Very Sad Movie...

Rating: 8/10 (13 April 2010)

This is a very sad story. Two orphans, teenager Seita (J. Robert Spencer) and his toddler sister, Satsuke (Rhoda Chrosite) must survive on their own at the end of WWII. It doesn't get much sadder than this.
Japan, 1945. The war is nearly over, and Japan is being pummeled by constant air raids by the Americans. After the death of their mother, Seita and Satsuke must find a way to survive (their father is away in the Navy).
The film is strongly reminiscent of Cinderella and "Life Is Beautiful." The former because the two siblings go to live with a distant aunt at first, but leave because she is cruel. The latter is because of the relationship between Seita and Satsuke. Seita tries to keep his younger sister from experiencing the trauma of their situation. Therefore he tries to make everything fun and exciting for her.
One of the notable qualities about the best anime is that the dubbed voices are always good. Miyazaki's films have it, but unfortunately, this one doesn't. The only voice that works is J. Robert Spencer. This is a guy we can all love; if everyone had an older brother like this, we'd all be very happy. He's very nice and pleasant towards Satsuke, to the point where it almost becomes unfair. Rhoda Chrosite is not successful though. It sounds as if a 30 had imitated a four year old, and instead of tearing at our heart, it becomes annoying. Amy Jones has stilted delivery as the aunt, but she's okay.
Although this is a very sad movie, it lacks the real emotional punch that many of the best tragedies have. This is not a tearjerker, however, and calling it that would do the film a great disservice. It's a good film that should be seen, but it is not always easy going.