Bitter-sweet.

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2013)

There is one word I would use to describe this film: bitter-sweet. It is not only an anti-war showcase but it also an amazingly detailed story of friendship, sacrifice and love.
We follow Setsuko, a 4-year-old girl and a teenage boy named Seita. The relationship between the two of them is one of the most powerful I have ever seen on screen. Seita is a selfless brother, who puts his innocent, vulnerable and accurately child-like sister before himself, at all times. By the end of it, I found myself entirely invested and intrigued by these characters.
The dialogue plays a bit part in this film. It doesn't rely on outlandish punchlines and doesn't try to be something it isn't, instead "Grave of the Fireflies" focuses on a much more delicate, minimal approach, the phrase 'less is more' springs to mind.
Undoubtedly, it is visually stunning. The creators did not cut any corners in creating a cinematic landscape. The colours are particularly striking throughout the 90 minute running time. The vivid backgrounds almost have a smoothness to them, similar to that of watercolour paint. Bold usage of colour also helps to effortlessly blend the films darker, more sinister moments with the soft and profound moments.
To end my review, this film is a triumph. It's not just a film, it's a lesson. It doesn't just teach us about the brutality of war and how it demolishes peoples lives, it teaches us about humility. Is it dark? Yes. Is it depressing? Definitely. Is it a must see? Absolutely.