Peter, if you want a Ghibli film that puts ALL the focus on character PLEASE watch "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya." Directed by the other acclaimed Ghibli director, Issao Takahata, I feel like every criticism you have of Miyazaki's filmography is corrected here while never compromising on the beautiful visuals as well.
I just looked it up - it was directed by the same person as "Grave of the Fireflies"!!! That might be absolute favorite. The Boy and the Heron seemed like to might be like Fireflies because of its opening, but obviously it diverged almost immediately after that first scene.
Peter, if you want a Ghibli film that puts ALL the focus on character PLEASE watch "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya." Directed by the other acclaimed Ghibli director, Issao Takahata, I feel like every criticism you have of Miyazaki's filmography is corrected here while never compromising on the beautiful visuals as well.
I just looked it up - it was directed by the same person as "Grave of the Fireflies"!!! That might be absolute favorite. The Boy and the Heron seemed like to might be like Fireflies because of its opening, but obviously it diverged almost immediately after that first scene.