As previously reported here, Studio Ghibli Fest is back for a return engagement in select theaters this year, offering a chance to catch some of the more obscure and fantastical creations to come out of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s operation on the big screen — as they were meant to be seen.
In 1988’s Grave of the Fireflies, Aug. 12-13 and 15, two siblings struggle to survive World War II’s fiery final months in what the late Roger Ebert called one of the most powerful films about war.
As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth. Their struggle is a tribute to the human spirit. Presented in its digitally remastered and restored format, Grave of the Fireflies is one of the rare films that truly deserves to be called a masterpiece.
The Sunday and Wednesday screenings will be dubbed in English, while the Monday showing is in the original Japanese presented with English subtitles.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Grave of the Fireflies is also available on Blu-ray.
Studio Ghibli Fest tickets and details are available at FathomEvents.com
