Grave of the Fireflies - Still Messes Me Up Years Later...

Okay, international cinema lovers, I need to talk about Grave of the Fireflies again. Directed by Isao Takahata (not unknown!), it's one of those films that just burrows into your soul and stays there. I first saw it when I was probably way too young (thanks, reckless older brother!), and I'm convinced it fundamentally changed the way I view war movies. It's not about battles or heroism, it's about the quiet, devastating consequences on the most vulnerable. Specifically, I'm thinking about the scene where Setsuko is playing with mud, pretending it's rice. It's such a small moment, but the crushing weight of their starvation and desperation just hits you like a ton of bricks. And then, later, when Seita is trying so hard to get food, peddling everything they have left… Ugh, my heart just breaks every time. It's not just sad; it's viscerally painful to watch their innocence get stripped away. Does anyone else find the aunt character particularly infuriating? I know, times were tough, and resources were scarce, but her coldness towards Seita and Setsuko felt so unnecessary. I almost think her actions were a bigger factor in their demise than the war itself, you know? Or am I being too harsh on her? I'm curious what others think. Anyway, it's probably one of the most emotionally impactful animated films I've ever seen, and it's a reminder of the human cost hidden behind the grand narratives of history. Definetly packs a punch. Any similar films that have left you feeling this way?