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Grave of the Firefliesis one of the most jarring and harrowing depictions of war. It is also one of the most gut-wrenching films ever made by Studio Ghibli. To this date, it continues to haunt viewers in every possible sense.
But there’s nothing that would tick off the viewers more than witnessing a kid’s death. Most specifically, Setsuko whose end was tragic in more ways than one. But it isn’t simply malnutrition that may have killed her.
While the film showcased the tragedy and helplessness, some fans hold Seita responsible for his sister’s death. His mannerisms as well as his course of actions are tied well with his selfishness throughout the film.
But it all makes sense considering the setting of the premise. The film not only represents the true horrors of war but also wrings out the complexities of human emotions.
Was Seita responsible for his sister’s death?
The 1988 film is directed by Isao Takahata and remains a visually compelling masterpiece in many aspects. It is based on the short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka and wasreleased alongsideMy Neighbour Totoro.
Even decades after its release it manages to scar viewers through its impactful portrayal of war. Nosaka left no stone unturned in outlining the unsettling impact of war on children. This holds for Setsuko and her trajectory in the film.
With war, their childhood is stripped away and replaced with responsibilities. It was different in Seita’s case as he wasgrappling with the realityof having lost everything. This inadvertently affects his sister throughout the film.
From stealing crops to withdrawing money, the young boy’s actions ultimately led to Setsuko’s death. This mirrored Nosaka’s guilt regarding his sister’s passing due to starvation. But there is more to it as fans suggest.
“The Japanese people must not forget this”: Hayao Miyazaki’s Stance on Imperial Japan Makes His Most Controversial Movie Better than ‘Grave of the Fireflies’
Onr/ghibliRedditors gave plausible reasons for the young boy’s behaviour.
When the war broke out, he was simply 14 years old and was burdened with responsibilities. And though his actions seem selfish, it is natural and realistic considering his zeal to survive.
Stealing, thus, was far-fetched from the understanding of morality and conscience. This also ties well with the complexities of human emotions that are brilliantly portrayed in the film.
Complexities of Human Emotions inGrave of the Fireflies
Unlike most Ghibli filmsGrave of the Firefliesrepresents the sheer horrors of war and strife. The bodies dumped away in a wasteland were very much a part of a forgotten past. But it left an even greater yet indelible mark on children and their psyche.
The film brilliantly brings out the complexities of human behavior. While Seita is deemed selfish, this applies to every character. The aunt, in particular, urges the boy to sell off his late mother’s kimonos. But there is more to it.
War and starvation are the worst things to happen to anyone let alone children. For a kid who isn’t adept at work, stealing and selling makes much more sense to him. With nowhere to go, it is partselfishness and dissociationthat seems plausible on the boy’s part.
It isn’t morally correct or invalid considering the intensity of strife they face. Fear of death surrounds both kids and to come to terms with it isn’t a cakewalk. Which makes one thing certain for sure.
“I still haven’t moved on”: ‘The Grave of the Fireflies’ Is Tragic, but Hayao Miyazaki’s Ghibli Movie Will Destroy You That Was Never Made for Kids
Seita is a layered character inGrave of Fireflieswho harbors guilt, anger, and disappointment. As a 14-year-old boy, he is burdened with responsibility, and though he fails, viewers should cut him some slack. They may have overlooked several subtleties in their judgment of the character indeed.
Grave of the Firefliesis available for streaming on Netflix.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
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Grave of the Fireflies
