Reference
"Grave of the Fireflies" is based on the true story by Akiyuki Nosaka - who lost his little sister during WWII in Japan to malnutrition and is said to have blamed himself for her death. This story is set during the time of the firebombings of Kobe, Japan by US military trying to bring an end to the war. The war is a backdrop in this survival account which does not address a specific enemy but addresses the effect of war on innocent civilians, including the children. The film shows how the war changes the face of the people,initially many are kind but as the war continues, the survivors begin to lack empathy for neighbors and become numb and even hostile to the dead, dying and the suffering. The only hope is found in the relationship between a brother Sieta,14 and a young sister, Setsuko 4 who exemplify care, love, loyalty and the ability to find joy in simple things. Warm moments are shared throughout the film as the two enjoy the beach, walking in the rain and the fireflies at night. Their kindness in contrast to the way they are treated by others punctuates our need in this world to care for each other. I teach middle school art and would recommend this movie to be used to help students come to their own conclusions about war and hope for humanity with guided and thoughtful questions.
