The best movie you'll never watch twice

[@aeri_taylors-version]

people really need to watch this at least once in their lives. it teaches us to not romanticize war. it teaches us that the end doesn’t always justify the means, especially if the means is war

[@karol1986]

Its always hard for me to see this one as a "ghibli" movie since it stands out so much from other studio efforts with how heavy, bleak and harrowing it is. But I believe its one of the movies that shapes ones empathy. And its just one of the best anti-war movies of all times and absolute must-see for everyone.

[@Mic-Mak]

It's totally a Ghibli film for me, and one of my favorites. So beautiful!

[@mrmarmellow555]

Aye BRILLIANT 😄

[@jammyjamjars6995]

I remember watching this as a child scrolling through TV channels late one night. As an 8 year old, I thought it was initially a kids film, but I remember being so mesmerised cause I never really saw war shown in the way it’s depicted in this film before. I remember the ending broke me, but I was so glad I watched it.

[@LeUberTroll]

I’d like to say that the lack of viewership on this video is not a testament to its quality. It more so reflects the effectiveness and difficulty of viewing the film itself. Just the name is capable of bringing those feelings to the surface. I can feel tears just thinking about the movie. So be sure to not take that personally, this video was excellent.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you for the kind words. I think there's a lot of factors that went into this video not performing well, but if I've learned anything on YT it's that a video can find it's audience later down the line, fingers crossed on that haha.

[@davy209]

@daniel_netzel- I absolutely love this video you made about the movie. I’ve seen “Grave of the Fireflies” 4 times already, but I still struggle find the words adequate enough to express how great the film is in my own words. How you talked about the film so eloquently, was everything I’ve felt when watching the movie! You literally took all the words out of my mouth and I’ve could have never done a better job than what you’ve expressed in your video!

[@mohdsyazwan8750]

Thank for the video ​@@daniel_netzel

[@thejadedeagle6729]

I once heard Grave of the Fireflies described as "The most amazing film that you'll never want to watch again." I disagree with never watching it again, but it leaves a vivid impression on you that lasts for a very, very long time.

[@davy209]

It’s not forget that when “Grave of the Fireflies” was first broadcasted on American television was somewhere around 2004-2005, which was when the war in Iraq was at its peak and covered nonstop by every mainstream media outlet at the time. Also, “Grave of the Fireflies” was originally released in Japan back in 1988, so there was a significant time gap around 16-17 years between the two release dates. So it makes sense why so many people, who watched the movie for the first time, interpreted it as an anti-war film and being labeled as an anti-war film by an audience from a newer generation, who also grew up at a time of war, would resonate with them. The film is better received now and back then in 2005, than it was during its original 1988 release!

[@missingshoefilms]

This video is criminally low on views. It deserves so much more. Beautiful video about a gorgeous film.

[@daniel_netzel]

I think taking such a long hiatus, and then trying the "premiere" feature on KZbin just totally screwed this video, but I think it's the best thing I've made yet. I appreciate your comment :)

[@alfredolopez9642]

This is one of the greatest films, animated or otherwise, of all time. At least for me. Takahata always had a way with movies that not even Miyazaki, as much as I love the man, has. This is a harrowing, horrific and, at the same, beautiful and powerful masterpiece that stays with you years after you've seen it for the first, second or hundred time. Glad to see you tackle this film, Daniel. I've been a follower for a while now, and I will continue to be. You've been one of the best film tubers since the beginning and I'm sure success is just around the corner. Your work is something I'll continue to share every time. 🤟🏻😎🖤

[@lucadasillywolf]

This is my favorite ghibli films because it’s so brutally human, so cruel and heartbreaking of a film.

[@sorryminati4719]

Imo, Takahata has always appealed to me more than Miyazaki has. I consider Grave of the Fireflies and Tale of Princess Kaguya as the most heart wrenching and aesthetically beautiful works in Ghibli history. Make that animation history. What a brilliant director

[@litphilosopher]

Akiyuki Nosaka wrote the original story as an autobiographical account of his experience of the war. His adopted father died in the fire-bombing, his one sister died of radiation illness, and his youngest sister died of starvation.

[@meee_5155]

He also said he wrote it because he feels guilty because his younger sister died because he didn’t give her as much food and kept more for himself

[@KingofCrusher]

@@meee_5155 oh god, imagine living with that for the rest of your life, holy shit. dude must have mental breakdowns like every week.

