Grave of the Fireflies

Set during the final months of World War II in Japan, Grave of the Fireflies follows young Seita and his little sister Setsuko as they desperately try to survive after losing their home and mother to American firebombing raids. The film is a heartbreaking and unflinching portrayal of the human cost of war, told through the eyes of innocent children abandoned by a collapsing society. Widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films ever made, it serves as both a personal tragedy and a powerful anti-war statement.

• Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka.
• Director Isao Takahata lost his own home in WWII bombings.
• Released as a double feature with My Neighbor Totoro.
• Roger Ebert named it one of the greatest war films ever.
• The fireflies symbolize the brief, fleeting nature of life.

• September 21, 1945. That was the night I died.
• Why do fireflies have to die so soon?
• I'm not going to rely on anyone anymore.
• Setsuko, look! Fireflies!
• Mom... I brought Setsuko to see you.