Netflix has secured the streaming rights to Studio Ghibli's heart-wrenching masterpiece, 'Grave of the Fireflies,' marking a poignant addition to its global catalog from September 16th onwards, accessible in over 190 countries, with the exception of Japan. This poignant tale joins the ranks of Netflix's existing collection of 22 beloved Studio Ghibli films, which, though universally accessible, have thus far been unavailable in the United States and Japan.
The streamer's Ghibli library boasts a diverse array of cinematic gems, including the enchanting 'Spirited Away,' the fierce 'Princess Mononoke,' the whimsical 'Howl's Moving Castle,' the charming 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' the comforting 'My Neighbor Totoro,' and the adventurous 'Porco Rosso,' among others. Earlier this year, Netflix further expanded its Japanese animated offerings with the inclusion of Makoto Shinkai's breathtaking 'Suzume' and Takehiko Inoue's thrilling 'The First Slam Dunk.'
'Grave of the Fireflies,' based on Akiyuki Nosaka's Naoki Prize-winning short story, unfolds against the backdrop of Kobe, near the devastating conclusion of World War II. It poignantly portrays the tragic tale of orphaned siblings navigating the horrors of war, their fragile bond tested to the very limits. This cinematic masterpiece, first unveiled in 1988 under the direction of the late Isao Takahata, one of Studio Ghibli's visionary co-founders, was originally released in Japanese theaters alongside Hayao Miyazaki's beloved 'My Neighbor Totoro,' forming a poignant double feature that continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
