The Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka). 1988. Directed by Isao Takahata.

(9/17/99)

Extremely intense; extremely painful. I didn't like it at first but got more involved as it went on. I thought it was hard to follow in places. For example, when the brother and sister went to live with the aunt I didn't quite understand the family situation.

Some of the animation was very beautiful. However, the film does rely heavily on stock responses. After all, how hard is it to be moved by a young brother and sister, orphaned and forced to fend for themselves with bombs dropping all around?

I liked the whole idea of the boy trying to keep from his sister that their mother has died. Then, when he finds out that she does know he starts to cry. It's as if keeping it from her was a way of suppressing his own grief.