Heart-wrenching

Rating: 8/10 (4 February 2001)

Being a die-hard animation fan in all forms, whether it be Disney, Dreamworks, or Japanese anime, I have watched an extensive range but never before have I ever seen an animated film that has caused me to cry at the end. The sytle of animation is like other beautifully Japanese animated films such as Tonari No Totoro, Mononoke Hime and Kurenai no buta (aka Porco Rosso). This style of anime was what drew me to watch it but I was totally unprepared for the 'Schindler's List'-type atmosphere that this movie portrays. The storyline of a brother taking care of his baby sister during the war drew me in so entirely that for many days afterwards I found myself lying wide awake thinking of the message that this movie is clearly trying to send - war destroys. Isao Takahata has made a movie that all older teens and adults should see. Its story is enrapturing, the animation stunning and realistic and its message one that we should all learn from - love not war is what this world needs.