Grave of the Fireflies was not a true story. It was created to convey the emotional and tragic impact of war through a fictional narrative. The director used artistic expression to evoke powerful feelings and raise awareness about the human cost of conflict.
The main real - life element is the setting during World War II. The bombings in Japan were a real occurrence and this is shown in the movie through the destruction of the city where the siblings live. Also, the scarcity of food was a big problem during the war, which is reflected in the characters' constant search for something to eat.
One of the main themes is the bond between siblings. In the story, the two main characters, a brother and a sister, rely on each other in the difficult situation of war. Another theme is the futility of war. The story depicts how war destroys lives and homes, leaving people with nothing but pain and despair. Also, it touches on the theme of growing up too fast. The young characters are forced to face adult - like challenges because of the war.
In the Grave of the Fireflies original story, the main characters are Seita, a responsible and determined older brother, and Setsuko, his sweet and vulnerable younger sister. Seita takes on the role of a protector. He scavenges for food, finds shelter, and tries to shield Setsuko from the full horror of the war. Setsuko, on the other hand, is a symbol of innocence. Her naivete and her simple joys in the face of such a difficult situation add depth to the story. Their interactions and the way they cope with the war - torn world around them form the core of the narrative.
The main fact is the Allied firebombing of Kobe which led to destruction and chaos. This made the two siblings in the story homeless and desperate for survival.