Episode 47: Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

"Why must fireflies die so young?" Long before Studio Ghibli put itself on the map with Spirited Away (2001), the production company's co-founder, Isao Takahata, made a little animated film called Grave of the Fireflies (1988), a simple but remarkably depressing story about two sibling children struggling to survive after their Japanese town is firebombed. Often overlooked for some of Studio Ghibli's other productions, Grave of the Fireflies delivers an emotional gut punch that is surprising effective for an animated feature.  Bring tissues.  You have been warned. Have a comment or question for the host?  Email Sean at [email protected], follow him on Twitter at @1001MoviesPC, and look for the podcast's Facebook page.