Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Director: Isao Takahata
Stars: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi
Runtime: 89 minutes


Animation: 9/10

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 

Verdict: Roger Ebert described "Grave of the Fireflies" as being one of the best and most powerful war films ever made. And I absolutely agree with that statement.

The movie, which is one of Studio Ghibli's very first projects, follows Seita as he takes care of his younger sister, Setsuko, in war-torn Japan.

First of all, let's get the obvious out of the way. Just like every Studio Ghibli feature ever made, the animation is absolutely gorgeous and adds a lot to the experience. The same can be said about Michio Mamiya's transporting and wonderful score. But what makes this film one of the best Studio Ghibli animated movies is the excellently layered bond between the main two characters. This bond is the reason the picture is as impactful as Ebert described it to be, and made me feel like I personally knew the characters for a long time.
"Grave of the Fireflies" is absolutely and without a doubt a masterpiece that still holds up to this day, and a must not only for anime lovers, but for everyone.

Final Grade: 9/10