The Clash between Family and Patriotism in Grave of the Fireflies

Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies advocates against war through depicting the suffering and hardships of innocent civilians.  In particular, the film examines the tension between values of family and patriotism in victims of the war.  The austerity of war present to the film's protagonist, Seita, a choice between immersing himself in a selfless devotion to Japan or rejecting such expectations in order to directly care for his little sister, Setsuko.

Long before he must make any pertinent decisions, Seita's circumstances pressure him to devote himself to the war effort.  His father commands a vessel at sea, exposing Seita to the military mindset and lifestyle.  Seita appears to follow his father's footsteps in also wearing military garb.  A specific example occurs when the family takes a photo: Seita demonstrates his desire to serve his country through his body language, holding his shoulders high and wearing a fierce expression.

When the fire bombings kill his mother, Seita inherits the full responsibility of ensuring the welfare of Setsuko.  Initially, this tasks appears manageable, as Seita finds a relative, their aunt, to care for them.  He clearly devotes himself to creating a happy lifestyle for Setsuko, avoiding informing her of their mother's death at all costs, taking her to leisurely locations like the beach, and distracting her from hardships with candy.  He too enjoys such a lifestyle, distancing himself from the brutal realities of the war.  Their aunt perceives this distancing as apathy and selfishness, accusing Seita of failing to fulfill his duty to Japan.

Can children be blamed for favoring escapism over accepting the menace that is war?  Seita chooses to sustain a naive but protective world of bliss for Setsuko, delighting her with fireflies, candies, and music.  In fact, he goes to great lengths to curb her diminishing hope and health.  Turning to his darker side in acts of desperation, Seita begins stealing during air raids, darting from one evacuated house to the next.  He fully rejects patriotism, favoring the remnants of his primordial family, he and his sister.

In the end, both his family and Japan are defeated.  War destroys not only nations, but rips apart the most fundamental aspect of human life: family.