Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This week, we pay tribute to one of the most devastating (and life-affirming) movies ever made.

It’s our very first Takahata film, and… it’s a doozy. We simply couldn’t do a Studio Ghibli series without honoring this masterpiece.

**Please be aware that this episode includes some distressing themes around children and violence. We tried our best to celebrate the brilliance of the film but inevitably the conversation turned dark at times.

Next week, we get a (much-needed) big, fuzzy hug from MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (1988). Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod

References:

• Grave of the Fireflies (BFI Film Classics) by Alex Dudok de Wit
• Studio Ghibli: An Industrial History by Reyna Denison
• Animerica Isao Takahata & Akiyuki Nosaka Interview
• Studio Ghibli Movies Isao Takahata Interview
• Anime New Network Hirokatsu Kihara Interview

Credits: 

Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich.

This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari.

This episode was researched by Parth Marathe.

Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop

The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling.

Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long.

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