Sad and beautiful story

Rating: 10/10 (4 December 2000)

This is the kind of story you wish they'd make more of.
Yes, it's animated, but no, it's not like a Disney movie and no, it's not like the usual japanime people usually think of. This is way different.
It's about a story of a boy (Seita) and girl (Setsuko) living in Japan during the near end of the Japan vs. US part of World War II. Their father is out fighting the war, their mother is seriously hurt in a bombing, and the two kids fend for themselves. It's told in a way that doesn't beg for tears, but sure as hell gets them. I don't want to give too much away, but there are times when you just have a gut reaction to what's happening to the kids. It's sad and haunting, and is a movie I highly recommend.
Look at it this way, it's under 90 minutes, it isn't that long. And, having seen the quintessential anime movies (Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Princess Mononoke), Grave of the Fireflies is a level above them, and above most other movies, animated or otherwise. 10/10.