What is Grave of the Fireflies/Ocean Waves about?

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (HOTARU NO HAKA), 1988, GKIDS, 89 min. Dir. Isao Takahata. This stark drama, adapted from Nosaka Akiyuki’s semi-autobigraphical novel, is one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest achievements. Left to fend for themselves after their home is firebombed during the closing days of World War II, teen boy Seita and his 5-year-old sister Setsuko struggle to survive. “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation.” – Roger Ebert OCEAN WAVES (UMI GA KIKOERU), 1993, GKIDS, 72 min. Dir. Tomomi Mochizuki. In this poignant story of adolescence and teenage isolation, Taku and his pal Yutaka are headed back to school when their friendship is tested by the arrival of Rikako, a beautiful but mercurial transfer student from Tokyo. When Taku joins Rikako on a trip to Tokyo, the school erupts with rumors, and the three friends are forced to come to terms with their changing relationships. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Grave of the Fireflies/Ocean Waves

List

Theaters near

Loading format filters…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grave of the Fireflies/Ocean Waves about?: GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (HOTARU NO HAKA), 1988, GKIDS, 89 min. Dir. Isao Takahata. This stark drama, adapted from Nosaka Akiyuki’s semi-autobigraphical novel, is one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest achievements. Left to fend for themselves after their home is firebombed during the closing days of World War II, teen boy Seita and his 5-year-old sister Setsuko struggle to survive. “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation.” – Roger Ebert OCEAN WAVES (UMI GA KIKOERU), 1993, GKIDS, 72 min. Dir. Tomomi Mochizuki. In this poignant story of adolescence and teenage isolation, Taku and his pal Yutaka are headed back to school when their friendship is tested by the arrival of Rikako, a beautiful but mercurial transfer student from Tokyo. When Taku joins Rikako on a trip to Tokyo, the school erupts with rumors, and the three friends are forced to come to terms with their changing relationships. In Japanese with English subtitles.