[@FistAsmussen]

A great essay about the most devastating movie I have ever seen. One of your best videos so far. Thanks for the tears

[@jarednetzel5894]

I got choked up even watching this video. A fittingly gorgeous and moving essay for a devastating masterpiece of a film. Incredible work, I'd consider this essential viewing for anyone who's seen the movie. Also, the thumbnail is extra spicy.

[@NikiWonoto26]

I'm from Indonesia. This is a very underrated deeply heartfelt masterpiece video essay on, arguably, perhaps one of those few & rare movies (& works of art) that truly depicts & portrays the harsh reality of life & this world, that even most live-action films have never even dared enough to venture into such darkest truth & fact about our fragile existence. In shorter words, while true it's depressing, but it's very realistic. To be very honest, I've never even expected that this type of movie come from Studio Ghibli, of all places, because like you've said so well in your video essay, this movie is so contrasting & different from the typically 'fun, lighter, happy, imaginative, wonderful' Ghibli films. But this is exactly why it's a very special movie, perhaps only just few of us that can fully & deeply appreciate this film. Thank you very much for such a deeply heartfelt & beautiful video essay.

[@shreeramhegde]

Damn I read summary of this movie.. I'm crying right now.. I'm not watching this movie but the world needs to which these movies.. seeing whats happening in Gaza or Ukraine or many parts of the world.. this is important

[@mohdsyazwan8750]

🍉🥹

[@hatchetscoured]

Ghibli movies have pretty mature themes by American standards, but this was a particularly tough watch. I'm glad it was made.

[@lanegeorgeton8266]

That alway blew my mind . That the speech proceeds the animation . Such a cool concept

[@lolface-sp3hl]

I am just left speechless... You have translated this movie into a beautiful video.

[@insrync5697]

this is a film that managed to make me cry from 20 mins in till the end and that has never happned. i have cried to films before. but to fill me with such emotion has never been something i hvae dealt with. such a fantastic film. i was hesitant bc it not appealing so and so, those of you who wont watch the film bc it does not look like something u would watch just stop. watch it. what an emotional masterpiece.

[@aaronaguirresaba397]

That was an amazing analysis of an amazing film. Thank you!

[@adamcrofts58]

Thank you. That was wonderfully written and brilliantly understood. Nice to see you back.

[@mimirobin]

such a great essay! tbh i wish all film unis on this planet could show this as an example on how to make a film analysis via video essay,, or just generally let you teach that class. yours are always exceptional :)

[@daniel_netzel]

That is so kind of you!

[@troublemaker240]

Again, love your video essays, but this one really hit me in the feels

[@CrazyMama75]

I've just finished watching this movie for the first time, it felt as real as live action and I kept being surprised when I remembered it was animation. Heart breaking but so beautiful. The little girl reminded me so much of my youngest, similar gestures and expressions, it was gut wrenching. While watching, every now n then I needed to pause the video to fully process all the detail. Especially scenes with the two siblings doing something loving or cute or sibling like while the focus was just as much the deviation around them. The animation was done as if from a cameras pov, panning up or down, zooming in or out for close up or wide shots.

[@bluewizard24]

Thanks for making this. This is a great video and really puts another perspective on Grave of the Fireflies that I needed.

[@chimssneakers]

Superb video! Not only commenting but also strong analyzing with detailing edits, which help me see more hidden values of the movie indeed!

[@deeveeator63]

Hey, man. Just found your channel and love your videos! Welcome back and thanks for sharing your thoughts about this classic Ghibli film.

[@a.a677]

This movie changed me. One of the best films I will never watch again.

[@brianchar-bow3273]

It is important to remember that “Grave of the Fireflies” is an animated film version of the novel of the same name. Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) is a short story by Japanese novelist ”Akiyuki Nosaka”, based on Nosaka's own true war experience. The original novel was published in the October issue of “All Yomimono” magazine in 1967, and was awarded Japan's 58th ”Naoki Prize” the following spring. Although the novel “Grave of the Fireflies” is not a complete documentary, the subject of bereavement of a younger sister during wartime was created with autobiographical elements that strongly reflect the author Akiyuki Nosaka's actual experiences as a boy and his feelings at that time. He lost his house and his family to severe burns in the indiscriminate air raid on Kobe by the U.S. Air Force on June 5, 1945. The novel is based on Nosaka's memories of his boyhood, including digging food out of the burnt ruins and carrying it by himself to the evacuation site of Nishinomiya City, and his memories of nature and the beautiful fireflies he experienced there. This animation is better viewed as an adaptation of an original work than as a creative work by Ghibli. The evaluation should also include the novel on which it is based. It is common in all wars that those who suffer the most in any war are not those who made the decision to wage war, but the civilians involved and the children who lost their parents. The subject of this story is based on the author's actual experience, which is perhaps what the author wants to convey. Japan is home to many novelists and works of fiction, and it was Japan that produced “The Tale of Genji,” said to be the world's first full-length love story some 1,200 years ago. Animated works are easy to see beyond the language barrier because of their visuals. However, the amount of written stories created in Japan is vastly greater than the number and history of animated works. It should not be forgotten that it is this historical backbone that has given birth to many animated works as derivatives and additions, as a variant of narrative creation. Animation is not the mainstay of Japanese creative works.

