Death is pretty, in a way.

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2002)

This is one of these movies that make you think, think of how selfish some people are during wars, think of how much it tears them apart. This movie isn't anti-American, or pro-Japanese, it's anti-war. This movie is symbolic. It could've been any nation involved in any war, but the fact still remains that this is the one war movie that stands as the most heartwrenching movie I've ever seen, an Anime, at that.
If you're expecting your standard Anime with violence and sex, you're going to be surprised. This movie revolves around children, a 14 year old and his 4 year old sister. The violence is limited to fire from bombings, there is no swearing or bad language, and there is absolutely no nudity. It doesn't need any of that to be effective.
What you see is beautiful art and animation, and a powerful drive for survival. From the very start, you know what is going to happen. You know their fate before the flashback of their life even starts. Seeing them so happy together further stresses your heartstrings when you know what happens in the end. The symbolism in the movie is exceptionally striking, the fireflies, the kimono, and especially the fruit drops. In the end of the movie, it reverts back to the opening scene to end the flashback. You can't help but think "They're in peace now, nothing can disturb them further. Death is pretty, in a way."