Grave of the Fireflies by Isao Takahata

One movie a day

Grave of the Fireflies by Isao Takahata 

In 1945, the city of Kobe is bombed by American planes. Seita and Setsuko were remain behind while their sick mother had joined a bomb shelter. Surprised by an attack, they were uninjured but their mother, badly burned, died shortly after. The neighborhood having been destroyed, children took refuge with an aunt who is rather reluctant.

An emotional outlet to the horrors of war for its author

The story is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka. He wrote it because of the guilt he felt for what had happened this year of 1945. Although it is not claimed as such, many people see this anime as wearing a profound anti-war message. It shows the life of people who did ask nothing and yet are victims of the war. It is poignant from start to end and very well done. The drawings of Kobe city for example are very truthful.