There is so many reasons to see this.

Rating: 10/10 (18 October 2011)

I am 15 years old. I am a boy. I have a younger sister. I have never really thought of the effects of war on countries like Japan in World War II. I watched this on my own, Thursday night, not knowing much apart from the basic plot. I was moved. On Sunday afternoon I watched it again with the rest of my family. I cried. Both times.
This movie is so strong, anyone who wants to not be able to sleep tonight, who wants to be kept awake judging their own morals, the effects of war and evaluating their own relationships - watch this movie! If you don't, watch it anyway - it must be seen.
I shan't spoil anything but it will touch you out of the sheer cruelty of our modern world and the stupidity of warfare. If I was Japanese or American this movie would make me feel somewhat guilty for the events of the film and it becomes even more poignant to learn that is based on true events. The relationship between Seita and Setsuko is so amazing, for the first hour it is not only extremely realistic but heart-breaking by the end. Even if you don't feel morally different about war, the emotional impact is enough to put me in a state of confusion and feeling so sad ... for days. The single greatest thing is the relationship, it is the most realistic and saddest thing I have ever seen in cinema.
If you're between 12 and 25, this is must see. You need to watch it, either to question your own morals or to re-enforce them. And although the creator claims the movie is not an "anti-war" film but one about the relationship then watch it anyway - the relationship makes this movie so magical and the war themes just give it context. If you have a sibling - watch this. If you want to know about war - watch this. If you're between 12 and 25 - watch this. If you want to see something so powerful you'll be moved - watch this. If you want a war film - try something different, watch this.
Just watch this movie.
Why do fireflies have to die so young?