This movies got nothing on
Barefoot Gen. That was generally horrifying, dark, grim and yet somehow a little uplifting. This on the otherhand was full blown depressing. The differences in tone is fittying however, seeing how this has to do with the firebombing of Kobe, and that had to do with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. I did however like
Barefoot Gen more then this. However both should be watched by everyone.
This is a very powerful anti-war film. Put this one next to
Now and Then, Here and There on the shelf, for old times (and CPM's) sake. I really was moved my this film, and that means something coming from someone as cold hearted as I am

. I bought the CPM verson awhile ago, but went out and bought ADV's re-release as soon as they put it out as well. because films like this need to supported. I despise most Ghibli stuff (if anyone knows me well enough, they know of my burning hate for that studio), and yet I really liked this, so that speaks volumes of how good this movie is. However I do feel a little silly owning two dvd's of this, as I can't imagine watching it again it's such a downer. And I generally like downers too.
Really though if anyone hasn't seen this, I highly recommend it, even though it's very sad. It's something everyone needs to watch. CPM gave it a load of extras that were very interesting as well, esecially the Roger Ebert interview. This is why I loved CPM. No one else would do that.