Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7723 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-08-23
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Dubbed, PAL
• Original language: English, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 120 minutes

Synopsis
A Japanese boy of 14 and his 4 year old sister, attempt to seek refuge from the atrocities of World War II in the small city of Kobe. In post-World War II Japan, a janitor finds a metal sweet container beside a deathly ill boy. The janitor tosses the canister into the night, unwittingly beginning a most unusual tale of survival amid war. Brother and sister Seita and Setsuko, flee their disheveled home and deceased parents to make their bid for a new life. Before American troops begin to occupy their country, the children resort to dwelling in an abandoned bomb shelter in the countryside. Though these siblings later get a sense of safety, they realize necessities such as food and water will not be easy to come by. This stunning and emotional film comes from the studio that made SPIRITED AWAY.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful but profoundly upsetting - NO Spoilers
NO SPOILERS

I do like anime, the usual suspects Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Vampire Hunter etc......is this film anything like them; no it is not, not at all.

I watched this after a friend's recommendation and although i had been told in advance that it was "sad", nothing prepared me for the effect this film would have on me.

The best films do stay with you, you're mind whirls, you mull over the twist and turns, try to understand the symbolism, draw your own conclusions, sometimes feel happy, sometimes sad, occasionally confused.

This film makes anything i have seen before it pale into insignificance for pure and unadulterated emotional impact. But also on a number of levels.

The relationship between Sieta and Setsuko is so honest, beautiful and innocent. The film portrays one of the most realistic relationships between siblings i have ever seen and i found it deeply touching and poignant. You can feel the love between them seeping out of the screen.

I was angered by Sieta's prideful nature and stupidity, which i feel were the major contributing factor to the outcome of the film and indeed the war that provides the backdrop to the film. I had to keep remembering he was also a child.

I was completely draw into the character of Setsuko. Wonderfully portrayed in the original Japanese (eng subs). I have a 3 year old daughter and this made my appreciation for Setsuko all the more intense. Her mannerisms, the way she plays, simply sublime and so subtle.

And.....finally the upset this film solicits. Devastating. I'm no softy, a 35 year old normal man. I think the last film i cried at was 'The Champ' in about 1980 or something. Well i didn't just cry here, i lost the plot totally and for sometime afterwards too. No film has ever given that to me before.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this film, although it is certainly not for children. I will watch it again, maybe in a few years.

Simply a masterpiece of film making, 'cartoon' or otherwise.

Top Anime Film
Many friends had spoken to me of this film and it was a good year after buying it i decided to watch it. I've never witnessed a sadder film and how Setsuko is portrayed as a cartoon it really makes me feel a live action movie of this could never be done. The characters are too realistic, and the story is beyond amazing. It really makes you think about the value of life and the pain of war. No animated cartoon film can ever top this especially for sadness. I've never been so depressed about a film compared to this... it is truly an exceptional film in everyway.

emotionally prepare yourself before you watch this...
shoot, my throat was hurting after I watched this film and whilst i was watching it too. I have watched many-a studio Ghibli animated movies and I always liked them for various reason but there hasnt been one that has actaully emotionally touched me as this one. Which ever way you look at it, this film will make you feel a certain way gauranteed. I have read a few reviews from people who criticise the film for being too sad etc but to be honest, this animated movie will probably touch you more than a lot of movies out there. This sort of script could only have been inspired by real life events coz I dont think some1 can write a fictional script thats so emotionally entranching as this, its too realistic and too close to home...really shows the effects of war on ALL people, young and old alike.

I would go on but I wont, watch the film and see for yourself but make sure you are emotionally prepared...I fought hard to keep the tears from falling.