, and beautiful. Sep 7, 2023 Full Review Jordan Brooks Vague Visages A gripping drama whose defiant youths refuse to bow to war, hunger and indifference, Grave of the Fireflies is a film for children to learn the harsh realities of life so that they can do all in their power to prevent the cycle from continuing. Aug 1, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Frank V Bad movie that doesn’t hold up. Maybe it was good in 1988 but that’s when I was born. By the time I got to it, seemed lame. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/25 Full Review SAHIL A The other side and results of war!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/06/25 Full Review Jens kári V I hadn't heard of this movie before i watched it and damn it had me crying for ten minutes after finishing it it is a masterpiece of a movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review Elis B Captivating and deeply moving Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/26/24 Full Review Savannah G Anyone who loves film should see this movie. The details in the animation and vocal matching were so incredible in this movie to hear and see - the emotions that came out of this film were unexpected. It is truly a sad story from a film that did an accurate job of showing how our emotions and justifications and pride and duty come out of nowhere when it comes to people we love. Powerful war movie displayed in a very beautiful and moving way! Must see the film if you enjoy the art. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/26/24 Full Review timothy s My girlfriend and I watched this knowing little to nothing about the actual plot. Despite the tears that both of us shed this movie is an absolute gem. I can't think of a single animated film that has moved me emotionally quite like this. I would give a disclaimer to say make sure you're in a good head space before you watch this, even if you're someone like me who doesn't usually cry in movies. Overall though I will never ever forget this film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Grave of the Fireflies

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis A teenager (J. Robert Spencer) is charged with the care of his younger sister (Rhoda Chrosite) after an Allied firebombing during World War II destroys their home and kills their mother.
Director
Isao Takahata
Screenwriter
Isao Takahata
Genre
Drama, War, Anime
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 11, 2017
Runtime
1h 28m