[@89Awww]

Wow, three of the greatest Japanese animated films of all time were released 1988; Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro & Akira!

[@aeri_taylors-version]

i believe they released grave of the fireflies and totoro at the same time so ppl watch totoro as a balm after watching...this

[@89Awww]

@@aeri_taylors-version That makes sense, they're both heartfelt stories about two siblings who find themselves wrapped up in extraordinary circumstances.

[@allymoeller5328]

You think My Neighbor Totoro over Ghost in the Shell???????

[@89Awww]

@@allymoeller5328 It's great but it was released in 1995, not 1988 like the other three films I mentioned.

[@harnoorkaur7563]

I love your voice, and this movie, and the animation, and the sum of all these parts is going to give me a good night's sleep. Thankyou.

[@gilgameshlfx7006]

This is one of few movie that actually depicted the horror of war. Most of them glorified war.

[@rscinc]

Loved the video. Saw the video yesterday.

[@erikmarklund3033]

I dont even think its unintended to be antiwar at all considering the story is based on the real story of a person, that really speaks for itself in my eyes.

[@CloudShepherd]

Out of curiosity, what do you think this movie is about? You mentioned this would be your most emotional video essay, in what sense did you mean by that?

[@ennuiblue4295]

It's a very tragic story, I could only watch it once I teared up 😥 (and it is about the horrors and disgusting loss of war)

[@daniel_netzel]

Well, there's the objective answer of what Nosaka or Takahata had intended, both of whom have spoken publicly about. For Nosaka it seemed to be an attempt at atonement for what happened to his sister, and for Takahata it seemed to be a message to the youth who were growing increasing detached from community, and growing "softer" I believe he put it. But for me, it is a story about the true cost of war that we often try to brush under the rug, I think it's a heartwrenching tragedy and one of if not the greatest anti-war films I've ever seen.

[@CloudShepherd]

@@daniel_netzel Huh. I don't remember Takahata using the word "softer", but I guess that's what he meant in some sense about people. I ask because I happen to be interested in Grave of the Fireflies to the degree that I am working a video essay of my own on the movie. I can't wait to see your video and what you have to say about the movie from your perspective. I do agree this movie holds a special place in the medium of animation proven by its profound power over people's emotions.

[@Mic-Mak]

@@ennuiblue4295 I watched it 4 times in a row in the space of 48h and cried every time. I don't know why, but for some reason, it's not one of those films I can only watch once, despite how sad it makes me feel. Of course, I need space between each watch, the only reason I watched if 4x in a row, is because I watched it in different languages.

[@sea_triscuit7980]

​@@CloudShepherdby softer he meant takes things for granted. Not prepared for something like this happening which is unfortunately, reality

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

Gorgeous work.

[@ShirDeutch]

This is a beautiful movie I watched once and I never want to watch again.

[@AnonYmous-ry2jn]

Wonderful, amazing video, so completely worthy of the masterpiece you so eloquently celebrate!

[@doghouse010]

glad to hear your voice again

[@Mitsuzen.]

My favourite Studio Ghibli movie ❤

[@daniel_netzel]

Mine too

[@jeremyball116]

It’s awesome to see you coming back. I just found out about your channel and watched The Last Of Us video essay you had a loved it. I was wondering how you liked Part 2?

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks dude! I thought the gameplay felt a little dated, but that the story and cinematic aspects were incredible, I was speechless by the end.

[@jeremyball116]

@@daniel_netzel thanks for replying! And I can see that but all the added details and realism in the animations and dialog of them screaming out to each other made it feel more immersive than anything else for me. And I agree I loved how the entire story played out and understand the backlash but everything people seem to hate is exactly why I loved it. It just connected perfectly with me. After playing it 3 times now it is honestly my favorite game of all time and it would be amazing if you ever made a video about it.

