| "Grave of the Fireflies" is an animated film that tells the lives of two Japanese kids, a boy and his chubby little sister, after they are orphaned by the bomb during the war in Japan. The older brother takes on the responsibilities very naturally and in turn finds comfort in his little sister's joyful presence as he seeks ways to resolve the enormous difficulties of their lives.
So lifelike are the mannerisms of the characters that at times they surpass the finest acting I've ever seen from a real actor or actress.
There is no unexpected plot twists, theatrical tear-jerking techniques, music bent on backing the audience into an emotional corner, or underlying political agenda. Its truthful and simple approach results in a sadness that lingers, if not strengthens, in one's heart long after the movie is over.
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