This coming October, Vietnamese cinema fans will have the opportunity to re-experience one of Studio Ghibli's classics, the classic film "Grave of the Fireflies", right on the big screen. This is not only an opportunity for young audiences to be exposed to an emotional cinematic masterpiece, but also an opportunity for those who have seen the film to recall a haunting, humane story amidst the darkness of war.
A Story of Pain and Loss
First released in 1988, "Grave of the Fireflies" tells the tragic story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, set in Japan at the end of World War II. With the skillful direction of director Isao Takahata - co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the film takes viewers on an emotional journey, where the loss and pain of war are recreated through the innocent, yet no less cruel, perspective of two children.
The film opens with Seita huddled in a train station, the boy gradually exhausted from hunger and malnutrition. But that is only the beginning of a chain of events that takes the audience back in time to a world where hope seems to be fading, as the two brothers face a harsh and cruel life. Starting with a tragedy, the way Takahata constructs the film makes the audience gradually get used to the cruel fate of the characters, so that they no longer expect any miracle to happen.
The Pain Behind the Screen
One of the reasons why "Grave of the Fireflies" touches the hearts of viewers is that its story is based on real life. The work is adapted from the novel by writer Akiyuki Nosaka, who also experienced painful losses during World War II. Writer Nosaka, like Seita, lost his younger sister to famine, and it was this loss that motivated him to write the novel "Grave of the Fireflies". The film is not only the story of two fictional brothers but also the story of thousands of Japanese children during those dark years.
Two children were stripped of everything in war.
More heartbreakingly, the writer Nosaka himself once confessed that he could not take care of his sister as Seita did in the film. That torment haunted him all his life, and "Grave of the Fireflies" is an apology, an idealization of what he wished he could have done to protect his sister from the cruel fate of war.
Re-enacting a Painful Period of History
Unlike other Studio Ghibli animations that often revolve around the fantasy world, "Grave of the Fireflies" focuses on the brutal reality. Images of war, ruined streets and poverty that cover the whole of Japan are recreated realistically, highlighting the meaninglessness of war and the pain it brings. Director Takahata skillfully exploits the smallest details - from Seita's tired eyes, Setsuko's weak smile, to the heavy sighs of the adults around - to deeply depict the deadlock of a young generation in the darkness of conflict.
When the last candy in the box was gone, Seita used it to hold water for his sister. After Setsuko passed away, the box became the place to contain her ashes, following Seita for the rest of his life.
Conclusion of a Masterpiece
Even though more than 36 years have passed, Grave of the Fireflies still holds its place as one of the most profound anti-war films. The film is not only a story of pain and loss, but also a reminder of the value of peace and love between people. In a world where war and conflict are always present, "Grave of the Fireflies" becomes an immortal message about the importance of maintaining peace.
This October, when "Grave of the Fireflies" is shown in many cinemas in Vietnam, let the film take you back to a period of history full of pain, but also full of love and hope. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this delicate and emotional film on the big screen, to fully feel the profound message that Studio Ghibli wants to send to us.