[@cwunshine]

holy f this video is so good. as someone who already loved the film, i appreciate it even more now

[@zenithpeverell8312]

This was really great. Love the movie and love your work.

[@laurareeves9754]

Thank you for this great video.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you for watching, Laura :)

[@lucidexistance1]

Great video. I think I know how to recommend this movie to others now

[@CaesiusX]

Incredible video. 😌 Well done, *Daniel.*

[@MrFIRESEAL117]

This film really reminded me of a graphic novel called Lions or Baghdad. The story revolves around a pride of lions who recently escaped a Baghdad Zoo during a US invasion and bombing. Highly recommend it.

[@DM-mq6hx]

Ive watched every video on this subject, you take the cake

[@TomSeliman99]

This isn't a anti war film. It is a personal film about a boy not being strong enough to save his sister and the tragedy of it that the original author had to live with

[@Itried20takennames]

A really hard, but great, well done and needed film. And I appreciate that it wasn’t too heavy handed…..in keeping with reality, which is more often grey than black and white.

[@BananaCologne]

It’s not in Roger Ebert’s Top 10 Movies without good reason! An absolutely vital experience.

[@davy209]

For years, I’ve put more trust on Roger Elbert’s opinions on what are considered great movies that what the Oscars have picked.

[@lindanetzel6855]

Great video about a beautiful movie!

[@greystar8002]

I've watched this film at least three times once by myself, once with my brother and once with my wife and kids.. Great film and will watch with anyone I love who hasn't seen it. Hmm my nephew is nearly three soon and almost ready for me to show him lmbo.

[@pattongilbert]

A must-watch for anyone. Utterly heart-breaking. Very well-done video essay. Solid editing and a script with a lot to say. Emotional, as expected.

[@burgesssam]

Worth the wait :)

[@Bibi-ym9fp]

Cette histoire est tellement déchirante, on a envie de faire quelque chose d'humain , les prendre dans nos bras , les nourrir, les aimer tout simplement !

[@leonardovalletta9401]

awesome essay.

[@leonardodelimaferreira8509]

Ngl, I won't watch the video now, but you got the title perfectly, I knew what expected me, I just didn't take it that seriously before watching it, Hotaru no Haka is the only Ghibli movie I gave a 10 (on MAL), and it's also the only Ghibli movie that not only I don't like, but actively hate, not because I think it's bad, on the contrary, I think it's great, a masterpiece in telling a story as crude as possible, but that's the paradox I always fall into, this movie is not Ghibli, at all, it is a movie that any other studio could come up with and do, but at the same time, no studio ever would be as successful in accomplishing what Ghibli accomplished, none would be able to tackle all of this and still be respectful at each and every scene, it is something anyone could do, but only them could do it right, that's why it's a 10, it deserves to be, but that's why I hate it, because I don't ever need to watch it again, I won't ever EVER rewatch Hotaru no Haka, because I know that my opinion and experience for this movie won't ever change, no matter how much time passes, I'll always have the same opinion and experience towards this movie, it isn't worth to watch it again, for I will gain nothing new

[@leonardodelimaferreira8509]

After having watched it, yep, you kept my expectations and surpassed them, as I said, I'll never watch this movie again, that's a cardinal sin in my book, my opinions of it will never change, they'll remain the same as time goes on forever, I'll never be able to forget it, neither could I if I wanted

[@mehzurilo]

Cant wait to get off work to watch this haha

[@ziademad4707]

Welcome back

[@Joe-mj3ik]

This movie is side by side with come and see when we talking about anti-war movies

[@alayerlp]

hey Daniel, thanks for this video, reminded me of so many emotions, if you would like to see a live action movie about war check "Voces Inocentes", its a latino movie that didnt get much track if at all but damn, its the only movie that got me crying so bad...

[@lanegeorgeton8266]

Thx. Enjoying your work

[@paulistastars]

The craziest thing I got from this movie is what happen to children when they became orphans, is chilling if u think that they father was at war for Japan and Japan literaly abandon them do starve on the streets they father died to protect.

[@nftman260]

It is sad that nobody nowdays knows this movie honestly

[@Jenna-hu7mp]

I'm not even sure if I can watch it once. I saw some clips from it in a music video and I think it spoiled it for me, and I was still crying from it.

