As World War II drew to an end things in Japan were not as good as they seems. See the war from a different side. A story done based on a true story. Grave of Fireflies brings you to the side of what life in Japan was like then. Follow Seita and Setsuko as they try to live on there own without their parents in a hard world that is low on food and other items. See the horror of wars that faced the Japan in 1945.
Grave of the Fireflies was based on the novel, "Hotaru no Haka" by Nosaka Akiyuki. The novel was published by Shinchosha. Nosaka Akiyuki wrote grave of the fireflies because during world war two, Nosaka Akiyuki's sister died during the war because of malnutrition. He felt sorry for himself and blamed her death on him because when it was time for them to eat, Nosaka Akiyuki always fed himself first, and then his little sister. He feels that she didn't have enough food in her body because food was very scarce during world war two. He still feels bad about his sister, but he wrote grave of the fireflies to tell about the cruelties of war. Nosaka Akiyuki knows that when people read his novel, they will feel what he feels.
The protective brother. A 14-year-old forced to grow up almost immediately. He tries to protect Setsuko from the harsh realities of life, and in doing so only urges the inevitable forward.
The adorable little sister. The symbol of innocence in the movie, she protrays the effect war has on children. Her loss of innocence is one of the most poignant parts of the movie.
The loving mother of Seita and Setsuko, who cares for them very deeply. Who dies in an air raid and wanted only for her childern to live.
The brave father of Seita and Setsuko, who goes off to war. They have not heard from him in awhile.
The cold relative Seita and Setsuko are forced to live with. She begins to despise the children more and more as the movie progresses, thinking that they are not doing their during as Japanese citizens. She is cool and aloof.