A classic masterpiece and Takahata's magnum opus, in my opinion, Grave of the Fireflies surpasses even other anime produced in cooperation with the German broadcaster ZDF, such as Wickie the Mighty Viking or Heidi, which were cornerstones of my childhood and may still be unknown as anime to many Germans. 1. Anne with an E Let's begin with Anne, who is the heart and soul of the entire anime. This endearing girl captivates not only Marilla and Matthew but also the viewers within seconds. There is something refreshing about her, and one can't help but be amazed by the strength of her imagination and the profound thoughts she expresses. Anne tends to see everything with extreme fatalism or exaggeration. At times, her mood swings may give the impression of bipolarity as she despairs over small problems, yet finds immense joy in even the smallest victories. There is a valuable lesson to be learned from the latter. Nonetheless, she never loses her courage, despite the difficult past she has endured. The show presents this aspect in a sincere and hopeful manner, avoiding any corniness. By the end of the series, you feel just as melancholic as the Cuthberts when Anne bids them farewell, but also proud of the remarkable personal growth Anne has undergone, much like Marilla is during Anne's recitation. Anne goes through a transformative journey that nurtures her maturity and teaches her to balance her imagination with reality, while always staying true to herself and never losing her sense of wonder. 2. The Cuthberts and other secondary characters and their development The supporting characters, especially the Cuthberts, enhance the overall quality of this anime. Imagine how dull and lifeless their household must have been before Anne entered their lives. However, she gradually brings warmth and vitality to her adopted family. The Cuthberts experience a remarkable growth that challenges their ingrained values. Anne consistently pushes them to change, and witnessing her impact is truly gratifying. Although a few outdated notions prevalent in that era remain unchallenged, one must accept them as part of the story. Other secondary characters also undergo notable developments, gaining additional depth and love through their encounters with Anne. Aunt Josie, initially portrayed as the least likable character, evolves into a cool and caring aunt towards the end. When Matthew passes away, it feels like the world crumbles around you. 3. The plot framework The comprehensive plot is exceptionally well-written, skillfully presenting both high and low points without excessive exaggeration. While some traditional values are evident, the story strives to challenge and break free from them, offering compelling counterexamples to those outdated perspectives. I'm unsure how closely the plot adheres to the books, but I longed for more of Anne's story. There is so much potential for further exploration, and I would give anything to see it realized. However, I recommend that parents who watch this anime with their children engage in discussions afterward, helping the children contextualize the content and understand its underlying messages more effectively.