Genre: Historical/Drama

Creator/Studio: Isao Takahata/Studio Ghibli

DVD Info: 1 hour, 28 minutes

Company: CPM (Central Park Media)

Summary: During WWII, two Japanese orphans must live with their aunt and later fend for themselves during air strikes.

The Good: The animation is well done, despite the film's age. I like how you are made to care about the characters.

The Bad: This is one of the saddest titles in anime. The tragedy cuts right to your heart. It is nearly impossible to watch without crying.

Offensive Material: Some graphic imagery and depictions of children suffering.

My Review: 4.0 Category: B

Comment: This is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka, winner of Japan's Naoki award for literature and a Nobel Prize winner as well. The film won awards in the Best Animated Film and Rights of the Child Categories at the 1999 Chicago International Children's Festival. Isao Takahata is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. He also directed Pom Poko and Only Yesterday