Grave of the Fireflies

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Grave of the Fireflies

1988

1h 28m

Drama

War

Anime

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

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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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

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

One of the most startling and moving animated films ever.

Jan 3, 2019

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Tanush B

Best animated movie I have ever watched... The saddest movie I have ever watched. Can't help but absolutely love and admire how great this movie was despite how badly it made me cry. It's a must watch, for everyone. Although, it's the movie I will never watch a second time, my heart isn't that strong

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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ROUTHU S

This is the most heart wrenched movie I have seen till now setsuko what a cute character

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

Full Review

Diptansu C

Ohh! What a great movie I have just watched. Its my second anime film and I am in love with this genre as well as Studio Ghibli. At the end, I failed to held back my tears. Hats off to all of those people who contributed in creating this magnificent creation. Fell in love with the beautiful relationship between Seita and Setsuko, one of the best brother-sister pair I have ever watched in a movie/webseries. 🫡🫡

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/01/24

Full Review

Micah H

A beautiful, but heart wrenching story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

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Garrett B

A heartbreaking but poignant feature

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

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Josh G

this killed me I am in despair

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/29/24

Full Review

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Isao Takahata

Director

J. Robert Spencer

Seita

Rhoda Chrosite

Setsuko

Amy Jones

Aunt

Kathleen McInerney

Mother

Isao Takahata

Screenwriter

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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