Meditating with Isao Takahata (1935-2018)

Unbelievable spectacle of grace: fireflies come to dance before the amazed eyes of two children, in the unexpected sweetness of this spring of 1945. In the tall grass of a park in the city of Kobe (Japan) where they have gone, the brother and sister awaken to their great astonishment this little people of luminous insects, which fly away to draw moving constellations in the darkness. But appearances are deceiving.

A disturbing shadow crosses the sky. That of a huge American bomber coming to drop its share of incendiary bombs on the sleeping city. Thus, the fluorescent luminescence of the amorous insects is already mixed with the sparks flying from the flames which are decimating the city. This distressing contrast between children’s joy of living and the harshness of the adult world is one of the common threads of the animated film made in 1988 by Isao Takahata, a master in the art of Japanese cartooning.

In this film which made his reputation, he brings to life the story of the writer Akiyuki Nosaka (1930-2015). The reluctant hero simply changed his name for the occasion. Seita, at the age of 14, has in fact taken charge of the destiny of his sister, Setsuko, ten years younger. The two orphans try to survive in this world which is collapsing before their eyes. Without succeeding in the end.

A poignant story which bears witness to the tragedy of all the wars of yesterday and today, sweeping away the carelessness of children who asked for nothing. The fireflies pay them a vibrant tribute until the end of time.