Heartwrenching Brutality of Reality

Rating: 9/10 (28 April 2016)

As it is already well known, "Grave of the Fireflies" is without much of a doubt, the most saddest animation film ever made. I was already well aware of the films attributes, when I finally got a chance to see this with original Japanese soundtrack. But... I still wasn't prepared for the roller coaster ride of an experience I won't, and even more importantly, can't never, ever forget. This movie will rip your heart apart during its 89 minute duration. It will turn like a sharp needle through your chest, unless you are made of wood, this movie will make you question morality of mankind, it will force you to reckon what is humanity's guilt or responsibility for one and another.
And this movie is relentless... It won't let you go of its depressing grip, even for a moment. And it will twist, turn and tear your soul apart in ways that you never thought were even possible, no matter how tough you think you are. And all of this only gets worse and worse, more closer to the end you get.
So... does this mean it makes poor entertainment? Well.. yes, when speaking strictly about how this movie will (or at least should) make you feel. But.. is it a good movie? -YES! Without any question about it -This IS one of the best animations ever made, both visually and by its story content. I had previously only seen the movie dubbed in English, which I have to say, is a travesty, near criminally bad. The original Japanese voice of "Setsuko" (by "Ayano Shiraishi") is simply so heart warming and so touching. And it's difficult to believe that nothing of this sort comes through from the bad English dub, which is just wrong, wrong, wrong!
To finish this off, it must be said, that even knowing all of the above, before actually seeing the film, there really is nothing that would properly prepare you for this extraordinary emotional experience of a life time. It is a must see film, a masterpiece by it's own right, and has more than earned its place on the IMDb Top 250 list. (When I'm writing this, the film is at position 60.)