Heart wrenching, a true dramatic masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (25 November 2000)

This film proves that animation can get across just as much emotion as a real life film. Most anime is fast action and suggestive humor, and while that's all and good, "Grave of the Fireflies" breaks all the trends in the market. Beautifully directed by Isao Takahata, the movie's tale of the United State's bombing campaign and it's impact on the Japanese hit home and really make the viewer question the reasoning behind the bombing of any city. With a somber, bleak, yet incredibly moving score by Michio Mamyia, this movie should be seen by all owners of a DVD player. I suggest English viewers watch the dubbed version because its dialog quality is far above the average anime and really helps get across the emotion and despair of the protagonists. A great film that belongs in any serious anime/war/drama fan's collection.