Buongiorno Principessa,

I think this picture was most successful when it was a light-hearted study of an eccentric Italian waiter, establishing himself in a new town. The comedic beats were wonderfully written and performed. Where the film missed for me, was once it entered the camps. I wasn’t sure who this film was made for, what perspective it desired to portray. Was it for kids? More likely it was for adults with children - what wouldn’t you do to protect the innocence of your child? How far mightn’t you go to shield them.

Like Europa Europa, I felt a minor disconnect from the darker realities of life as a Jew during the holocaust. It never felt insensitive and the film is full of passionate craft, but I was a touch disappointed with the last third. Similar in my viewing to JoJo Rabbit, I feel the film makers decided the story had to be more universal in its message and imagery, to not turn away the weakly stomached and engage a wider audience with an important dialogue. But I couldn’t help but see the opportunity to have crafted an ending with richer substance, un-afraid to dip its toes into a darker, truer presentation of reality.

I could watch JoJo Rabbit twice in a week and enjoy it throughout, peppered with moments of tragedy, comedy and truth - altogether very palatable. Grave of the Fireflies, however? I watched it once, and I will never need or want to see it again, its message will always be seared into my mind. Both approaches to story are vitally important. There is a magic to this picture, Like JoJo Rabbit, that will comfortably captivate and educate audiences for years to come. I think this is a standout film amongst the genre, a reflection of many important truths, but perhaps not many darker ones. It’s a beautiful story, told well, with a unique perspective on tough material.

I suspect that re-watching this film many years from now, with children of my own, I’ll be able to tap-into the intended affect of this film.

Life is beautiful.