Must-Watch Viewing

Rating: 10/10 (23 January 2016)

The story concerns a kid, not yet old enough to fight in the war, and his little sister. Their mother died in the firebombing that occurred close to the end of the war. As such, they are forced to move in with an aunt that does not really want them around. Eventually, they grow angry and leave. Takahata intended this to be viewed as a reasonable but poor decision, but the West, with all its independence, has a tendency to view his actions in more of a positive light, which I don't think is a bad thing; if anything, it adds to the film rather than detract from it.
But cultural differences aside, the kids continue on their way and try to survive in the waning days of WWII. The brother does everything he can to take care of his sister and himself even as food becomes scarce. But eventually, they both die. That is not a spoiler. You the viewer are shown by the film in the opening sequence. Bro and Sis are spirits riding a train through Japan at its late-80's apex, looking out over the lights.
This is not a normal war movie, as you probably have already gleaned. It is a movie about two kids forced to try to survive during war. This distinction shows in the score, which sounds reminds me of a child's music box playing with embers dancing around it. It's probably one of my favorite scores for any Ghibli movie, which is saying a lot.
If I had to pick one movie to embody somberness, it would be this one. Most of it is not particularly depressing, at least not in the American sense of the word. There is no melodrama or a lot of moments specifically designed to pull at your heartstrings. The movie just lets its events play out and is better for it. Some of it has to do with smart writing; some of it is just the culture of Japan versus the culture of America. Note that I'm not saying I prefer Japanese culture and ideals; just that said culture and ideals work in the film's favor. This is a film that calls for subtle, something American films, for better or for worse, are not known for.
As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear how and when the two kids are going to die. Now, if the film was trying to twist us around and surprise us with its every move, this would be a bad thing. But given the sort of film it is, this growing sense of clarity works. It's like putting together a puzzle. A very somber, disturbing puzzle. The characters feel this despair and so do you. It's a nice way of drawing the audience into the film.
I have talked to many people who say this is one of the most soul-crushing films they have ever seen. Among people's lists of 'Films they loved but never want to see again', it is right alongside Schindler's List and Requiem for a Dream. And with good reason; there is something inherently hopeless about the situation these kids are in. You want someone to help these kids. You know that someone should help them. But you also know- right from the start of the film- that no one is going to help them.
If you have a friend who doesn't think animation can be as good as live-action: first off, why are you friends with this person; second off, show them this film. It can be a bit of a wakeup call for anyone who has only seen animation used for kids movies.
There are few films that can affect so many people in so many different ways. If you sit down and watch this with a friend, and they do not seem evoked by it: check their pulse, they must be dead. I could dissect how many levels this film works on, but that would take far, far too long.
Something I should talk about, though, is a scene at the end of the film. Again, no real spoilers here. The ghosts of the brother and sister look out upon modern Japan once again. Take notice that the city lights are made to look like fireflies, which in this film are a symbol for the happiness and prosperity that cannot last. This has been said to be a subtle message about how the prosperity Japan was enjoying at the time was destined to fade, and that everyone should try not to be so rash and blinded by what should not last forever. Pretty cool, if you ask me.
This is a film everyone should watch, at least once. There are a lot of war films out there, but there are very few like this, both in perspective, tone, and of course, quality.