Rated 4.4 out of 5 This is one of the saddest movies in cinema: the true story is even sadder

Tomb of the Fireflies is one of the main works of the late Isao Takahata (Pompoko, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Memories, Drip-Drip…) who founded Studio Ghibli with Hayao Miyazaki. Written and directed by Takahata, the film was released in Japan in 1988 and here in 1996.

As it is a moving gem of animation, Grave of the Fireflies Follows the chaotic journey of 14-year-old Seita and his little sister, 4-year-old Setsuko, both orphans, in the summer of 1945 in Japan after the bombing of Kobe. Their aunt, with whom they are taken, quickly makes them realize that they are unpleasant and that they deserve their daily rice. Seita then decides to run away with Setsuko. Taking refuge in an abandoned bunker in the village, they live happily ever after illuminated by the presence of thousands of fireflies. But soon food shortages begin…

A true masterpiece, the feature film has the peculiarity of contrasting the beauty of its animation with the brutality of the plot: a stark and stunning contrast that has made it one of the most beautiful and sad films of all genders together.

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Inspired by a heartbreaking true story

But Grave of the Fireflies, it’s basically a true story – sort of. In any case, this is the (idealized) story of the Japanese author Akiyuki Nosaka, which he recorded in a semi-autobiographical story of the same name published in 1967 – a literary work not available in France until its release. A film shot in 1988. The book, which is a tribute to his little sister Keiko, who died in childhood, offers a different version of reality that was much darker.

Indeed, when he was 14 years old in 1945, Akiyuki Nosaka Orphaned after his mother died, he gave birth to a younger sister, Keiko. The two children then went to live with their aunt in Kobe until the city and their home were destroyed by American Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. Akiyuki and Keiko are now alone in the world trying to survive. The latter will eventually starve to death at the age of 16 months. if several scenes Grave of the Fireflies True (catching fireflies, walking on the beach, etc.), the big brother’s tenderness towards the little sister is not entirely true.

Akiyuki Nosaka He admitted that he did not share all the food with his sister and allegedly hit the latter to stop her from crying. Deeply traumatized by the actions of his youth, which he bitterly regrets, he wrote what he wanted to happen, not the harsh reality.

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However, the new ending is not all rosy as we see it in the film. Grave of the Fireflies Indeed, it offers a dark and gritty story that still manages to dazzle and thrill the audience forever: a pure wonder from which we do not emerge unscathed.

Grave of the Fireflies is currently available to buy or rent on LaCinetek.