Grave of the Fireflies

Title: Grave of the Fireflies Director: Isao Takahata
Publisher: Shinchosa Company


Media Format: DVD
Genre: Anime, Historical
Selection Source: The Librarian's Guide to Anime and Manga
Audience: Junior High +
Recommendation: 5 *****
Curriculum Connections: Any class dealing with WWII


Summary
Roger Ebert says, "It belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made." Grave of the Fireflies is about an orphaned boy of about 12 years and his toddler sister trying to survive on their own in WWII Japan. At first they were staying with an aunt of theirs, and while the aunt wasn't abusive, she wasn't exactly supportive either, and the kids felt they were being taken advantage of, so they took what little money and supplies they had and headed for an abandoned bomb shelter. At first they enjoyed their freedom, but their health was quickly deteriorating, and the brother was having a difficult time bartering for food, so he turned to theft, which worked for a while... Ultimately, the elements and the lack of support from their countrymen was too much for them to overcome.


Evaluation
Many people consider this the saddest movie they've ever seen. Watching the ridiculously adorable toddler waste away is tragic like a train wreck. You see it coming, and there's nothing you can do about it. It would be a great way to introduce an alternative perspective on WWII. It's probably best for students who are at least 13. There's not much objectionable material. Most of the violence is periphery, but younger students may not be able to get as much out of it.