Hello Anime Realm friends!
I've been wanting to write about this anime for a long time. I finally got around to it. Today I want to talk about Hotaru no Haka , an anime that still lingers in my mind.
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Many people say this is Studio Ghibli's most emotional work and after watching it myself, I completely agree.
The First Time I Watched It , I Was Wrong! I wonder what made me so wrong?
When I saw the visuals , I thought it would be a sweet, heartwarming story like other Ghibli anime. Turns out I was very wrong.
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This anime tells the story of Japan during World War II. But not from a large-scale perspective or full of explosions. Instead , the focus is on two young children, Seita and Setsuko, who are trying to survive amidst the chaos.
Their relationship is simple yet very real. A brother takes care of his sister and the sister needs her brother. It's just that. But from that simplicity , there's a genuine warmth. There's no over-dramatization everything is presented honestly and that's what makes the story truly heartfelt.
A Secretly Devastating Story
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This anime never tries to force us to cry. It simply shows us what it is, the harsh reality of war through the eyes of a child.
Scene after scene feels natural and unexpected. Suddenly, what was once normal changes drastically. Calmness disappears. Warmth turns cold. And we experience it all along with Seita and Setsuko.
As a viewer , I found myself asking myself : "If I were in their position, what would I do? What would I do for them?"
That's what makes this anime different. It makes us feel personally involved in their struggle.
What I Take Home After Watching
After finishing, it took me a long time to process. I couldn't immediately move on to another anime or other activities.
Hotaru no Haka reminds me of the simple things we often take for granted. Family, safety, warmth. They're small things, but they're everything And it turns out they can all be lost so quickly.
This film is perfect for those of you who want a meaningful story. Not a cheerful tale, but a meaningful and memorable one.
But fair warning : after watching this, don't immediately scroll through Twitter or lie down. Give yourself some time.
I Want to Know Your Story
This is a genuine question. If you, Anime Realm friends, have watched it, please tell us.
Which part stuck with you the most? I think everyone has a different moment in this anime. Some felt sad at certain parts, while others only got to the end.
Share in the comments. I'll read them all.
See You Next Time
Okay , that's enough from me for now. I hope this review gives you a reason to watch or rewatch Hotaru no Haka.
Thanks for stopping by and reading.
See you again, Anime Realm friends! 🎬