Movie Details:
| Kanji | 火垂るの墓 |
| Revised Hepburn | Hotaru no Haka |
| Based on | “Grave of the Fireflies” by Akiyuki Nosaka |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
| Genres | Animation, Drama, War |
| Release date | 16 April 1988 |
| Running time | 1hr 2min |
| Starring | Tsutomu Tatsumi Ayano Shiraishi Yoshiko Shinohara Akemi Yamaguchi |
| Directed by | Isao Takahata |
| Screenplay by | Isao Takahata |
| Produced by | Toru Hara |
| Cinematography by | Nobuo Koyama |
| Edited by | Takeshi Seyama |
| Music by | Michio Mamiya |
| Art Direction by | Nizô Yamamoto (as Nizou Yamamoto) |
| Production Company | Studio Ghibli |
| Distributor | Toho |
Voice Cast & Characters:
| Character | Japanese voice actor | English voice actor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skypilot Entertainment/CPM (1998) | Seraphim/Sentai (2012) | ||
| Seita Yokokawa (横川 清太, Yokokawa Seita) | Tsutomu Tatsumi | J. Robert Spencer | Adam Gibbs |
| Setsuko Yokokawa (横川 節子, Yokokawa Setsuko) | Ayano Shiraishi | Corinne Orr | Emily Neves |
| Seita and Setsuko’s Mother (清太と節子の母, Seita to Setsuko no Haha) | Yoshiko Shinohara | Veronica Taylor | Shelley Calene-Black |
| Relative’s Aunt (親戚の叔母さん, Shinseki no Obasan) | Akemi Yamaguchi | Amy Jones | Marcy Bannor |
Storyline:
The story of Seita and Setsuko, two young Japanese siblings, living in the declining days of World War II. When an American firebombing separates the two children from their parents, the two siblings must rely completely on one another while they struggle to fight for their survival.
About Movie:
Grave of the Fireflies (Japanese: 火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka) is a poignant animated historical war drama film directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film is based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical short story from 1967 and features the voices of Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, and Akemi Yamaguchi.
Set in Kobe, Japan, during the final months of World War II, the narrative follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they navigate the harsh realities of war after losing their mother in an air raid. The film opens with a haunting scene of Seita’s death from starvation in a train station, which sets the tone for the tragic events that unfold through flashbacks.
As the war intensifies, Seita and Setsuko face increasing hardships. After their mother dies, they move in with a distant aunt who becomes resentful due to their inability to contribute to household needs. In a desperate bid for survival, Seita resorts to stealing food while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for his younger sister. Their situation deteriorates as Setsuko falls ill from malnutrition, leading to heartbreaking consequences.
The film is renowned for its breathtaking animation and emotional depth, capturing both the beauty and tragedy of the siblings’ experiences. Notable scenes include their tender moments together, such as catching fireflies to light their cave and Setsuko’s innocent burial of the dead fireflies, reflecting her understanding of loss.
Critically acclaimed, Grave of the Fireflies is often regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made and a significant work in Japanese animation. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of the impact of war on innocent lives without delving into political commentary. The film’s artistry and storytelling have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, making it a timeless classic that addresses themes of love, loss, and the devastating effects of conflict on families.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | ¥1.7 billion (Japan) $516,962 (US) |
| Opening Day | $158,101 |
| Domestic Collection | $516,962 |
| International Collection | $284,18 |
| Worldwide Collection | $801,143 |
