Studio Ghibli's "Grave of the Fireflies"

Grave of the Fireflies is a compelling anti-war film which was written and directed by Isao Takahata in 1988. The film is based on the 1940’s war time Japan, where there was a distinct presence of hardship.

Grave of the fireflies focuses on two siblings, Seita, and his little sister, Setsuko. During the bombing, the children become orphans and have to survive through the war, but experience tragic loss and the effects of malnutrition.

The DVD cover contains many connotations of Fireflies. In the film there is a presence of fireflies which the two children catch, watch and capture. These insects act as metaphors for the young siblings, as they tragically die at a young age. Another interpretation that can be made from the fireflies, is that the bombs being dropped by the enemy, are illuminating the sky and harming civilisation.