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Directed by Isao Takahata

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Grave Fireflies

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dys

Oh god I swore I would only watch this once. You monster, whoever requested this… bad timing for it to land the day after Christmas too. (I kid, great film, not sure I even want to watch the reaction though and definitely not today).

Michael Soukup

I think the US did make some films that dealt with the repercussions of fighting WWII—“The Best Years of Our Lives” (an all-time favorite of mine), “The Men”, “The Search” maybe even “Twelve O’Clock High”. I think there were a number of reflective films made after the war and I find them so interesting because the experiences are still fresh. It could be argued that whole film noir movement was borne out of cynicism that came from the war. I’m sure there are some essays that might address this—I’ll look for some. 40’s and 50’s films were not all jolly for sure.

Michael Soukup

PS I haven’t watched this film but I was responding to some of your discussion but it’s possible I was misunderstanding your point.

Cole

This is based on a real story but in real life the boy lived and he felt guilty ever since so he made himself die in the movie cuz he thinks that’s what should happened. I feel bad making anybody watch this, but it’s the number one movies I think everyone should watch.

dys

Just to pass on a warning, I’ve heard from other reactors that Studio Ghibli has a pattern of waiting for a channel to post reactions to three of their movies then strike them all at once and get the whole channel taken down. So be careful posting to YouTube.

Amelie W

Secret tip: If you start the movie over and watch the introduction again after the end it gets a happy ending, where the kids meet up again.

Youtalkingtome

I'm glad that we did watch it. It was a masterful film. Bleak as hell but as you said very important.

Youtalkingtome

Yeah, I meant war films done in this regard. Agree about film noir and I haven't seen those films you've mentioned. This was an interesting and harrowing perspective.

Dylan Hearts

I like that you aren't avoiding watching really any kind of movies and topics which adds greatly to overall library of your reaction videos as everyone can find at least some movies they can relate to. The variety helps to sustain a healthy views on the world (just imagine what would happen if you watched only war propaganda films or silly comedies, in the end you would reject anything that cuts into your comfort zone and very narrow beliefs which is terrible for developing empathy). I was glad to rewatch Grave of the Fireflies (my original viewing was years back when I was a student), and appreciate the beauty and poignance in the anti-war message again. Cole picked a great movie, thank you too!

Youtalkingtome

Thank you! We agree completely: great films exist in all kinds of artistic forms. We have seen wonderful children's movies and some beautiful more adult-oriented works, and everything in between. I am also glad we aren't limiting the kind of film and television we watch, because we would really miss out on some great films!