Shocking - I wasn't prepared for this!

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2007)

So, I've received my present from a former student - Ghibli movies - Hooray! I sit and watch...
I've never felt the compulsion to review or express my thoughts on a piece of cinema until seeing this movie. I would recommend not reading any reviews re content or any commentary on it's meaning, it would only taint the experience. But if you must I hope the below doesn't take to much away from anyone about to see the film for the first time.
Sat in stunned silence, having read no reviews, done any research or had anyone explain to me what this film was about (yes, I'm an ignorant scamp!) I was in shock. Seeing this masterpiece with no expectations or any idea about the movie has been a truly profound experience.
It's rare indeed for a work of art to move, causing such a torrent of emotion - and not the one's we often like to deal with. I thought I would be in for an uplifting experience, and I was, in the most unexpected of ways.
Antiwar; I don't know? It seems to be touted that way by many. But then again we bring what we want too, and pin meaning to all things subjectively. 'Grave of the Fireflies' does nothing to glorify, demonise or attribute blame for any nations ideologies or the brutality and reality of war. What it does do is portray the reality of the situation and two lives affected by events beyond their power to control and the tragic consequence it has on their lives.
For me this movie is a raw, unflinching confession and apology; possibly an attempt to make sense of what must have been a horrendous sense of loss and guilt...somebody's soul laid bare. This has been the most powerful movie experience this viewer has ever had to date.