[@tonybarde2572]

I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell. -William T Sherman

[@kblearner1528]

Im 18 and my sister is 5 She is exactly like Setsuko both in looks and behaviour Cant stop imagining the same scenario whatever happened to Setsuko I just keep imagining that she..... And I cant even do anything except beating my head to the wall and crying I feel so angry towards the stupid war planes I want to destroy them but I can't.......

[@shinigami117s8]

I was bored in college library and decided to watch it since I was a huge Miyazaki fan. I was crying in the end, way to start my math class lol

[@mercedesking6800]

A movie that fucked me up in my childhood and still gives me flashbacks... That movie really traumatized me

[@gordonnisbet2892]

This movie made me cry and it a good movie

[@Mad77max77]

I don't know if I'll ever watch it... I know it'd great ! But Ghibli's movies should be on Tv more often !

[@kandisofiadahlan8157]

I can't watch this movie without tears streaming down my face 😢

[@greenghost5213]

Holy sh#% This video was a perfect analysis!

[@groupraitodigital9784]

if you're not moved by this movie, you've not suffered enough

[@samanshafigh]

This is happening right now in Gaza. I always thought the story of this strong animation is something just for the past and we will repeat it

[@kblearner1528]

This almost happened to my sister She is 5

[@luv2ruck770]

I watched this twice in the same morning. Because I watched it alone and then showed it to my wife.

[@dawnezone8491]

Yes, stories matter ♥

[@robbiesmoonmusic]

Where do y’all in the US watch this though? I don’t see it available anywhere

[@m_teobul_wit]

i watched it twice 😭😭😭😭

[@redherring9951]

Watched this movie last night, my daughter had already saw it and warned me it’s “a little sad”… I wasn’t expecting to be absolutely devastated at the end of the movie

[@sea_triscuit7980]

We are all subject to devastating news every day now, that's why she called it "a little sad"

[@賴文茹-y1w]

Very good this 30yreold film has been noticed from the west

[@tahnadana5435]

but they did make the un animated movie of it, i think all anime is just have to be an animation.. they should never remake any of them as life action

[@klaatubaradanikuto7195]

This story is based on the real experience of the original author. It is the story of the younger sister of the original author, Akiyuki Nosaka. His sister starves to death during the war as well, although it's not exactly the same as the anime. Chinese and Koreans who have seen this film say that Japan is glorifying the war and trying to hide its own wrongdoings. They are a people who have been brainwashed by anti-Japaneseism that always writes such things, so please do not deal with them. What is pictured here is an ordinary citizen of Japan. It simply depicts the grief of unwar-related civilians who suffer from government-initiated wars. It should be the same in any country. However, whenever this movie appears on KZbin, Chinese and Koreans always criticize it as a deception of Japanese militarism. They don't try to understand the true sorrow of war, they just try to demean Japan. I can still understand the criticism of the Chinese, but I do not understand why the Koreans continue to criticize Japan. Japan and South Korea are generally not at war. There was a period of rule by Japan for legitimate development of Korea. The South Korean government has labeled it an invasion, brainwashed the people, and is still holding a grudge against it and criticizing it persistently. Without this governance, there would be no development of Korea today. Even though they have nothing to do with World War II, they still act like war victims and accuse Japan of being an aggressor. I don't understand. stupid people. When Koreans go out into the world, they only speak ill of Japan. Japanese people are in a lot of trouble. To the people of the world, Please don't believe what they say. Everything they say is a fabricated history that suits the Korean government. Sadly, the Korean public believes that bullshit history to be true.

[@homosapien7316]

Japan committed sickening war crimes against these countries. I agree that this movie doesn't deserve that specific criticism because of it is from the perspective of two innocent civilians who are just trying to survive, and doesn't have a war-crime sympathetic view. However, pretending the Japanese military's war crimes are all lies is dangerous. There are no good guys in war. Only killers and victims. The military and government are the killers, civilians are the victims. And Japanese soldiers brutally raped, murdered, and burned chinese Innocents. Just like how the US government murdered and burned Japanese innocents. defending the Japanese is just as bad as defending the US.

[@jordanallen728]

Am I late -__-

[@jqyhlmnp]

Still a better love story than Twilight

[@DC-zi6se]

Make the videos shorter...

[@ionaskualexander1255]

Didn't feel any remorse for the kids. All I could think of is how stupid Seita's decision was. He shouldn't have left. He should've helped with he chores around the house or find an odd job. I can totally understand where that auntie was coming from.