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Hotaru no Haka, one of Studio Ghibli’s most underrated works, tells the heart-breaking story of Seita and his little sister Setsuko during World War II. After the bombing of their hometown the siblings got separated from their mother and are left all alone in a world where nothing is what it used to be anymore. Hotaru no Haka is able to convey feelings of courage, unconditional love and making sacrifices brilliantly.
It takes a lot to make me cry but I never cried as much during a movie as I did while watching Hotaru no Haka. Tears were rolling endlessly down my cheeks and a long ... time after finishing this movie I still felt the sadness and emptiness it left. Only a handful of movies have ever haunted me as much as Hotaru no Haka did. It makes you think about what is really important in life and movies that are able to influence you this much are precious rarities these days.
This movie is definitely not suitable for all audiences. Studio Ghibi has a lovable appearance which is mirrored by their mascot. It brings happy stories about youthful love and friendship, but Hotaru no Haka is a different kind of movie. It deals with heavy affairs such as death, desperation and struggling to survive; it is as cruel as it is beautiful. A word of warning for the unprepared viewer is advised, certain scenes can be extremely confronting and shocking.
Thanks to its beautiful story, its memorable characters and an extremely emotional soundtrack, this movie is one that any anime fan must’ve watched at least once. It is an unparalleled tear jerking masterpiece which stands proudly above all.