Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated film written and directed by Isao Takahata. The film is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story Grave of the Fireflies by Akiyuki Nosaka (which would be a great accompaniment to the film for students). The film tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, and their desperate struggle to survive during the final months of World War II. The film is set in Kobe, Japan several months before the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when the U.S. had complete command of the skies over Japan. During this time, the 7th Air Force was systematically burning to the ground the major Japanese population centers. Seita and Setsuko are brother and sister, ages 15 and 5. Their father is a naval officer who has not been heard from for some time. When their mother is killed in an air raid, Seita and Setsuko find shelter with relatives. However, a quarrel ensues, and they leave to make their home in an abandoned bomb shelter. The two children must somehow keep a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. One of their few entertainments the find is to watch the fireflies, but they find that food and protection are hard to come by. As the film progresses, their situation becomes more and more bleak, and eventually the children succumb to hunger and die.
Overall, the film would serve as a powerful glimpse into the human cost of war. While students would need ample background knowledge to understand the setting of the film, the human story it tells is easily felt by anyone who watches it. The content is at times hard to watch, and some students may find it emotionally triggering. However, the film accurately depicts the horrific consequences of the Second World War and its effects on civilians, and thus would be appropriate in any high school level World History course.
edited by ladams on 12/3/2015
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Grave of the Fireflies- Isao Takahata
05/16/2016 04:01 AM
#1
Grave of the Fireflies- Isao Takahata
I've watched Grave of the Fireflies a number of times as a kid, and each time I'm reminded how grateful I am of where, when, and what I have/ am. The depiction is chilling to the core and tasteful enough to show in class.
One thing that I've done with a few students, as a side project, was to either have them get or buy them a tin of Sakuma Drops, the candy the siblings eat throughout the film. I've included a link to the wikii page, but it's easy to look for them at local Asian stores or even online. The physical candy in hand while watching is a powerful way to connect the audience to what they see on screen. Hope this helps!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakuma_drops
Teaching about Asia using the movie Grave of the Fireflies by Isao Takahata
I decided to see and review the movie “Grave of the Fireflies” by Isao Takahata. This movie is based on the autobiography of Akiyuki Nosaka. Mr. Nosaka grew up in Kobe, Japan where one of his sisters died as a result of sickness, and another sister died of malnutrition. I learned that he is also well known for his children’s stories about the war, The Whale That Fell in Love with a Submarine. I also found a children’s book, World War II for Kids PBS by Richard Panchyk. I teach 2nd grade, although my movie assessment will be on a lesson for 6th grade or older, I also researched books and movies to teach about war to primary grades. It is my opinion that this film is not for primary grades. I did debate in showing some scenes, but in the end I decided not to as I felt it is not appropriate for young children even though it’s an animated film.
Summary: “Grave of the Fireflies” is a tragic film about a brother and sister, Seita and Setsuko, struggling to survive in Japan during World War II.
Lesson: I would use this movie in teaching ELA and Social Studies. I would connect it with ELA focusing on reading and introducing the literary element of “flashback.” I would start by asking students if they have ever been in a situation that triggered memories about something that happened in the past. I would introduce the definition of flashback. I would present a short, introductory lesson on the history of WWII with Japan and the U.S. To create a theme for our reading, I would follow up with the article, U.S. Official Visits Peace Park in Japan Where Atomic Bomb was Dropped by Bloomberg News, adapted by Newsela staff on 4/18/16 (Website: newsela.com, excellent reading resource). I would then have students create a map (Geography) where students will need to place the names of the locations where these events took place. They will follow up with a class discussion that focuses on the geography of Japan and discuss the impact this geography might have had on the war and its impact on the soldiers. Students will also discuss what they learned from the activities. Finally, I will show students the movie, “Grave of the Fireflies.”
Objectives: Students will:
· Learn the literary element of flashback
· Learn an introduction to the history of World War II
· Learn the geographic settings where this historical event occurred
· Learn the impact of the war on Japanese people
Just like you, after watching "Grave of the Fireflies," felt extremely grateful for being born and raised in the United States. However, I also felt shame that the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japanese cities. I was horrified and embarrassed every time I heard "the Americans" throughout the movie.
I liked your idea about purchasing the Sakuma Drops and having students try them. I found them on Amazon. However, at some point during the movie, I think students would feel guilty eating them while watching the film. I know that I would start sobbing in wanting to give some drops to Setsuko. I plan to give it to them after seeing the film. Definitely a tearjerker. In the end, the scene that made an impact on me was when Seita was being released from jail after stealing food from the farmer and saw Setsuko. I can't even imagine such a young boy and little girl going through what they went through in the story. I did some research and learned that the story is based on the autobiography of Akiyuki Nosaka as mentioned by ladams (see comment below) and that one of his sisters died of illness and another sister died of malnutrition during the war. I also purchased his book The Whale that Fell in Love with a Submarine. I purchased this book on Amazon as well. Since I teach 2nd grade, I used it by teaching my students an introduction to war. Unfortunately, I will not be showing them the movie as I feel it's not age appropriate.
edited by cseman on 5/16/2016
edited by cseman on 5/16/2016