Grave of the Fireflies
3.5/4
Starring (voices): J. Robert Spencer, Corrine Orr
Not Rated (probably PG-13 for Disturbing War Images)
When it comes to war movies, the best rise to the top. "Schindler's List," "Saving Private Ryan," "Casablanca..." All are fondly remembered and well-regarded, and for good reason. "Grave of the Fireflies," isn't typically on that list, although it should be. Film critics and movie lovers know of Isao Takahata's 1988 film but it hasn't been embraced by the general public. Perhaps because it is anime, and not made by Disney or Pixar (Hayao Miyazaki, despite winning an Oscar for "Spirited Away," is still a cult filmmaker). Or perhaps it is because it is a mature and deeply sad film as opposed to the cute and funny stuff we see in animation. Unlike most animated films, it's not for kids. It is simply too sad and disturbing.
By the time "Grave of the Fireflies" starts, Seita (Spencer) has died. It's the tail end of World War II, and he is a young Japanese teenager. After his mother dies during a bombing, he and his young sister Setsuko (Orr) are forced to seek refuge with his aunt (Amy Jones), but she is cruel to them. Eventually, they have to find a way to survive on their own. Money is scarce, but food is more important and it is even harder to find. It is a situation that would try any person, much less a young kid with a kid sister in tow.
The film's biggest success is the relationship between Seita and Setsuko. It's nicely developed by Takahata's screenplay, which is based on the novel written by Akiyuki Nosaka. Nosaka lost his sister in the war, and wrote the novel to deal with his guilt. As sad as this movie sometimes is, it's counterbalanced by moments of lightness. There are plenty of cute and heartwarming moments to be found here. The bond that the two share forms the core of the film.
It is indicative of the story's raw power and the strength of the telling that it can, and is, be seen in two ways. In the U.S., it is seen as an anti-war film and a tragedy. In Japan, it is seen as the price a kid will pay for not respecting his elders (Takahata subscribes to this point of view). I saw the film a few years ago not knowing this information, but knowing it, I see that it plays to both points of view.
The film looks great. Takahata, who is a friend and contemporary of Miyazaki, has full confidence in the story and it's ability to enrapture an audience. He doesn't cheapen it with humor or quirky supporting characters, nor does he insult the audience's intelligence. His view of the film is stark and uncompromising; there were times when I thought that, had it gone by the MPAA (which it didn't), they might have given it an R rating. That is to the film's benefit.
The film's only real drawback is the voice acting. It's adequate, but not standout. J. Robert Spencer is very good as Seita, bringing the young boy to life with warmth and empathy. Less successful is Corrinne Orr, credited as Rhoda Chrosite. The actress is middle-aged in real life, and while it's not a terrible performance, it's not good either.
Still, the movie will leave a strong impression on everyone who watches it. That's all we can ask for, right?
Starring (voices): J. Robert Spencer, Corrine Orr
Not Rated (probably PG-13 for Disturbing War Images)
When it comes to war movies, the best rise to the top. "Schindler's List," "Saving Private Ryan," "Casablanca..." All are fondly remembered and well-regarded, and for good reason. "Grave of the Fireflies," isn't typically on that list, although it should be. Film critics and movie lovers know of Isao Takahata's 1988 film but it hasn't been embraced by the general public. Perhaps because it is anime, and not made by Disney or Pixar (Hayao Miyazaki, despite winning an Oscar for "Spirited Away," is still a cult filmmaker). Or perhaps it is because it is a mature and deeply sad film as opposed to the cute and funny stuff we see in animation. Unlike most animated films, it's not for kids. It is simply too sad and disturbing.
By the time "Grave of the Fireflies" starts, Seita (Spencer) has died. It's the tail end of World War II, and he is a young Japanese teenager. After his mother dies during a bombing, he and his young sister Setsuko (Orr) are forced to seek refuge with his aunt (Amy Jones), but she is cruel to them. Eventually, they have to find a way to survive on their own. Money is scarce, but food is more important and it is even harder to find. It is a situation that would try any person, much less a young kid with a kid sister in tow.
The film's biggest success is the relationship between Seita and Setsuko. It's nicely developed by Takahata's screenplay, which is based on the novel written by Akiyuki Nosaka. Nosaka lost his sister in the war, and wrote the novel to deal with his guilt. As sad as this movie sometimes is, it's counterbalanced by moments of lightness. There are plenty of cute and heartwarming moments to be found here. The bond that the two share forms the core of the film.
It is indicative of the story's raw power and the strength of the telling that it can, and is, be seen in two ways. In the U.S., it is seen as an anti-war film and a tragedy. In Japan, it is seen as the price a kid will pay for not respecting his elders (Takahata subscribes to this point of view). I saw the film a few years ago not knowing this information, but knowing it, I see that it plays to both points of view.
The film looks great. Takahata, who is a friend and contemporary of Miyazaki, has full confidence in the story and it's ability to enrapture an audience. He doesn't cheapen it with humor or quirky supporting characters, nor does he insult the audience's intelligence. His view of the film is stark and uncompromising; there were times when I thought that, had it gone by the MPAA (which it didn't), they might have given it an R rating. That is to the film's benefit.
The film's only real drawback is the voice acting. It's adequate, but not standout. J. Robert Spencer is very good as Seita, bringing the young boy to life with warmth and empathy. Less successful is Corrinne Orr, credited as Rhoda Chrosite. The actress is middle-aged in real life, and while it's not a terrible performance, it's not good either.
Still, the movie will leave a strong impression on everyone who watches it. That's all we can ask for, right?
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