Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka)

I first learned about this movie while surfing a car enthusiast site a couple of years ago. In the Lounge forum, where members could talk about other things besides cars, one person asked what the saddest movie others have watched are. When Grave of the Fireflies was first mentioned, scores of other "burly" and "macho" guys wrote in to the thread to say how they all bawled their eyes out at the movie. So many people thought the movie was the saddest movie ever made.

Recently, my sister's boyfriend also attested to how he thought Grave of the Fireflies was the saddest movie ever. His testimony piqued my interest further, so the next night, my husband and I sat in front of the computer and watched this 89-minute movie.

Now, I'm not saying that this movie isn't tragic. Indeed, it was sad, especially since it involved the story of two young children, a brother and sister, in wartime Japan. Being a teacher and a person who absolutely adores children, as well as being someone who takes many things to heart, I was very surprised that I didn't cry at this movie. I think maybe it's because I already knew the story (I was afraid that the movie was going to be so depressing, I read a synopsis first to prepare myself) and my expectation for it to be sad was so high, that I ended up not feeling as sad as I thought I could be. I almost didn't cry, except my husband said out loud at one part, "I bet this is when everyone in the audience cries" and then it hit me that this was a very tragic story.

What makes this story ultimately tragic for me was the fact that it was based on a true story. Akiyuki Nosaka wrote Grave of the Fireflies in 1967 to come to terms with what he faced during WWII.

Don't take my word on this. You should see it for yourself and then let me know if my heart is made of stone.