An achingly sad anti-war film, Grave of the Fireflies has been cited as one of Japanese animation giant Studio Ghibli's most profoundly beautiful, haunting works with a powerful and timely message.

Set in Kobe in 1945, two orphans, teenager Seita and his younger sister Setsuko desperately struggle to survive the final months of World War Two after an Allied firebombing destroys their home and kills their mother.

The contrast of the bleak with magical moments of natural beauty and childish delight only make the tragedy even more harrowing in Isao Takahata's masterpiece, recognised as one of the most profound anti-war statements ever brought to cinema.

---