12:30, Friday November 14, 2021
In the final days of the Second World War, Seiji and his young sister Setsuko are orphaned by an Allied firebomb raid. Abandoned by kin and ignored by a society that became numb to suffering, Seiji and Setsuko begin to retreat into their own little world…
An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation… it belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made. - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
I saw this film on tv years ago, and it's the saddest film I've ever seen, but brilliant. I bought it on DVD about 3 years ago, but haven't watched it yet--I wanted to see it with my wife and you really have to be "in the right mood" so I think this festival is a perfect situation. Thank you for showing it.
thanks David. i notice the rating is AA do you know why? re: a child's viewing
Donkey Xote looks rather violent in the trailor, but appears to be done in a manner that our culture accepts ie. present war as humour, fighting as a solution, the stronger guy wins, etc. Iin my mind, this is a more harmful message for children than presenting the actual terror and real consequences of fighting. Do you know what AA in Grave... is about?
I believe Grave of the Fireflies received a 14A rating because it graphically portrays realistic violence and abuse, though not gratuitously.
Hi, Michele,
The ratings are not about the graphics; it's about emotional impact.
Grave of the Fireflies is a film that resonates. The messages - and the visuals - are powerful, and a child watching this film will benefit greatly from the context that an accompanying adult will be able to provide. It is one of those rare films that will cause viewers of every age to share their own perspectives.
This is why we suggest AA for Grave, and G/PG for a film like Donkey Xote that is much more lighthearted.
Joseph
thanks so much Joseph. I really want my son to benefit from the quality of films that the festival brings. This helps me to chose within what is appropriate content, and intensity for him, while looking to provide something that will meet his inner quest to explore ideas about war. I now have to consider all that you have commented and decide. Coming to this film would also mean him missing school.
First, thanks-to you Joseph, and to any other helpers in the festival. Is this film suitable for an 8 year old child, in your opinion? Will it be subtitled in english, or have an english soundtrack? and just to confirm, the film showing is 12:30 in the afternoon not night, correct?.
Hi Michele, all the film times are presented in 24 hour format in EST, so you are correct, the film will be showing at 12:30PM.
This film contains intense scenes and emotional content, and is one of the most human films I have ever seen. Thinking about it, I would show this to an intelligent, mature 8-year old, and I would also take the time to talk to him or her before and after the movie. The issue is not age, but rather the lack of visual and historical context; the film is set during the most brutal war in the history of the world, and even most adults today probably do not have a ready sense of what that must have been really like.
With that in mind, let us remember those who fell in the service of their country, the price of war, and the meaning of peace this coming Remembrance Day.
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