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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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William B One of the best war movies of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Jay W This isn't a movie that lends itself to sensational critic quotes. This movie isn't a "nonstop thrill ride" or a "delight for the whole family". In truth the film is painful to watch. But you need to see it. This film drags you through the mud and makes you feel like the sun is never going to shine again. You watch it and want to reach out your hand and give these starving children your popcorn, but you can't. You just have to watch them as their situation becomes worse and worse. If this film shows so much pain, why is it so good? It is a cautionary tale, but it never feels like it is blaming the audience for the problems. You could look at it from the point of view of: "How could we do this to people?" and see it as a story of the human consequences of war. Or maybe you take the point of view of "Seita, swallow your pride and ask for some help." Or from another point of view, you could learn: "Be courteous about what you say to people, you don't know the problems that are going on in their lives." No matter how you look at it, there is a lesson to be learned. And with these powerful images, and a story you won't forget no matter how hard you try, the lesson will be sticking with you. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/20/24 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 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