Grave of the Fireflies
1988 | 89 min | Animation, Drama, War
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100%) and audiences adore it (8.4/10), though it had a box office loss and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Have you seen it?
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In the final months of World War II, 14-year-old Seita and his sister Setsuko are orphaned when their mother is killed during an air raid in Kobe, Japan. After a falling out with their aunt, they move into an abandoned bomb shelter. With no surviving relatives and their emergency rations depleted, Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesVery strong
8.4/10 from 7K viewers
- AwardsWeak
No major awards or nominations on record
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$842K worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Measured from current popularity
Where to watch in US
Netflix
Netflix Standard with AdsRent or buy: Amazon Video
Trailer
Cast & crew
Directed by Isao Takahata
- Tsutomu TatsumiSeita (voice)
- Ayano ShiraishiSetsuko (voice)
- Yoshiko ShinoharaMother (voice)
- Akemi YamaguchiAuntie (voice)
- Masayo SakaiWoman who takes care of Setsuko (voice)
- Kozo HashidaObayashi Chairman (voice)
- Kazumi NozakiCousin (voice)
- Yoshio MatsuokaGosaku (voice)
- Masahiro KanetakeAunt's House Guest (voice)
- Kiyoshi YanagawaPatrolman (voice)