Grave of the Fireflies: TAKAHATA Isao’s masterpiece is one of the best, if not the best, examples of the saying, “animation is not a genre; it is a medium.” The film is a touching and emotionally devastating anti-war story; it follows a pair of siblings trying to survive the final days of World War II after their home is destroyed. The wholesome relationship between the older, responsible brother (TATSUMI Tsutomu plays him beautifully) and the sweet-natured, energetic younger sister (another wonderful vocal performance by SHIRAISHI Ayano) is the film’s core, and it’s universally relatable, which makes the heartbreak hit all the harder. The animation, from the reconstruction of Kobe and the rural village they move to, to the character design, is beautiful, with great use of colour and light. The beautiful music, composed by MAMIYA Michio, fits the material very well.

Indeed, why must fireflies die so young?

Read what I wrote before: Grave of the Fireflies