An absolutely heartbreaking masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2010)

I watched this movie last night and I am still upset just thinking about it. This heart wrenching look at the aftermath of WW2 tells the story of two orphaned children and their struggles to survive. It is much deeper than any other animated picture I've ever seen.
This is definitely a departure for Studio Ghibli. It is rather dark and bleak compared to most of their other movies. Although sad, it is still a very wonderful movie. And by sad, I mean it is SAD. I cried a few times during the movie ,but I sobbed my eyes out for the last fifteen to twenty minutes and I'm not ashamed to say it.
I applaud the unflinching look at the way war hurts everyone, but especially those the most forgotten during war, the children. I was inspired by how selflessly Seita cared for his little sister. Through the good times (they did have some believe it or not) and the bad, he put her well-being before his always. It is a love story, although not the way one would usually think of.
As hard as it is to watch at times, I recommend everyone to watch this movie.