Japanese : Hotaro no Haka, is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film. Written & directed by Isao Takahata.Produced by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the 1967 semi -autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka.
It stars Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara & Akemi Yamaguchi.
Set in the ccity of Kobe, Japan, it tells the story of siblings & war orphans Seita & Setsuko. Their desperate struggle to survive during the final months of the Pacific war.
Universally acclaimed it has been ranked as one of the greatest war films of all time & is recognized as a major work of Japanese animation. It won special award in 1989 at Blue Ribbon awards & at Chicago International Children’s Film festival, Animation jury award & Rights of the child award . Isao Takahata received them.
A live action version in 2005 tells the story from the point of view of their cousin ( the aunt’s daughter ). Another version in 2008 focuses on the two siblings struggling to survive the final months of the war in Kobe, Japan.
Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100 % approval rating with an average rating of 9.30 / 10.
Although the word ‘grave’ is in the title, it starts off well, the bond between the brother & young sister is so strong. But as they struggle to survive & we are helpless, it gets depressing.
Felt like running there to gave them a pack of rice. Malnourished, sick children never leave their pride. When he hears about his father & sinks to the ground, all is lost.
Very serious. But an eye opener.
Asian Entertainment 