Grave of the Fireflies

NZ release: 16 April 1988

Adult themes Rated on: 16 April 1988

Grave of fireflies

What’s it about?

Two siblings struggle to survive in Japan during WWII.

The facts

  • Directed by Isao Takahata (The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Only Yesterday)
  • Japanese language or English dub
  • Runtime: 90 mins
  • Animated film by Studio Ghibli (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle)

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Content that may disturb

War violence is shown through a bombing raid, corpses, and explosions. Charred bodies, injured people with bloody bandages, and corpses are shown in the film. In one scene, we see a corpse wrapped from head to toe in bloody bandages. One strong scene includes a corpse with rotting flesh covered in bandages, with flies and maggots on them. Another scene includes corpses being dumped into a mass grave. This may be disturbing for younger viewers.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

17 July 2025

Graphic violence

Set in Yosemite National Park, Special Agent Kyle Turner and rookie Ranger Naya Vasquez investigate the suspicious death of a woman who was discovered after she fell from the summit of El Capitan and became tangled in the safety ropes of two climbers below. As the case unfolds, buried secrets and personal trauma come to the surface.

Read more

10 July 2025

I Know What You Did Last Summer

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)

Violence, horror, sexual material and offensive language

Set in a coastal town, I Know What You Did Last Summer follows a group of high school friends who cover up a fatal accident, only to be stalked a year later by a mysterious figure who knows their secret. With updated twists and darker themes, it reimagines the original for a new generation. A modern reimagining of the 1997 slasher classic.

Read more