RE: “Grave of the Fireflies” - I think everyone who’s seen it (including me) has the same reaction - “Amazing film... but I will NEVER watch that again!”
By the way, speaking of Studio Ghibli, don’t ignore the non-Miyazaki films. “Only Yesterday” by Isao Takahata (who just passed away) is a truly wonderful film, as is “Whisper Of The Heart” and their last (?) film, “When Marnie Was There.”
>>. “Only Yesterday” by Isao Takahata (who just passed away) is a truly wonderful film, as is “Whisper Of The Heart” and their last (?) film, “When Marnie Was There.”<<
I have seen “Whisper.” I need to go back and find some of the others.
I think the thing about Ghibli is that all of the films have heart. They speak deeply to our humanity and our capacity for love and compassion in ways that are hard to describe for people who have not seen the films.
There is a consistent anti-war, anti-violence theme but it is always from a POV of love, not finger-wagging. Violence in defense of the weak and/or defenseless is not only used but frequently emphasized and applauded.
Now I have to go back and binge watch my Ghibli library — see you all in a week or so.