(Credits: Studio Ghibli)

Next month, the extending list of available Studio Ghibli animated films on Netflix will be welcoming one more newcomer, Grave of the Fireflies, as part of the platform’s dedication to providing the best on offer regarding Japanese anime.

The moving war drama will be available in over 190 countries, excluding the US and Japan, joining the recently-added Suzume and THE FIRST SLAM DUNK among Netflix’s anime collection. The collection comprises more than 20 titles, including the globally beloved My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and more.

Grave of the Fireflies is a much-welcomed addition, having been hailed one of the greatest war movies of all time and a universally acclaimed piece of Japanese animation.

The film captures Studio Ghibli’s signature haunting and ethereal aesthetics, complemented profoundly by its deeper themes, which appeal to those directly and indirectly impacted by war and the ongoing societal consensus of the general public. For this reason, many have regarded the film as a detailed and accurate experience of Japanese culture.

However, the film’s global popularity has meant that different audiences enjoy various interpretations. For instance, sources state that certain audiences in Japan found Seita’s decision not to return to his aunt to be connected to pride and patriotism, which was more understandable than that of audiences from different cultures.

Despite the multiple impressions garnered from the film’s content, audiences remain united in their shared appreciation for its messages around loss, tragedy, grief, and disillusionment. Rather than a simple anti-war film, which director Isao Takahata maintains it categorically is not, Grave of the Fireflies instead focuses on a brother and sister facing ostracisation and abandonment from a society that failed them.

Grave of the Fireflies will be streaming on Netflix from September 16th.