Not Just Sadness: Why You Should Watch Grave of the Fireflies

About a year after its international release, Grave of the Fireflies has finally become available for streaming in Japan.

I’m pretty sure I first watched this film in elementary school as part of a class, but in truth, it is not a movie for children.
It is a film for adults. My memories are vague, and the only thing I clearly recalled was that it was an incredibly sad story.

The film is extremely famous in Japan, but because of its devastating subject matter, I hesitated for a long time before rewatching it as an adult. Still, I felt that perhaps I would notice something different now, so I decided to give it another try.

Overview

The story is set in Kobe, Japan, during the final months of World War II, portraying the struggles of a 14-year-old boy, Seita, and his 4-year-old sister, Setsuko, as they fight to survive amidst war and loss.

(Spoilers ahead, but I hope they spark your interest.)

A Striking Opening

The film begins with Seita’s narration, where he immediately tells us about his own death. Starting from the ending was a bold and unique choice for an anime film in 1988.

Knowing the outcome from the start dulls the shock somewhat, but it also makes everything that follows even more heartbreaking.

Setsuko, the Little Angel

Seita’s younger sister Setsuko is irresistibly adorable, with all the honesty, stubbornness, and unfiltered innocence of a four-year-old.

The Japanese voice acting by five-year-old Ayano Shiraishi was phenomenal. If possible, I recommend watching in Japanese with subtitles in English or your native language, to experience the raw emotion in her performance.

Survival in Wartime Japan

Today, Japanese people are often seen as helping one another in times of disaster. But wartime was different.

Relatives and farmers appear cruel in the film, but given the scarcity of food and the constant fear of air raids, their behavior feels more understandable. Under such conditions, people naturally became more self-focused.

Seita’s Choice

Some may criticize Seita’s decision to leave his aunt’s house. But let’s remember—he was only 14.

Thinking back to myself at that age, I cannot blame him. Even if the result was tragic, I respect that he chose to prioritize happiness with Setsuko, however brief it was.

Not Anti-American, but Human

While the film depicts air raids and bombings, it avoids showing American soldiers or nuclear attacks.

The focus remains on Seita and Setsuko’s personal lives, making it relatable to audiences worldwide without placing blame.

The Power of Ghibli Animation

Even though the film was released in 1988, Studio Ghibli’s artistry ensures it still looks breathtaking today.

From lush landscapes to the hauntingly beautiful firefly scenes, the visuals remain timeless.

A Glimmer of Comfort

The film opens with Seita’s death in a train station, showing how many children were abandoned.

But from the spirit world, he is reunited with Setsuko. For me, this reunion was the film’s only moment of relief. I felt peace knowing the siblings could be together again.

Why Animation Makes It Stronger

I rarely watch anime, but I wondered: what if Grave of the Fireflies had been live-action?

I think it would have lost much of its impact. Real actors might have made it feel staged or theatrical.

But as animation, Seita and Setsuko are eternal—unchanging and unforgettable—which allows us to connect with them on a deeper emotional level.

More Than Just Sadness

Before rewatching, I expected nothing more than a tragic tale of two siblings dying in war.

But I gained so much more: Seita’s resilience, his immaturity, his deep love for Setsuko. The film’s beauty, direction, and unexpected touches made it far greater than I remembered.

Can I Watch It Again?

Many reviews say it’s too painful to watch twice. And yes, it is heavy. But as cinema, it is such a masterpiece that I would gladly watch it again.

Honestly, I found the first half even harder to watch than the second. For comparison, Dancer in the Dark is a film I could never watch twice.

Why You Should Watch

For me, this is not simply an anti-war film. It is a film that enriches the heart.

I don’t believe only happiness helps people grow—sometimes pain is just as important.

You can experience this beautiful, fleeting, and profound kind of pain with ease.
All it takes is sitting on your couch and accessing Netflix.

If we put it in modern terms, it’s the ultimate “cost-performance” experience. You may cry the whole time, but crying is a form of detox, a way to release stress.

So why not let yourself cry?

I can’t help but wonder: what would Seita and Setsuko think of our world today?

Thanks for reading!

If you enjoy my posts, your support really motivates me ☕