-- A Heartbreaking Tale of Survival and Loss --
It left me heartbroken, and I don’t think I could ever watch it again. The story is so tragic, emotional, and deeply heart-wrenching that it’s impossible to escape the lingering trauma. Both characters are written with such depth. Seita faces harsh realities, forced to abandon his moral compass just to keep his sister alive, while Setsuko’s innocence melts your heart as she endures unimaginable struggles. You just want the tragedy to stop for them, to give them a break, but the film never lets up. When Seita says, ‘She never woke up again,’ those damn words pierced through my heart like a knife ngl. I looked away during that scene; I couldn’t handle watching as he cremated her and kept her ashes in that little tin box. It’s a visual trauma that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The film keeps reminding you that real life doesn’t guarantee a happy ending. The visuals, cinematography, and Ghibli’s touch make this emotional rollercoaster unforgettable, but I don't think I can sit through it again. 🥺💔