Grave of the Fireflies

If my friend didn’t tell me that Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru No Haka) is one of the best movies Studio Ghibli ever made, I wouldn’t have the heart to watch it until the end. I mean, how come any person could sit through the animation movie about a little girl left by her mother during World War II. Seriously, I didn’t have the heart to watch it, but I was just sitting through it and fight my uncomfortable feeling. And yeah, my friend is right… big time.

I was having a real sobfest the whole movie. It was both ironic and tragic, but somehow really sweet and beautiful. The little girl, Setsuko bonded with her brother, Seita since her mother died. Their relationship was priceless. I wish I had an elder sibling like Seita. This Seita figure officialy makes me failed in being an elder sibling to my younger sibling.

For the animation technique, well, you never doubt Studio Ghibli. They have great resumes and every year it gets even better. What makes this movie interesting is the story. At the first minutes, you’d love this Setsuko’s character because she was so cute and you’d do anything for her. Then, when the conflict arose, she became a little bit annoying but her brother always tried to cheer her up. That what makes their relationship is priceless. Both of the protagonists were lovable, and you wish you could see them together forever. You could feel Seita’s affection to Setsuko like he realized that he had to protect his little sister no matter what. Also, the scoring supported the story very much. Placed in the right scene and the right time. I’m not gonna lie to you, but I had those sobfest pretty much because of the scoring. And well, mostly because of Setsuko’s dialogue and her innocence, but the scoring was one of the big aspect that affected to the mood of the viewers, though.

After watching this movie, I probably should check other Isao Takahata’s movies. I always thought that Miyazaki was the brightest of Studio Ghibli and never check any movie directed by other director in Studio Ghibili. But, once again, I’m so freaking-deadly wrong. Yeah, since The Secret World of Arrietty, I probably should watch another movie that wasn’t directed by Miyazaki. And for the last, I give this movie 5 out of 5!!! Seriously, you have to watch this movie if you want to test whether you’re sensitive enough… or not.

The Secret World Of Arrietty

I’ve always been a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki since Spirited Away became a hit. He always thinks outside the box and his animation movies are unique and I don’t know I just love it eventhough most of them are strange and very imaginative. The Secret World of Arrietty probably  the most “normal” movie among any Miyazaki's movies. Well not really “normal” but anyone could sit through the movie until the end. It even made the top list of my Miyazaki’s favorite movies. I’ve seen quite a few movies with an idea like this, but to me, Miyazaki’s is the most lovely, heart-warming and awesome movie with this kind of idea.

Every Miyazaki’s movie always left something to its viewers. Although, he only wrote this movie's screenplay but still a deep message secretly told through his animations. Eventhough it’s always presented in a strangely kinda way but you always have something to remember after watching it. So was The Secret World of Arrietty, it secretly left a deep message to the viewers without forcing it. It’s just lovely because kids these days need to watch this kind of animation movie.

The strong-willing of the main protagonist is the most powerful thing this movie had. I really love Arrietty’s character. She was willing to learn anything new, she struggled and tried hard to protect her family and she was pretty courageous. This is one of a hell protagonist because her body size is little and she was willing to do everything to protect her family. I also love her chemistry and Sho, it’s confusing althought you really wish they could be together no matter their how big and how small they were.

So, I give The Secret World Of Arrierty 4.5 out of 5! I really wish Miyazaki could make any other great animation movies, because as a fan I feel loss when he announced that he’s retiring after his latest movie, The Wind Rises. It means, he’s retiring now because it’s already released. No matter where you are, you’ll always be loved, Hayao Miyazaki. Thank you for making those imaginations came true.