Why Spielberg Hasn’t Tackled a Live-Action Grave of the Fireflies

Steven Spielberg’s name is often tossed around when talking about the best directors in Hollywood. With a filmography that includes blockbusters like Jurassic Park, he’s shown a real flair for tackling big stories. One of his standout works, Empire of the Sun from 1987, is a prime example of his interest in World War II and the human stories that come out of it.

Spielberg’s Fascination with WWII on Screen

Spielberg’s connection to the events of the 1940s is well documented. He’s spoken in interviews about how the era has shaped much of his creative output. In one chat with the Los Angeles Times, he said:

I can honestly say I’ve been making World War II movies all my life. I’ve been stuck in the 1940s for most of my career. The 8-millimeter movies which I made when I was 12 or 13 years old were about that war.

Empire of the Sun, based on J. G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel, was a personal project for Spielberg. At a Berlinale 2023 press conference, he reflected on what drew him to the story:

I’d be attracted to subjects like, in Empire of the Sun, of a boy, a war separates the boy from his parents. He spends the entire time in a Japanese internment camp in China. I’m sure, had my parents not gotten a divorce, I’d not have chosen Empire of the Sun as a film to direct.

Despite not smashing box office records, the film stands as a testament to Spielberg’s ability to handle complex, emotional wartime narratives. His interest in Japan’s role during the conflict was a big part of why he chose this particular story.

The Bleak Power of Grave of the Fireflies

While some punters might expect a war anime to be packed with action, Grave of the Fireflies takes a different route. Released by Studio Ghibli in 1988, it tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, trying to survive in wartime Japan. There’s no glory or victory here—just the daily grind of getting by, and the toll it takes on those caught in the crossfire.

The film doesn’t offer any easy comfort. Instead, it’s a relentless look at loss and hardship, with deaths that feel senseless and deeply painful. Studio Ghibli is known for its stunning visuals and attention to detail, but here, the suffering is front and centre. Setsuko’s decline is shown in heartbreaking detail, and from the outset, viewers know that Seita’s fate is sealed. There’s no sugar-coating, just a raw portrayal of hope slipping away.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Grave of the Fireflies is one of Ghibli’s most acclaimed works, showing just how powerful animation can be in telling tough stories. If Spielberg ever took on a live-action version, you’d expect he might soften the blow a bit, but the core of the story would still be a tough watch.

Comparing Two Wartime Masterpieces

Both Grave of the Fireflies and Empire of the Sun offer unique takes on the impact of war, but from different angles. Here’s a quick rundown:

Grave of the Fireflies was produced by Studio Ghibli, falls into the melodrama, tragedy, and war genres, and first hit screens in April 1988. It boasts an IMDb rating of 8.5/10 and a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. You can catch it on Netflix.

Empire of the Sun came from Amblin Entertainment, is classed as history, drama, and war, and premiered in December 1987. It holds a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, and is available on Prime Video.

Both films dig deep into the civilian experience of war, focusing on young protagonists and the emotional fallout of conflict. They’re not about battles or heroics, but about survival and the scars left behind.

What would a Spielberg-directed live-action Grave of the Fireflies look like? Hard to say, but it’s a question that keeps film fans talking.

Grave of the Fireflies is streaming on Netflix. Empire of the Sun is on Amazon Prime Video.