Grave of the Fireflies

Directed by Isao Takahata, Japan 1988 89 mins. Japanese dialogue with English sub-titles

Summary:

Exquisitely drawn and profoundly moving animated film covering a young boy and his little sister's struggle to survive in Japan at the end of World War II.  Parentless and homeless, they are forced to wander the countryside, beset by hunger, American bombings and the self-serving indifference of adults.  One of the great anti-war films.

What the Critics say:

"There are magical moments of natural beauty and childish delight, too - which only make the tragedy even more harrowing."  (Steve Rose - Guardian)